A Posto Gallery
Sicily, Italy 2005
® Bob Cocozza
As of this writing it is seven days since I left the exhilarating island of Sicily and I am already checking my calendar to see when I can steal a week and return. I have visited many places, but it is a very rare occasion when I feel as though I could, with no effort, simply blend into the daily life of my destination city. This is the impression Sicily has made upon me.
Ernesto’s passion for photography has forever changed my opinion of what constitutes an evocative image. His concepts of composition and “seeing the moment” have helped me to better understand the elements necessary to stir up the emotions of the viewer. This is Ernesto’s talent and fortunate are those that make the time to learn from him.
Finally our group… A Posto. I find it remarkable that this small group of people, mostly unknown to one another, could bond in such a short period of time.
Friendship was the gift we bestowed upon each other. Bob Cocozza
® Conny Beyreuther
A magical mystery tour of an island that you won’t want to leave! It was a pleasure to share, with this very fine group, the experience of pursuing precious moments when poetry becomes visible. And of course, having Ernesto for sharpening our photographic instincts was of immeasurable value!
But remember, if the moment doesn’t touch your soul, don’t take the picture, just camminare! Conney Beyreuther
® Dolph Kessler
Early December, 2003
I was going to Cuba for the first time and looking for pictures at Google. I found mostly personal websites of tourists with straight forward pictures. Than, suddenly those other photos of Cuba. Wow. Great. Amazing. Who is this guy?.
Thursday, March 24th, 2005
Sicily, Ernesto’s homeland. A splendid house at the sea. More urban sprawl than I had expected. Nice Food. Shooting hundreds of photos at the eastern processions. The Trapani procession is the real one. Each evening the viewing and judging of the results. This evening, Ernesto was called to the phone for a few minutes, so we did the editing ourselves. We did it good. Talking about secondary elements, the magical, going beyond the descriptive, what makes a picture work etc. Only one role of the 350 roles we did during the workshop. But when Ernesto returned from the phone, he insisted to view the role himself again as if he would not forgive himself to having missed that one unique photo that makes all other photos redundant. So we did look at this roll again. At that time I realised that he is totally committed, addicted and passionate about photography.
Friday, April 5th, 2005
OK, back to the real world. Nice weather in Holland. Let’s finish. I enjoyed my stay in Sicily with the group, the food and the dynamic atmosphere of the workshop. I am once more confirmed that Italian people are nice and very hospitable. And I learned a lot. As a former city planner and former local politician my way of looking to the world is more sociological and socially oriented than magical. My work as a photographer reflects that attitude. But from now on, there will also be a search for going beyond the descriptive, looking for secondary elements and trying to get a photo multi layered. I believe it changed my standards, for ever. Dolph Kessler
® Dorine Wekking
This was the second time I joined Ernesto for his workshop and also the second time I visited Sicily. I have to admit it was beyond expectations!
We stayed in the beautiful villa at the sea in Marsala which proved to be a cosy and comfy place for all of us. Rosa was like a mom and made our stay very special. The Sicilian food was a real treat, the weather was excellent and I was in great company with Ernesto and the other students.
But …above all there was the challenge to photograph the many processions we visited. Ernesto did a great job in preparing us for these events and that was well thought of!
The processions were overwhelming…so many people, beautiful people dressed up, made up and in trance to perform their best as if they were carrying the cross by themselves.
Most impressive was Trapani, with all those altars carried by men through the streets for 24 hours and accompanied by dramatic “Godfather” music. It was so moving, I had tears in my eyes all the time and had hard time to leave for home after 9 hours of shooting!
We worked very hard during these 10 days and we all have grown in our photography as a result of that. I believe we could only do that because of Ernesto’s dedication and inspirational leadership. When I asked him how to move to the next level, he showed me how to add more layers to the pictures and how to develop a stronger eye to reveal magical realities. Again, I was really impressed with Ernesto’s commitment and professionalism.
I feel very lucky to have met Ernesto and I am grateful for his support and friendship. Easter will never be the same… Dorine Wekking
® Frank Lavelle
Sicily, where to begin? With antipasti, of course. The classical perfection of the Greek temple at Segesta, the panelle and artichokes flavored with garlic and mint served on the ancient streets of Erice mingle with the taste of aubergines and anchovies. All garnished with olive, lemon, and orange trees. The primo piatto of pasta and fresh tuna, the taste of pine nuts and raisins are followed by multiple dishes of processions at Marsala and Trapani with their passion, death, and candle wax, served in silence by widows in black. I pass on the spleen sandwich. Lastly comes the dolce as the funereal dirge of the brass band fills my senses with visions of Don Corleone, cannoli, Armani and Gucci, tiramisù, windmills, children with wings, cell phones and doves. Any reasonable gourmand would be sated but I want more.Perhaps next year? Frank Lavelle
® Jacob Locker
Being in Sicily for Easter Week was a wonderful experience. The religious processions were remarkable for their beauty, historical importance, and photographic opportunities.
And the warmth of the Sicilian people was apparent everywhere. It was obvious to me how much heart Ernesto put into this workshop and how available he was to talk or help out with any problems. A Posto was a warm and friendly group and this added to the overall experience.
I thank Ernesto for staying true to his integrity in critiquing our work even though most of us felt disheartened in the beginning with how difficult the shooting was.
Not compromising his standards helped us find ways to shoot differently and more creatively. Jacob Locker
® Ludmila Ketsiakh
Italy has always been a special place for me. My immigration started there 26 years ago. At the time I was wandering the streets of Rome overwhelmed by history, myths and legends of this magnificent city. I fell in love with the country, its heritage, the people and their culture. At that point, I was a person without country, friends or money, with only a tiny hope for survival. I could not even fantasize I would visit this country again.
Going back to Italy, and being able to take Ernesto Bazan’s workshop, was like living life beyond my dreams.
Photographing numerous Easter processions that were winding their way throughout the towns of Sicily was utterly a unique experience. We had access to the preparations of the many people involved and then to follow them in the processions that were spreading endlessly through the broad streets and narrow alleys of the ancient cities, changing characters and growing in emotional intensity. It was difficult to follow Ernesto instructions and be vigilant, not getting emotionally involved. I was absolutely overwhelmed by my surroundings: various statues on the platforms, banked in flowers and surrounded by candles, swaying from side to side; the sounds of band and clapper, theater, history and traditions merged together.
Being there during Holy week with Ernesto made it special and complete. His Sicilian soul and upbringing, his desire to show us the glorious heritage, demonstrate tradition and culture of this unique island was touching. Ernesto’s purpose to develop and expand our vision was remarkable.
This week in Sicily was the most fascinating and memorable week of my life, reminding me that I am living a life beyond my dreams. Ludmila Ketslash
® Pam Richmond
The processions, setting, and weather were inspiring: Ernesto’s instruction intense and supportive. I am, I hope, launched into a new dimension of photography. Pam Richmond
