6/21/2009

Introduction


This photographic escapade is dedicated to the amateur photographer willing to discover a corner of Transylvania, where people, land and homes haven’t changed since medieval times. The Saxon villages of Transylvania offer a unique opportunity for the photographer to immerse himself into the tranquility of a natural and cultural landscape that is the result of centuries of good husbandry by local farming communities.

You will be given the opportunity to witness various activities, such as bread-making, sheep milking, charcoal-making, courtyard activities and have a taste of the local culture and food. You will also take long walks through the forest and rich flower meadows; visit the surprising fortified medieval churches and the oldest and well preserved inhabited citadel in Eastern Europe (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Every activity will give you the chance to engage with yourself into an exercise of looking, seeing, feeling, wondering and – lastly – taking the picture.

Tarnava Mare

The Tarnava Mare area of South-eastern Transylvania is one of the forgotten jewels in Romania’s crown. It is one of the Europe’s most important natural and cultural landscapes, including some of the finest pristine wildflower rich grasslands – the result of centuries of good husbandry by local farming communities, who are still managing the land today in a way that has long protected the countryside and created a unique sense of place.

Time has given the area a rich historic tapestry – most notably the settlement by Saxons and Hungarians during the middle ages. These incomers brought distinctive architectural styles to the villages along with many stunning churches and manor houses. The constant threat of invasion from the east resulted in the construction of fortified churches and citadels, like those of Viscri, Saschiz and Biertan, which are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The region is made up of a mosaic of unspoiled traditional villages and fortified medieval churches, extensive deciduous woodlands and flower rich meadows. The small communities, the few roads and persistence of traditional and non intensive agriculture have helped preserve a landscape of astonishing natural and cultural richness. Bears and wolves still roam the woods and corncrakes and quail call among the long grass. This type of landscape was once common across much of Europe but has disappeared in most places.

Program


Arrival Day

Afternoon -- Arrival and accommodation[1] in Viscri – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Evening -- Welcome / Presentation: History, tradition and folklore of the Saxon villages
Dinner -- Viscri


Day 1

Breakfast -- Viscri[2]
Morning -- Walk through the forest and flower meadows to sheep stana
Lunch -- Traditional Saxon picnic by sheep stana
Afternoon -- Horse and cart ride back to Viscri / Visit Viscri fortified church and museum
Evening -- Village walk to photograph the cows coming home from pasture for milking
Dinner -- Viscri / Presentation: The art of composition – an exercise of seeing


Day 2

Morning -- Witness traditional bread-making in Mesendorf / Visit Messendorf church and walk around the village
Lunch -- Mesendorf
Afternoon -- Visit charcoal burners, bee keeper and goat stana / afternoon snack and tea at Rosie’s
Dinner -- Drive back to Viscri / After dinner presentation by ADEPT Foundation


Day 3

Morning -- Drive to Saschiz (UNESCO WHS) and walk up to the citadel
Lunch -- Courtyard lunch in Saschiz
Afternoon -- Visit Cloasterf
Evening -- Evening walk / Barbeque


Day 4

Morning -- Drive to Sighisoara to explore the oldest inhabited citadel in Eastern Europe (Clock Tower Museum, cemetery etc.)
Lunch -- Sighisoara (free lunch)
Afternoon -- Drive to Biertan (UNESCO WHS) to visit fortified church and walk around / drive to Richis and visit the old church and cemetery
Dinner -- Biertan / Drive back to Viscri


Day 5

Morning -- Presentation: Digital processing – get the best out of your digital stills / Meet the blacksmith and brick makers
Lunch -- Viscri
Afternoon -- Witness garden and courtyard activities

Evening
-- Dinner, drinks, slideshow[3] and conclusions


Departure Day


Morning -- Breakfast and goodbyes


[1] There will be two people per each guesthouse. This will give participants the opportunity to have a more intimate experience with their hosts and the feel of a traditional Saxon household.
[2] Breakfast will be served at the guesthouse.
[3] The participants will select a five of their best photographs, which they will share with the rest of the group through a slideshow projection.

Poster (draft)

"The Details"


Requirements

The participants should have minimal skills concerning the techincal use of a camera (ISO, f/stop, shutter speed).

I would suggest, for those who own a laptop, to take it along, because it will be needed for downloading – and eventually editing – photos, during the week. For those who don’t own a laptop, one will be provided, along with a card reader and a recordable medium (CD/DVD). If you’re shooting RAW images and you’re not carrying a laptop, it’s best to have the software for your camera.

Groups

There will be three groups: 23rd – 30th of July, 11th – 18th of August, 19th – 26th of August.

Each group will consist of 10 participants, which must be over 18 years of age.

Transportation

A minibus will pick up the participants from Sighisoara train station and take them to Viscri on the arrival date. The details will be discussed individually with each of the participants within a group. Those who are able to reach Viscri by themselves, must announce the organizers.

Costs

The basic cost of the camp is 350 Euros per person (~1400 RON) and it will include accommodation, 3 meals a day (except for the lunch in Sighisoara), all the local taxes and visits to fortified churches and museums, transportation between villages and the organizer’s fee.

For those willing, there is an opportunity to book a room with indoor toilet at HRH The Prince of Wales's property, for a price of 49 euros/night/person. Another option with indoor toilet is the Pro Patrimonium guesthouse, for 25 euros/night/person. These locations in Viscri are recommended for couples and/or families, and I must say that there's nothing more delightful than to eat the Prince's vegetables from his own garden.

Registration

To register, send an e-mail with your personal details (name, birth date, occupation) at: terrasaxonis@gmail.com or place a call at: +40 752 150 410 - Stoica Mihai (organizer)