HSD University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf will host the workshop "Critical Encounters: Documenting Communities through Photography" as part of their Extra Muros visiting program. Documentary photographer Laura Liverani will share her hands-on experience working with diverse communities in Japan, from the Ainu -Hokkaido's indigenous peoples- to elderly cheerleaders, female sumo wrestlers, spandex enthusiasts, and more. Following a presentation of her work and approach, and an overview on contemporary documentary practices, participants will be assigned a project focusing on the documentation of their chosen community through photography.

Workshop Contents
Documenting communities, a personal approach - Contemporary documentary photography: a case studies overview - Power relations in documentary, from the representation of the ‘Other’ to participation - Documentary practice: research and fieldwork; visual approach; content production; edition and dissemination