Eyeshot ACADEMY

Melodies in Pixels: A Snapshot of Naples’ Master Luthiers

150,00€

In this Eyeshot’s immersive photographic experience led by professional street photographer Francesca Chiacchio, we invite you to ‘strung together’ in a photographic odyssey that delves into the soul of Naples through its iconic luthiers. Step into the time-honored Calace family luthier and the vibrant young workshop of Gaetano Pucino. Here, every chisel cut and brush stroke is an orchestrated piece of a larger symphony—one that you get to capture through your lens.

Eager to craft your own visual symphony? Book your spot on this one-of-a-kind Eyeshot Photographic Experience today!

The photo-experience is offered in both English and Italian.

EYESHOT EXPERIENCE: A Symphony of Tradition and Innovation

Calace Family Shop: An Ode to Artisanal Excellence

The Calace family luthiery is a sanctuary of craftsmanship, flourishing since 1825. Managed by Raffaele Jr., grandson of a composer and musician who elevated the mandolin’s status in the East, and his daughter Annamaria, this shop is a living monument to generational skill and creativity. Its founder’s brilliance is evident in various patented inventions, including the iconic “Mandolira” of 1895—a specimen of which is showcased in New York’s Metropolitan Museum, crafted by family friend and collaborator Nicola Turturro.
Located in the historic “Palazzo di Sangro,” also known as the Palace of the Prince of San Severo, the Calace luthiery sits in a place of immense cultural significance. The famed San Severo Chapel, with its rich history and architecture, lies just behind the palace, making the area a nexus of art, history, and craftsmanship.

Within this luthiery, tradition is not just maintained but venerated. Wooden tools, each a historical artifact, are meticulously organized on the walls. An ancient furnace still functions, bending wooden slats as it has for countless generations. A team of six dedicated artisans brings the mandolin to life, adorning and tailoring each piece to meet the exacting standards of an international clientele, notably from Japan and South Korea.
For photographers, the luthiery offers unmatched opportunities to document the lifecycle of a mandolin, from its skeletal wooden slats to the elaborate carvings that adorn its back.

A Photographic Journey into naples’ Musical Heritage

Liutarte: A Modern Muse with Historic Allure

Just a few steps away, in the same historic building, lies “Liutarte,” the brainchild of Gaetano Pucino. Gaetano Pucino studied in Cremona, Italy, the international capital of luthiery, also famous as the birthplace of Stradivari, the world’s most renowned luthier. In 2012, UNESCO recognized Cremona’s traditional violin craftsmanship as part of the world’s oral and intangible heritage.

Though founded as recently as 1999, this shop is far from lacking in character. Gaetano, a young luthier, draws inspiration from the rich 18th-century Neapolitan styles, evident in the reddish hue of the varnish that coats his violins, violas, and cellos. Despite its relative youth, “Liutarte” exudes a compelling aura. Each room within the shop serves as a gallery, where tools and instruments are displayed as if they were works of art. The shop itself serves as a dynamic gallery, where each instrument and tool is presented as a piece of art. This layout, coupled with the rich colors and textures of the instruments, provides a sumptuous visual playground for photographers.

Program highlights

Eyeshot Experience Detailed Schedule

The day starts with an intimate tour of the Calace luthier shop, capturing the art of mandolin-making. We then shift to Gaetano Pucino’s Liutarte for a different flavor of stringed instrument craftsmanship.

The day concludes with an in-depth review and editing session led by Francesca, where your day’s captures transform into refined works of art.

Eyeshot workshop experience

Schedule Details

Morning Session | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Calace family locations

Mid-Day Session| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at Gaetano Pucino’s Liutarte

Lunch Break | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Afternoon Review & Editing | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Magazzini Fotografici

Meet Your Guide:
Francesca Chiacchio

Francesca Chiacchio is a Naples-born photographer whose work has taken the international stage by storm. Initially trained as an architect, she found her true calling in street photography. Since 2017, her work has gained international recognition and has been showcased in numerous exhibitions and festivals. She is a prominent member of the global collective “Through the Lands” and holds the distinction of being among the 100 “Women Street Photographers” book. She has also been a guest curator for Women In Street and a speaker at the Italian Street Photo Festival. Notably, her collection “Napolism” won second prize at the 2023 Gothenburg Street Photography Festival. Now a respected educator, Francesca is shaping the future of art and street photography.

Unlock 10% Off on your Stay During Our 3-Month Exhibition

Exclusive Accommodation Offer: Book Your Stay with Benefits

In collaboration with B&B Hotel in Naples, we’re pleased to offer you a special 10% discount on your accommodation for our 3-month Exhibition in Naples. Choose from two flexible rate plans — STAYFLEX or WAKE UP FLEX — and apply the coupon code below. The offer is valid for travel dates between 3rd November 2023 and 28th January 2024.

COUPON CODE: EYESHOT10

BOOK YOUR STAY

Terms and Conditions for the Eyeshot Experience

Please carefully read the terms and conditions shared below. These are designed to ensure the best experience for all participants and to maintain the integrity and quality of the workshop. By registering for this event, you agree to adhere to and be bound by these terms.

QUESTIONS? DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT US.

Payment of Fee

The full fee must be paid prior to the commencement of the workshop. Failure to make the payment by the stipulated date may result in the loss of the participant’s spot in the workshop.

Cancellation by Organizer

Eyeshot reserves the right to cancel the workshop if there are fewer than 6 participants. In the event of such cancellation, students will receive a full refund.
In the event of cancellation, students will be given at least 3 weeks advance notice.

Changes to the Program

Eyeshot reserves the right to make changes or alterations to the advertised program to ensure the quality of the workshop or to address unforeseen circumstances.

Cancellation by the Participant

Eyeshot will refund all registration costs, excluding a 10% administrative fee, if we are informed of the cancellation at least 30 days before the first day of the workshop.
50% of the fee will be charged if cancellation occurs between 29 and 15 days before the workshop begins.
90% of the fee will be charged if cancellation occurs less than 14 days before the workshop begins

Liability

Eyeshot will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property during the workshop. Participants are advised to have appropriate insurance.

Copyright and Use of Images

While participants retain all rights to the images they create during the experience, Eyeshot reserves the right to use the photographs for promotional purposes, always crediting the author.

Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to behave in a respectful manner towards other participants, instructors, and staff. Eyeshot reserves the right to remove any participant displaying inappropriate behavior, without a refund.