Does photography have the power to help create social change and inspire people to act? — YES!  This workshop explores the process of creating meaningful work and the ways it can be used for advocacy to communicate issues of contemporary social significance.

Realizing that there is no set formula for a successful documentary project is the first step for starting one. Students look at the many ways one can approach a story or documentary project, both long term and short, and discuss ways of coming up with story ideas, researching, funding, and the most important part – executing the project and getting the work published.

Throughout the week, each student photographs a local story. Daily critiques incorporate discussions covering the process of thought, dedication, emotion, energy, and sacrifice –all pieces that work together towards long term personal projects or photo essays. Students are presented with examples of projects from contemporary photographers and origins of the tradition of storytelling and the photo essay.

Discussions are geared toward the life of the work, including disseminating and distributing completed bodies of work in editorial publications, exhibitions, and multimedia, to help create awareness and social change. Students also look at the importance of collaborating with NGOs and how these partnerships enhance the reach of a project.  

Students are encouraged to research one or two story ideas before arriving and having your own transportation is strongly suggested.