The V Edition of the Introduction to Visual Storytelling
This 10-day immersive, residential workshop is designed for photographers who are passionate about exploring storytelling through the lens whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your practice in documentary photography and visual narratives.
At its heart, the workshop offers a space to create new work under the guidance of experienced mentors, while also fostering collaborative learning among participants. You'll have the opportunity to learn not only from mentors but also from each other, sharing perspectives, feedback, and creative approaches in an open and supportive environment.
Through a blend of technical training, conceptual exploration, and hands-on practice, the workshop helps participants move from idea to execution, using tools like photography, mixed media, and video to tell meaningful stories.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL STORYTELLING
RESEARCH & ETHICS
COMPOSITION AND CONTENT
AESTHETICS IN PHOTOGRAPHY
VISUAL STYLES
DIGITAL WORKFLOW AND POST-PRODUCTION
EDITING AND PRESENTATION
Story Development & Narrative Building
Participants will be introduced to storytelling approaches rooted in personal perspective, place, memory, and documentary practice. You’ll explore how to build narratives visually from initial concept to final form using techniques that push both creative and critical thinking.
Image-Making & Aesthetic Exploration
Mentors will guide participants through the technical and creative aspects of photography, focusing on light, composition, and visual style. The workshop encourages experimentation while staying grounded in the authenticity of the story being told.Mentorship & FeedbackOne-on-one mentorship is a key element of the workshop. Participants will receive regular feedback sessions focused on narrative structure, editing, ethical storytelling, and representation essential components of strong documentary work.
Mentors for this edition include: Swastik PalKunga Tashi LepchaBrihat Rai Each brings a unique perspective, rooted in personal and political storytelling, environmental themes, identity, and memory.
Mixed Media & Expanding the Frame
The workshop encourages exploration beyond still photography. Participants can experiment with video, audio, text, and other forms of visual media to expand their storytelling toolkit.Final PresentationBy the end of the workshop, participants will present their completed or in-progress projects in a group critique session. This final showcase allows for reflection, discussion, and constructive critique from both peers and mentors.
Who Is This For?
Open to photographers of all levels, the workshop is especially suited for those:
Starting their journey in photography
Transitioning into long-form or documentary storytelling
Seeking a deeper connection between personal narratives and visual expression
Whether you’re working on a long-term project or beginning a new one, this workshop will help shape your voice and vision.
About PHOTO SOUTH ASIA
Recognizing that distinct voices uniquely express a visual language that deserves its own platform, PhotoSouthAsia highlightsphotographers from across the region.PhotoSouthAsia is interested in bringing practitioners from South Asia to the table with publishers, educators, and curators, from within the region and beyond, to share ideas and expand possibilities through new introductions and broader exposure.
This Edition V, Introduction to Visual Story Telling workshop is made possible by the generous support of PhotoSouthAsia.
ABOUT THE MENTOR:
SWASTIK PAL-
A visual artist from Kolkata, Swastik works across photography and video, exploring themes of climate change and personal histories. His acclaimed long-term project The Delta Trilogy focuses on the Sundarbans delta. Swastik's work has been featured in The Economist, BBC, and Financial Times, and exhibited internationally. He is a recipient of the Alexia Student Award of Excellence and a MurthyNayak Foundation Fellow (2025) at the International Center of Photography, New York.
BRIHAT RAI-
Brihat Rai is a photographer currently based in Kalimpong, India. His practice engages with photography as a means of investigating personal narratives, seeking to situate them within broader social and cultural landscapes.He is a graduate of the International Photography Programme at Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and also holds a Master’s in Mass Communication from the University of North Bengal, India.
WORKSHOP DETAILS:
Date: 24th October - 2nd November 2025
Application Deadline: 10th October
Venue: Kalimpong, India
Workshop Fee: 10,000 INR (Fee includes 11 days accommodation and food)
APPLICATION GUIDELINES -
REQUIREMENT:
Participants should have a basic technical idea of photography.
Participants should have their own camera. Participants should be able to commit to the workshop full-time.
*Kindly note that this is a residential workshop. Participants will stay together in accommodation provided by the Confluence Collective for the duration of the program.
Only 12 participants will be selected through the application process.
While everyone is welcome to apply, preference will be given to applicants from the Darjeeling Hills and the Northeastern states.
For any queries and information : Prashanti : Call/Whatsapp +91 7718551680
You can check the works of past Visual Storytelling workshop participants in the link - TCC YOUTUBE APPLY NOW