The V Edition of the Introduction to Visual Storytelling

The V Edition of the Introduction to Visual Storytelling with Swastika Pal and Brihat Rai, held from 24th October to 2nd November 2025, concluded last week.

This 10-day immersive, residential workshop was designed for photographers passionate about exploring storytelling through the lens, whether they were just beginning their journey or seeking to deepen their practice in documentary photography and visual narratives. This year, we welcomed a wonderful mix of participants from across India, including six women participants for the first time, which made us especially happy.

At its core, the workshop offered a space to create new work under the guidance of experienced mentors, while also fostering collaborative learning among participants. Attendees had the opportunity to learn not only from the mentors but also from one another, exchanging 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 helped participants move from idea to execution, using tools such as photography, mixed media, and video to craft meaningful stories.

Over the 10 days, participants engaged in an intensive learning experience designed for photographers at various stages of their practice. The workshop focused on discovering and developing personal processes under the mentors’ guidance from conceptualising and contextualising stories, experimenting with aesthetics, and reflecting on ethics and representation, to refining technical skills.

Each participant produced an original visual story based in Kalimpong, exploring the people, places, and narratives that shape the region. These works were presented on the final day of the workshop at CafeKalimpong.

Participants:

• Harshil Kumar – Kolkata, West Bengal @harshil_kumar_08

• Neha Srinivasan – Bangalore, Karnataka

• Laina Singha – Duliajan, Assam @lainasingha

• Sreyosi Dey – Kolkata, West Bengal @sreyontherun

• Vhashkar Chettri – Kalimpong, West Bengal @v_chettri9photography

• Ahana Basu – Shillong, Meghalaya @ahanabasu

• Akshita Talwar – New Delhi @talwar_akshita

• Gagan Khati – Darjeeling, West Bengal @infidel.mind

• Ishan Banerjee – Ranchi, Jharkhand @ishan.indrajeet

• Pema Yangden – Dzongu, Sikkim @pema_yangden_aramoo_lepcha FINAL PRESENTATION WORK - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-07xvt63JavWLM-ix6s-iJH0x86dXqbg&si=mTwK6ZFhDdbcRgz-
  

  

  This Edition V, Introduction to Visual Story Telling workshop was made possible by the generous support of PhotoSouthAsia.​​​​ 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.
  

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