Decolonize your mind and understand the connection between land, people, and the spiritual to create impactful photographic stories along alongside Indigenous communities.

Storytelling School is the ultimate educational and life experience that will prepare you to create compelling images, to work as a values-based photographer, and to become a storyteller for social change. This experience is not only about learning to tell stories, but also a profound inner journey into ourselves to understand why we do what we do and have a deeper purpose when creating stories.

For Storytelling School Guachalito we partner with La Kuka Scientifica, an organization that works with local Indigenous communities where the jungle meets the ocean in a volcanic landscape that is also a UNESCO world heritage site. We will have the exclusive chance to learn the true story about this special community that safeguards knowledge around the womb of Mother Earth. This experience will prepare you to bring a sense of deeper meaning into your practice.

Proceeds go directly to supporting PWB’s work.

This small-group photography and storytelling workshop is for those interested in understanding and documenting the dynamics of global consumption and land/water protection and the importance of understanding different narratives as a tool for social justice. Photographers will get firsthand experience creating visual stories and narratives that are powerful, truthful and impactful.

TRIP DATES: Feb 21-March 2, 2024

COST: $4,999 USD (SHARED)

$5,499 USD (PRIVATE)

Mariana Rivera Uribe (She/Her) is a biologist, conservation photographer and filmmaker from Colombia. She has broad experience working with NGOs, governments and private institutions in the efforts to protect our natural and cultural treasures. She has worked with multiple indigenous communities in the Amazon, Chocó, Sierra Nevada and Chingaza, supporting grassroot, community-led initiatives standing for the defence of human rights and the territories. Mariana was one of the 5 winners of the Photographers Without Border’s Revolutionary Storyteller Grant in 2022, and her work has been exhibited at the Siena Drone Photo Awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Mangrove Photo Awards among others. She has directed and collaborated on several award-winning impact films and is co-founder and producer at Coral Studio, an underwater and conservation film company based in Colombia.

Physical Rating: Moderate

Interactive and engaging lessons/discussions are interspersed with challenging assignments throughout the journey to combine practical and theoretical knowledge/skill-building. Each participant will not only contribute to the ongoing sustainability of the local projects, but will also create powerful images and stories, working hand in hand with Indigenous communities, understanding the current challenges they are facing and their efforts to preserve their traditions and territories.

Day 1 

Fly into Medellín and meet anytime during the day. Make your way to the 4 star hotel we have arranged for you in a taxi. You’ll meet up with the rest of the group in the evening to enjoy some local Colombian cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers. We will share the context of the communities we will be immersing ourselves in and answer any questions you might have. We will give an idea of what we each expect from the workshop.

Day 2 

MEDELLÍN

Opening Ceremony. Ground yourself in a beautiful opening ceremony.

Participants will attend the ceremony, followed by a delicious lunch. After lunch, we will go on a tour of this beautiful city that holds so much history. Your first assignment will take place here.

LESSON 1: Camera Refresh

For the beginners in the group, or for anyone who wants to refresh their skills, we’ll go over basic manual settings with some fun exercises so that you feel in control of your camera throughout the journey. 

LESSON 2: Ethics of Storytelling

Dive into an interactive discussion around decolonization, anti-oppression, privilege and allyship. We will reflect on what we experienced during the ceremony and if this has given us any ideas to develop for our final stories. We will have the chance to speak to the elders and deepen our understanding on their views of the world. We will discuss why it is a priority to maintain an ethics code while working with communities and the importance of working collaboratively, as well as reviewing examples of how colonization in storytelling can lead to more damage than good.

Day 3

GUACHALITO

We arrange the transfer in by boat according to the flight schedule. Transfer lasts 45 minutes approx. And do welcome with appetizers or snacks to share with welcome drink.

Then we continue to Terquito beach for a sunset, drinks and music. Here the people have the chance of practicing surf with additional cost payable directly.

Then, continue to the hotel, time to relax, take a shower and have a dinner.

Day 4

GUACHALITO

We will spend the majority of our time here, discovering the territory, the communities that live here, and having opportunities to photograph stories. Learn about local traditions such as “viche,” a sugar cane distilled emblematic heritage drink of the Pacific coast, which has been used for more than 350 years for medicinal purposes when mixed with certain plants.

Frist we will visit by boat a sugar cane plantation in the town of Jovï where eventually we can also do a small river tour. At noon we will have a “tamal” lunch in the palapa located at the Master of the Viche Distillery and later on he will explain us the detailed process of how the Viche is done with a tasting of different alcoholic beverages derived from this iconic and local product.

LESSON 3: Storytelling

Learn the art of crafting a compelling story in one photograph, or with a series of photographs. We will further develop our ideas and discuss how to materialize them into a compelling and powerful project. We will discuss the creative process behind a photo series and how these projects can lead to a positive impact.

LESSON 4: Working with Natural Light for Maximum Impact

Photography is painting with light and light can help us make our stories all the more powerful, too. Learn a variety of light types found all around us to create works of art.

Day 5

GUACHALITO

After breakfast, start a morning hike (depending of the tides) which takes 1.5hrs up to the Termales town (easy beach hike and only some good watershoes needed, sunscreen, hat and a drybag).

Walk along secluded and pristine beaches surounded by lush nature and observe birds and fenomenal landscapes and get relax and unwind in the natural hot springs that cames from a volcano in the middle of the rainforest, ideally located next to a cold freshwater stream within the jungle. In addition, there is a spa area offering wellness services during the high season.

After taking a relax bath, visit a local surfing school where surfers of all levels will find their slice of paradise in waves that break over reefs or empty beaches with unparalleled views of the pristine mountainous jungle. Know this beautiful project and its purpose where children have had the opportunity to grow as competitors and professionals in a natural environment that gives them this remote region to the local children.

LESSON 5: Portraiture & People

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, so it’s no wonder why people bring life, emotion and interest to our images. Learn about different types of portraits and learn to make your images stand out and how portraits can contribute to telling the story you want to tell.

Day 6

GUACHALITO

Free time.

Day 7

GUACHALITO

Carrizalito is a special place that meets the optimal conditions for the natural habitat of the Chocoan harlequin frogs. Enjoy a 5-hour trek that combines mountain and river within the jungle of the Gulf of Tribugá, going up a natural path to see the beautiful and colorful poisonous frogs and other species that live in Nuquí, then continue to finalize with a refreshing swim in Rio Terco, where you can enjoy a natural pool with a waterfall of crystal clear water.

To consider: This trail can be challenging due to the rugged terrain, humidity and very steep sections it's essential to be physically fit and prepared for this adventure.

What to bring? Wear comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate, sturdy hiking shoes, Swimsuit, rain coat or jacket with a Dry-bag to keep the equipment safe, hydration and a microfiber towel.

LESSON 6: Landscapes & Long Exposures

There's a reason for the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words". Create depth, eye movement and drama with some new tools for creating landscapes, long exposures and more.

LESSON 7: Night Photography

This optional session teaches you how to add some pop to your images taken at night or in the dark; if we are lucky with the stars and weather we may even get to try some astrophotography if the weather aligns.

Day 8

GUACHALITO

Coquí is a small village located at few minutes by boat from the hotel. Explore the mangrove forests during a 30-minutes canoe ride through the mangroves tunnels known as some of the best preserved on Colombia’s Pacific Coast which includes seven of the world’s 12 species. Here you can spot rare birds and tropical plants as well as plant a mangrove propagule with your local guide who is in charge of this conservation project. After this ecoturistic activity, visit the town to explore one of the highlights of Pacific región, by trying the unique kitchen seasoning coming from the native and local herbs and fruits

havested in their “Zoteas” a traditional and sustainable way of keeping their orchards away from bugs coming from the jungle. In honour to this ancestral practices, an etno-gastronomic lab had a place in Coquí in company with Leonor Espinosa, the most talented chef in Colombia, who worked with her daughter thorough their foundation FunLeo to recover the regional crops, train the community by preserving the ancestral knowledge with modern techniques and create a whole place with the community to impulse their economy by touristic experiences. Enjoy a delicious lunch made by the Coquiseños and return to the hotel by the boat.

LESSON 8: Making Change

How to strive towards being an ally while working with communities on the frontlines. Learn to create effective campaigns and make change that avoids problematic narratives and stereotypes and reinforces powerful values while considering the needs and points of view of the communities or people you are working with.

Day 9

GUACHALITO

The Emberá are one of the indigenous groups in Colombia who have a rich cultural heritage. This time visit Emberá community that is open to sharing their traditions and way of life with visitors.

After breakfast,start the day with a boat riding to the mouth of Chorí river to navigate this river up to the town. You will be welcomed by a native guide with a beverage and walk around the town while learn about their traditional customs, music, dance, art, and daily life. Where visitors might have the opportunity to interact with Emberá community members, participate in cultural activities, and purchase handmade crafts.

Then, enjoy a typical lunch made by the community and continue to Chorí river to have a beautiful canoe riding that provides a peaceful and scenic journey through the jungle, offering the chance to observe wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings with birdlife making it a great location for photography.

LESSON 9: Social Media, Websites & Presentation Skills

You now know how to craft powerful images and tell a story; what next? We will teach you how to take your Instagram, website and speaking game to the next level.

SHARING YOUR STORY: Put all that you have learned and shot to the test! Each workshop attendee will have 10 minutes to share their images and stories from the trip. This will be followed by a special event and a final farewell dinner.

Day 11-12

RETURN TO MEDELLÍN

Now we will travel back to Medellín for a day of rest and being free to wander on day 11. Leave any time on day 12 or after.

Ready to go to Colombia?

what’s not included

• International air fare to/from Medellín, Colombia

• Applicable tourist visas

• Incidentals (e.g. snacks, souvenirs, etc.)

• Medical insurance (required)

• Airport taxes (if applicable)

• Tips or gratuities

• Beverages

• Optional tours or activities (e.g. yoga, massages, etc.)

• SIM cards (bring an unlocked phone to access the internet!)

what’s included

• Orientation and tours

• All transportation between program activity destinations and to/from all included activities

• Accommodations

• Most meals are included (please allow 100-300 USD for additional meals, drinks and gratuities)

• Staff & experts: PWB Staff, Local Staff

My bags are packed. Sign me up!

COST: $4,999 USD (shared)

$5,499 USD (private)

Please select the workshop of your choice below.

You will be required to make a $500 USD, non-refundable deposit to secure your space.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JAN 26, 2023 OR WHEN FULL (MAX 8 PARTICIPANTS)