Jodhpur | February 27 – March 12, 2026

A Transformative Journey Through Story, Colour, and Connection

Join Photographers Without Borders and the Sambhali Trust for a life-changing storytelling experience in the heart of Rajasthan — during the vibrant festival of Holi, a celebration of colour, renewal, and joy.

Guided by an award-winning photographer and filmmaker, alongside the compassionate team at Sambhali Trust, you’ll be invited into a deeply immersive experience that will transform the way you see, listen, and tell stories — no matter your skill level.

Together, we’ll document the stories of women and girls who are reclaiming their voices, rising up, and healing generations past and future.

What You’ll Experience

Over the course of two unforgettable weeks, participants will:

• Receive expert mentorship and facilitation from experienced ethical storytellers.

• Create a powerful story — blending images and words — to add to your professional or personal portfolio.

• Deepen your ethical storytelling practice, learning how to tell stories with communities, not about them.

• Celebrate and photograph the festival of Holi, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for stunning, meaningful image-making.

• Experience the rich culture and daily life of Rajasthan in partnership with the women and staff of Sambhali Trust.

Impact

For over a decade, Photographers Without Borders has stood alongside Sambhali Trust, an organization dedicated to empowering women and girls from marginalized communities in Jodhpur and beyond.

The stories and images created by workshop participants have directly supported Sambhali’s campaigns, helping to fund educational programs, raise awareness, and inspire lasting change.

In addition to proceeds from this workshop, participants will donate select images and videos to support Sambhali’s ongoing initiatives — ensuring that your work continues to make an impact long after your journey ends.

Who Can Join

We welcome anyone — from beginners to seasoned professionals — who feels called to use storytelling for good. If you’re comfortable traveling and open to learning, this workshop is for you.

You’ll be supported every step of the way in a nurturing, collaborative environment that blends creativity, community, and purpose.

Join Us in India

Spaces for this workshop are limited.
To reserve your spot or learn more:
📧 Email us at info@photographerswithoutborders.org
📞 Or book a call with our team to explore if this experience is right for you.

More Than a Workshop

Come with your camera. Leave with new eyes, new friendships, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Together, let’s tell the stories that heal, honour, and connect us all.

Day 1

ARRIVAL IN JODHPUR FEB 27, 2026
Whether you arrive early or on this day, you will be greeted at the Jodhpur airport by one of our local team members who will bring you to the Durag Niwas, a charming, traditional Indian guesthouse.  You will feel at home surrounded by the sounds, smells, and beauty of India as the warm staff of Sambhali Trust take you in as one of their own. Meet your fellow travellers at the beautiful heritage house after and have dinner together to taste some local Indian cuisine! 

Day 2-7

JODHPUR (FEB 28-MARCH 5)

Take a tour of Jodhpur! Get to know the Blue City where Sambhali Trust operates. We'll take you to the famous Clock Tower market and show you the Sambhali Boutique, located centrally between the market and the beautiful fort that guards the city. Meet the women, children and LGBTQIA+ community that Sambhali serves. Visit empowerment centres and other community projects, including the new LGBTQIA+ friendly Sambhali Café. Together, we will also celebrate Holi with the Sambhali community.

CURRICULA COVERED: Ethics of Photography, Art of Impact Storytelling, Natural Light & Portraiture. Two Assignments will be completed in this time frame.

DayS 8-10

SETRAWA (MARCH 6-8)

Travel to the charming desert village of Setrawa where we will spend three nights at one of Sambhali’s project sites and stay in desert “cabins” located in Govind’s family home. Wake up to the sounds of wild peacocks and visit the sand dunes. You will have a chance to visit Sambhali's desert project that serves women and girls in more isolated circumstances and have the chance to see and document beauty like you have never seen before.

CURRICULA COVERED: Writing with Photography, Presenting & Pitching Your Stories.

Day 11-13

JAISALMER (MARCH 9-11)

After travelling to Jaisalmer, we will spend some time seeing Sambhali’s programs in the region. Finally, it’s time to put together your final story together and share it with the group for final feedback.

DAY 14

JAISALMER (MARCH 12)

On our last day, our staff will take you back to the airport for your flight home (or onto your next destination in India).

*this itinerary may be subject to change, though the dates will remain the same.

COST:

$5499 (Shared Accommodation) OR $5999 (Private Accommodation)

what’s not included

• International air fare to and from Jodhpur, India.

• Applicable tourist visas and vaccinations.

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

• Medical insurance (required).

• Airport taxes (if applicable).

• Tips or gratuities.

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

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

what’s included

• Airport pickup in Jodhpur, India and dropoff in Jaisalmer, India.

• Sambhali Trust orientation and tour of Jodhpur, Setrawa and Jaisalmer.

• An expert, award-winning photographer/filmmaker to guide and facilitate.

• A local expedition leader that knows the region and will prioritize the safety of the group at all times.

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

• Accommodations: Shared rooms at rustic, family-run guesthouses (Single Room supplement: $500 USD).

• Meals: Most meals (please allow $100-300 USD for additional meals and gratuities).

• Behind-the-scenes keepsakes to remember your journey.

Govind Singh Rathore is the founder of Sambhali Trust and will be a co-facilitator on this journey. “I was 15 years old when my father died and my mother took me out of school and made me the head of the household.

In this patriarchal society, widows have no status, respect, or any rights. Suddenly, my mother became an outcast from her friends and disrespected in her community. However, she and my grandmother were determined to keep the household together.

I got engaged at the age of 15 and married when I was 20 years old. Since then, I began to look at the plight of women and children in the local community. I began to realise that many of them did not have the resources to help their situation, so I felt I really wanted to do something to help them.

I persuaded the maid we had to bring her two girl children to our house and I would start to teach them to read and write. The next day, our maid brought 18 girls with her.

Six months later, Sambhali Trust was born with the help of my family and friends —a non-profit charitable organization to help the empowerment of women and the most vulnerable of the society.”

You will be required to make a $1000 USD, non-refundable deposit to secure your space.

See terms and conditions here.