Working alongside Sambhali Trust staff and an award-winning photographer/filmmaker, you will be guided through a transformative experience that will make your storytelling more impactful, no matter what level you’re at. Together, we will document the stories of those who are rising up, taking their power back, and healing past and future generations.

This special experience takes place during the colourful festival of Holi, which will provide additional opportunities for some fantastic image-making!

Participants will:

• Be provided with expert guidance and facilitation.

• Create a powerful story (images+words) for their portfolios.

• Deepen their ethical storytelling practice.

Impact: PWB has been working with Sambhali Trust for over 10 years, and we can not express how important the images that participants create are to Sambhali’s success. In addition to proceeds from the workshop, participants’ images and/or videos will also be donated to support Sambhali’s ongoing campaigns.

WORKSHOP DATES: FEB 27-MARCH 12, 2026

We welcome anyone of any level as long as you are comfortable travelling. Everyone from amateur to expert photographers will benefit from this workshop, which is centred around storytelling–creating a powerful and impactful story through images and words–and putting ethics into practice in an immersive and welcoming environment.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@photographerswithoutborders.org or book a call here.

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.

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 $500 USD, non-refundable deposit to secure your space.