Interactive and engaging lessons/discussions are interspersed with challenging assignments throughout the journey to combine practical and theoretical knowledge/skill-building.*
Image by Rachel James (Graduate)
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN JODHPUR
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 villa after and have dinner together to taste some local Indian cuisine!
LESSON 1: Camera Refresher
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 ally-ship.
Day 2-7
JODHPUR
Image by Lou Gilbert (PWB School Graduate)
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.
LESSON 3: Storytelling
Learn the art of crafting a compelling story in one photograph, or with a series of photographs.
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 to master a variety of light types found all around us to create works of art.
LESSON 5: Portraiture & People
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, so it’s no wonder why people and animals bring life, emotion and interest to our images. Learn about different types of portraits and learn to make your images stand out.
Image by Michele Mosner (Graduate)
DayS 8-10
SETRAWA
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.
LESSON 6: Landscapes & Long Exposures
Create depth, eye movement and drama with some new tools for creating landscapes, long exposures and more.
LESSON 7: Night Photography
This optional course 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!
Image by April Steggles (Graduate)
Image by Jessica Marteinson (Graduate)
DayS 10-12
JAISALMER
Back to Jodhpur where, for the next couple of days, we will split into groups and visit the various centres and programs of the organization. Visit the boarding home for girls, empowerment centres, and get to know some of the incredible women and girls that make up the organization. Develop relationships, tell stories and amplify voices.
LESSON 8: Making Change
How to be a good 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.
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.
Image by April Steggles (Graduate)
On our last day, it’s our staff take you back to the airport for your flight home (or onto your next destination in India). Please fly out of Jaisalmer.
*this itinerary may be subject to change, though the dates will remain the same.