Jodhpur | Oct 27 – November 8, 2027

A Transformative Journey Through that benefits all

Join Photographers Without Borders and the Sambhali Trust team for a life-changing storytelling experience in the heart of Rajasthan — during the vibrant festival of Diwali, a celebration of light.

Guided by the team at Sambhali Trust, you’ll be invited into a deeply immersive experience that will transform the way you see, listen, and tell stories.

What You’ll Experience

Participants will:

• Create a powerful story — blending images and words — to add to your professional or personal portfolio and to promote the work of Sambhali Trust.

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

• Celebrate and photograph the festival of Diwali–a powerful opportunity for learning about the local culture and creating images with meaning.

• 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 Photo Expedition participants have directly supported Sambhali’s campaigns, helping to fund educational programs, raise awareness, and inspire lasting change.

Participants’ images will be donated to support Sambhali’s ongoing initiatives — ensuring that your work continues to make an impact long after your journey ends, and ensuring there is reciprocity embedded in the exchange.

Who Can Join

We welcome our Professional Members who feel called to use storytelling for a powerful cause to join us.

• Participants must be comfortable travellers with experience in photography or video-making and must be committed to sharing a completed set of images and/or video at the end of the Expedition with PWB and the community partner.

• Our Ethical Storytelling Certification is a pre-requisite for Expeditions and is included in the cost of logistics for those who are not yet certified.

• We will always prioritize the safety of our guests. All excursions are weather-permitting and are subject to change.

• Participants must dress conservatively. Local dress is encouraged.

Number of Participants: max 6

Join Us in India

Spaces for this Photo Expedition are limited.
To reserve your spot or learn more:
📧 Email us at info@photographerswithoutborders.org

rAjasthan photo expedition

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.

Last day to register: August 1, 2027

Day 1

ARRIVAL IN JODHPUR OCT 27, 2027
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

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.

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.

Day 11-13

JAISALMER

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 (NOV 8, 2027)

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:

$4999 (Shared Accommodation) OR $5499 (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.

• 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.

Last day to register: August 1, 2027

See terms and conditions here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are Expeditions?

Expeditions are immersive field opportunities where photographers and visual storytellers travel to work alongside grassroots nonprofit partners around the world. Participants use their photography or video-making skills to create impactful visual stories that support the partner’s mission and programs.

2. Who can participate in an Expedition?

To apply, you must be a professional member of Photographers Without Borders and have experience in photography or video-making. This ensures storytellers are prepared to deliver high-quality work that benefits the community partners.

3. Do I need any specific certifications to go on an Expedition?

Yes. Participants are required to complete the Ethical Storytelling Certification before joining. This certification is included in the logistics/administration cost for those who haven’t completed it yet.

4. Are Expeditions suitable for beginners?

Expeditions generally expect participants to be comfortable travelers with prior visual storytelling experience. Beginners with minimal experience might not be best suited unless they already meet these requirements and the Expedition’s specific criteria. Photographers Without Borders

5. What’s the difference between an Expedition and a Storytelling School workshop?

• Expeditions are in-field experiences — travel with community partners, produce real stories for real impact, and work directly with organizations on the ground.

• Storytelling School workshops are educational programs focused on building your skills through guided instruction (online or in-person), without the travel/field component.

6. Are there limits on group size?

Yes. Expeditions typically range from 1–6 participants, depending on the specific trip and partner needs.

7. What do participants actually do on an Expedition?

While details vary by trip, duties usually include:

• Photographing/documenting local programs and community stories

• Creating images or videos that community partners can use for campaigns all year

• Potentially contributing to your own portfolio or pitches to media outlets
  Every Expedition’s itinerary and focus can differ based on the partner organization’s needs.

8. How long are Expeditions?

Duration varies by specific Expedition. Some may be short (around one week), others may last longer depending on the goals and logistics of the project. (Example: the Sumatra Expedition runs ~10 days).

9. Do I need special gear (e.g., underwater housing)?

There’s no general requirement for specialty gear like underwater housings — gear needs depend on the specific Expedition’s focus and environment. However, you should bring whatever equipment you need to fulfill the visual storytelling goals of that particular trip. Confirm gear needs with the organizers if you’re unsure.

10. What happens to the photos/stories created on the Expedition?

The images and video you make are shared with the community partner, who may use them year-round for advocacy, fundraising, or outreach. You also often gain material for your own portfolio and storytelling practice.

Okay, I’m ready!

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