Sudan is a country at war. The Sudanese people have been faced with the complexities of this conflict with no end in sight. Since the conflict began in April 2023, people have been forced into situations that they would never have imagined. Almost 15,000 people have been killed, and more than 11.6 million displaced, giving rise to the worst displacement crisis in the world. Our interest would be to help create photographic work relating to this situation, in whatever form it may take. 

The Workshop: 

A year long photography mentorship program designed to support emerging photographers in refining their vision and creating a fully developed photo project. This will be overseen by a collaboration between through The Lens Collective (Michelle Loukidis) and The Other Vision (Ala Kheir). Eight mentees will be selected.

About the Program

Over the course of a year, selected participants will receive:
📷 One-on-one mentorship with experienced photographers and educators Ala Kheir (TOV) and Michelle Loukidis (TTLC)
📷 Workshops and discussions on storytelling, editing, and project development
📷 Regular feedback sessions to refine their ideas and execution
📷 Networking opportunities with industry professionals and fellow photographers
📷 Final project showcase to present their work

Format: monthly Sessions (Online) + assignments

Timeline:

Open Call: Submissions Open 3 March 2025 to 24 March

Selection: 11 April announced

Start: end March

Outcome:

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a fully developed photographic narrative, ready for presentation in exhibitions, publications, or online platforms.

Who Can Apply?

• Early to mid-career photographers passionate about documentary, conceptual, or visual storytelling
• Those with an idea or theme they wish to develop into a photo project
• Commitment to active participation throughout the mentorship period

How to Apply

Submit the following:
1️- A short bio and artist statement
2️- A portfolio of 10-15 images (can be previous work or a work-in-progress)
3️- A brief proposal outlining your project idea                                                                                                                                                                                                          4- Please title your email Sudan Mentorship

EMAIL TO THROUGHTHELENSC@GMAIL.COM

Workshop Phases:

•       Visual literacy & re-drafting the project idea.            
• Understanding the power of visual narratives
• Exploring different storytelling styles (documentary, conceptual, reportage)
• Analyzing iconic photo projects and their narrative structures
• Assignment: Select a personal or external story to explore visually
• Developing a Concept & Researching Your Story
• Identifying themes, angles, and perspectives
• The role of research in shaping a strong photo story
• Ethical considerations in storytelling