The Introduction to Visual Storytelling – Vol. 2 workshop, conducted by The Confluence Collective (TCC) in 2019, was designed for photographers who already possessed a technical foundation in digital photography and were eager to push their creative boundaries. The eight-day intensive workshop focused on the art of visual storytelling, guiding participants to produce a cohesive body of work that emphasized narrative and personal vision.
This workshop aimed to help participants refine their aesthetic sensibility and technical proficiency while expanding their understanding of the various ways in which photography can convey stories. Through theoretical and practical exercises, participants were introduced to different visual styles and techniques, with an emphasis on composition, light, ethics, and post-production workflows.
Introduction to Visual Storytelling: Understanding the core principles of storytelling through images, and how to create compelling visual narratives.
Aesthetics: Exploring the role of aesthetics in storytelling and how it influences the way a story is perceived.
Composition and Content: Learning about framing, perspective, and how to visually balance elements within the frame.
Light and Ethics in Photography: Understanding how light affects storytelling and addressing ethical considerations in visual documentation.
Visual Styles: Exploring different visual languages and techniques that align with the participant’s storytelling approach.
Digital Workflow and Post-Production: Introduction to tools such as Bridge and Photoshop for editing and enhancing images.
Editing and Research: Developing skills in note-taking, research, and writing captions to support the visual narrative.
The workshop took place over eight days in the scenic town of Kalimpong, where participants were encouraged to photograph the local environment, people, and culture. By working in a rich, immersive setting, participants were able to connect emotionally with their subjects and focus on developing their narrative approach.
Through daily assignments, one-on-one mentor feedback, and group critiques, participants honed their ability to produce a series of photographs that cohesively told a story. The program culminated in a final presentation, where each participant shared their body of work, followed by an in-depth critique and discussion.
The workshop attracted eight talented photographers from diverse backgrounds, each eager to push their limits and experiment with visual storytelling. The participants were:
Yogya Pradhan
Shweta Jangir
Prayash Chettri
Pravesh Rai
Neel Bhattacharjee
Palsang Lama
Abir Gangopadhyay
Andrew Lepcha
Each participant brought their unique perspective to the workshop, contributing to a rich and diverse photographic experience.
The Introduction to Visual Storytelling – Vol. 2 workshop in 2019 was a successful initiative that empowered photographers to explore new dimensions of visual storytelling. Through expert mentorship and an immersive learning experience in Kalimpong, participants pushed their creative boundaries and produced thoughtful, engaging narratives. This workshop not only enhanced technical skills but also instilled a deeper understanding of the power of visual storytelling in capturing the complexities of the human experience.
The Confluence Collective remains committed to supporting emerging photographers and creating platforms for creative growth in the region. Workshop Details:
Date: 28th March – 4th April 2019
Venue: Kalimpong, West Bengal, India
Language: Nepali + English
About the Mentors:
Sagar Chhetri (b. 1990) is a documentary photographer based in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is deeply interested in socio-political stories and has worked on various documentary projects that address social issues. Sagar is a graduate of the International Photography Program at the Pathshala South Asian Media Institute in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He was also awarded a scholarship by the Danish Ministry of Education to attend a semester on Photojournalism at the Danish School of Media and Journalism in Aarhus, Denmark.
Currently associated with photo.circle—a Nepali photography learning platform—Sagar is also connected to Nepal Picture Library, a digital archive focused on documenting an inclusive history of Nepali people, and Photo Kathmandu, Nepal’s only international photography festival. Sagar’s work has earned recognition, including the Magnum Foundation Grant in 2018.
Bunu Dhungana is a photographer and sociologist based in Kathmandu. Having discovered photography after moving away from academia and research, Bunu uses her background in sociology to approach photography with a critical lens, particularly focusing on issues related to gender and patriarchy.
Bunu works on personal projects centered around women's issues but has also contributed to various sectors including visual ethnography, NGO/INGO work, and commercial photography. Known for her observational approach, she enjoys people-watching, exploring new places, and capturing raw, candid moments. Bunu is a member of photo.circle and lives and works in Kathmandu, Nepal.
About the Organizers:
The Confluence Collective (TCC) is a space dedicated to preserving, archiving, and reimagining the stories of the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalayan region. Founded by a group of artists and researchers, TCC works to document the history and culture of this unique region through art, research, and collaboration. The Collective believes that reclaiming and re-telling the stories of the region is crucial to understanding its complex history and cultural identity, particularly in light of the colonial legacy that continues to shape its present.
Through initiatives such as workshops, TCC offers emerging photographers and artists the tools and platforms to develop their practice, contributing to a more diverse and authentic representation of the region's stories.
photo.circle is a renowned Nepali platform for photography that was established in 2007. Through workshops, exhibitions, and publications, photo.circle fosters unique voices that engage with social change in Nepal. They also organize Photo Kathmandu, Nepal’s only international photography festival, providing a space for dialogue between visual storytellers and local audiences.
Website: www.photocircle.com.np FINAL PRESENTATION OF THE PARTICIPANTS :
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