Capture the stories of a great civilization, from Himalayan societies to the stunning Taj Mahal. Visual imagery is a powerful tool for communication, with the ability to reach audiences far and wide, both emotionally and directly. In India, everyday life plays out in bright color, a vivid juxtaposition of ancient and modern against a backdrop of intricate architecture. Full of diverse people, dramatic landscapes and spiritual energy, the village of Dharamsaia (home to the Dalai Lama ) and today’s Tibetan refugee community is the fascinating setting where you’ll learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about photojournalism :the basics of documentation, what makes a good story, ethical practices and what it takes to get published.
Service will remain the central component of your objective in India. As you take in Dharamsala’s diverse scenery through photojournalism, give back to this community that faces challenges around education and quality of life. In the process, build a personal understanding of the community, allowing you to tell a clearer and more compelling story. You’ll spend time at a local daycare centre where teachers and staff run their establishments with minimal resources . Bond with the children as you assist with tutoring and providing after-school activities that otherwise would not exist.
Gain a wide view of India, a land of contrasts. As stories of people you meet unfold, capture them and evaluate how the narratives can be responsibly told through photography and journalism. You’ll glimpse both modernised areas frequented by tourists, as well as an impoverished slum. Visit spiritual sites, Bollywood dance and participate in a workshop at a fair trade factory. Documentaries and presentations by grassroots leaders on pressing social issues will help you train your lens on diverse crowds, agriculture and landscape settings with sensitivity. As you create your body of work, you’ll receive guidance and insights from industry photojournalists and editors. Learn from professionals how to cut and edit your images, create an organized workflow, be a responsible storyteller and build demand for your work . Complete a Capstone project, which includes crafting a cohesive story of your time in India.
You’ll be based in Dharamsala, located in the Indian Himalayas and one of the most visually stunning regions on Earth. Explore Kangra fort，an ancient site known for both its beautiful architecture and magnificent view. If you’re joining us for the 21-Day Flagship Program，trek to rural Kareri village for an overnight excursion, meet its semi-nomadic Gaddi people and visit the town of Amritsar to see the Golden Temple. At the end of both 14-day and 21-day program , you’ll travel south to the Taj Ma-hal for a glimpse of what is widely considered the most beautiful building in the world.
Home Base will be a group of one-to-two-story houses in central Dharamsala, a beautiful mountain village. All students and staff will live together in close proximity, sharing a common area. Students will live with roommates in gender-segregated rooms, and enjoy communal home-cooked meals.
