Storytelling School is the ultimate educational and life experience that will prepare you to create compelling images, to work as a values-based photographer, and to become a storyteller for social change.

Working alongside Sambhali Trust, you will be guided through a transformative experience by acclaimed photographer/filmmaker, Sony Alpha Female, National Geographic speaker and PWB’s founder, Danielle Da Silva. Together, you’ll document how women who are rising up, taking their power back, and challenging the caste system.

This small-group photography and storytelling workshop is for those interested in understanding and documenting the dynamics of women’s empowerment in the realm of social change. Photographers will get firsthand experience creating visual stories and narratives that are powerful, truthful and impactful.

IMPACT: Proceeds from this workshop will support provide women, children and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with educational and employment opportunities that offer a sustainable, empowered livelihoods. Participants’ images will also be donated to the community partner for ongoing campaigns. Our participants have to opportunity to participate in a larger, ongoing digital visual campaign for the community partners as well once the workshop is complete for added impact.

The Storytelling School workshop focuses on ethics and helping participants become powerful visual storytellers who have the skills to make change.

Participants will come away with beautiful additions to their portfolios, a PWB certificate, and a chance to be featured in the PWB Magazine.

TRIP DATES: NOVEMBER 26-DEC 8, 2024

COST: $4,499 USD (SHARED OCCUPANCY)

$4,999 USD (PRIVATE OCCUPANCY)

Interactive and engaging lessons/discussions are interspersed with challenging assignments throughout the journey to combine practical and theoretical knowledge/skill-building.*

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

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. 

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!

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.

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.

Danielle KHAN Da Silva

Danielle Khan Da Silva is an international award-winning photographer/filmmaker, Sony Alpha Female, National Geographic Explorer, was named Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders, was named Top Photographer of 2017 and Top 5 Women Changing Media by Matador Network, was nominated for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, and is the Founder of PWB. She has been on the TEDx stage twice and is known for her decolonial approaches to storytelling and conservation. She is a passionate, heart-centred leader who is highly sought after as a mentor and guide.

Govind Singh Rathore is the Founder of Sambhali Trust. “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 outcaste 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. Six months later, Sambhali Trust was born with the help of my family and friends. Sambhali Trust is a non-profit charitable organization to support the Empowerment of Women and the most vulnerable of society.”

what’s not included

• International air fare to/from Jodhpur, India

• Applicable tourist visas

• Incidentals (e.g. snacks, souvenirs, etc.)

• Medical insurance (required)

• Airport taxes (if applicable)

• Tips or gratuities

• Beverages

• 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 and dropoff in Jaisalmer

• Sambhali Trust orientation

• Tour of Jodhpur

• 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)

• Staff & experts: PWB Staff, Sambhali Trust Staff

COST: $4,499 USD (SHARED OCCUPANCY)

COST: $4,999 USD (PRIVATE OCCUPANCY)

You will be required to make a $500 USD, non-refundable deposit to secure your space.