Hang out the all-female ranger team and their orangutan relatives on the beautiful island of Sumatra, Indonesia.

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.

For Storytelling School Indonesia we partner with the Nature for Change and Nuraga Bhumi Insititute to make this dream trip come to life. You will have the exclusive chance to work and document alongside the fearless all-female ranger team, and to see how palm oil impacts people on the local and global level, how reforestation and buffer zones are being accomplished, and how everyday heroes are rescuing critically-endangered orangutans in need. Go trekking in the jungle and encounter orangutans that share 97% of our DNA. 

IMPACT: Proceeds go directly to supporting the female ranger team in Sumatra, Indonesia, which is home to critically-endangered Sumatran orangutan, rhino, elephant and tiger. 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.

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

TRIP DATES: SEPTEMber 15-27, 2024

COST: $4,499 USD (shared occupancy)

$4,999 USD (private occupancy)

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.

Nayla Azmi is an Indigenous Batak storyteller and conservationist based in Medan, North Sumatra, she is a storyteller, Co-Founder of the Sumatran Wildlife Sanctuary, and is also the Founder of the Nuraga Bhumi Institute. She also currently works for the United Nations. “I have worked in the field for more than a decade and I am passionate about conservation, decolonization, and the empowerment of women. I lives with seven cats that I rescued from the street. My vision is to see conservation become inclusive so that Indigenous women and members of the LGBT+ community can find their own role in conservation as part of our life. My mission is to encourage and provide safe space in conservation for all as I believe it is our birthright. As Indigenous people, it is not only our duty but also our birthright to be protectors and caretakers on our own land.”

Physical Rating: Moderate-Challenging

Interactive and engaging lessons/discussions are interspersed with challenging assignments throughout the journey to combine practical and theoretical knowledge/skill-building. Each participant will not only contribute to the ongoing sustainability of the local projects, but will also create powerful images and stories with a carefully-planned itinerary crafted based on years of success in turning storytellers into changemakers.

Day 1 

Fly into Medan and meet anytime during the day.  Our team will pick you up at the airport and bring you to a local 3-4 star hotel. You’ll meet up with the rest of the group in the evening to enjoy some local Indonesian cuisine and get to know your fellow travelers.

Day 2 

MEDAN

Orientation Tour. Go back in time on a tour through Medan’s colonial quarters, understanding the history that has evolved Sumatra towards the palm oil and other over-extractive industries we see today.

Participants will travel by private bus to the Medan Zoo where they will witness first-hand the challenges facing endangered species who are captured and trafficked.

LESSON 1: Camera Refresh

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 3-7

BUKIT LAWANG ECOLODGE

Travel by private bus to Bukit Lawang for three nights at the EcoLodge with two days of forest trekking. This is where we will see and photograph the critically endangered orangutan.  Having three full days of trekking to see these amazing animals that share 97 percent of our DNA in the wild will leave you breathless. Having the opportunity to photograph a critically endangered animal in the wild is an experience that will leave you changed! 

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.

Day 8-11 

BUKIT LAWANG HOMESTAYS

Now we check into more down-to-earth homestays to learn more about the work of Nature for Change and Nuraga Bhumi Institute. Visit the countryside, see programs in progress, and walk to an ancient bat cave. Walk with forest rangers and visit part of the Sumatran Wildlife Sanctuary—protected lands that buffer the Gunung Leuser National Park for critically endangered orangutans and tigers. See a restoration and replanting site at work, and maybe even plant your own tree!

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. 

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!

LESSON 8: Making Change

How to strive towards being an 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.

Day 11

MEDAN
SHARING YOUR STORY: Put all that you have learned to the test! Each workshop attendee will have 10 minutes to get up share their images and stories from the trip. This will be followed by a special event and a final farewell dinner.

Day 12

MEDAN 
It’s time to see you off. Our team will drop you off at the airport with with memories that will last a lifetime!

Ready to go to Indonesia?

what’s not included

• International air fare to/from Medan, Indonesia

• 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 and dropoff in Medan

• Orangutan Information Centre orientation

• Tour of Medan and Medan Zoo

• All transportation between program activity destinations and to/from all included activities

• Accommodations: Shared rooms at 3-4 star hotels (Single Room supplement: $500 USD) and basic homestay

• Many but not all meals are included (please allow 100-300 USD for additional meals, drinks and gratuities)

• Trekking and camera permits for Gunung Leuser National Park

• Staff & experts: PWB Staff, Local Staff

My bags are packed. Sign me up!

$4,499 USD (shared occupancy)

$4,999 USD (private occupancy)

Please select the workshop of your choice below.

You will be required to make a deposit to secure your space.