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.
Image by Matt Stirn (Graduate)
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.
Image by Gita Defoe (Graduate)
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.
Image by Brian Hodges (Instructor)
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.
Image by Sabrina Fatrdla
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
Image by Dave Coulson (Instructor)
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?