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  • Through the Lens: Photography & Visual Storytelling (Spring 2027)

Spring 2027

Through the Lens:

Photography & Visual Storytelling

Discover the art of telling stories through images. In this Journey mentees and mentors will explore the creative and technical elements of photography while learning how photographers use composition, light, perspective, and narrative to capture meaningful moments and communicate powerful ideas. Through guided exercises, discussions of contemporary photography, and opportunities to create and share original work, participants will develop visual storytelling skills and build a portfolio of photographs that reflect their unique perspectives and creative vision. Mentees and mentors will benefit by strengthening their ability to communicate through visual media, expanding their creative practice, and developing a deeper understanding of photography as a storytelling tool.

Ready to Apply?

Learn more below or get started now. If you do not already have a Girls Write Now Portal account, you will be asked to create one in order to apply.

Apply Now

Ready to Apply?

Learn more below or get started now. If you do not already have a Girls Write Now Portal account, you will be asked to create one in order to apply.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and each of our Journeys can accommodate a limited number of mentees and mentors. Apply early to secure your spot in the Journey of your choice!

Apply Now
  • JOURNEY REQUIREMENTS
  • Cycle(s) 1 Cycle (March 1- May 31)
  • Time Commitment a minimum of 3 hours per month
  • Journey Meetings Attend all Journey Meetings (see dates below).
  • Mentoring Have at least 2 Pair Sessions per month
  • Journey Project Create a photography portfolio showcasing your original work, creative vision, and unique perspectives as a visual storyteller.

Through the Lens: Photography & Visual Storytelling Community Experiences

Mentees and mentors in this journey are required to attend all Journey Meetings listed below.

Spring Cycle Journey Meetings

  • JM1: Wednesday, March 24| 6:30–8:30 PM ET
  • JM2: Wednesday, April 28| 6:30–8:30 PM ET
  • JM3: Wednesday, May 26| 6:30–8:30 PM ET

If you’re unable to attend a Journey meeting, you must notify your Staff Lead in advance and attend a community event to make up for it—recommended options for this journey include Community Studios and Career Chats.

Journey Circle: Community

Through the Lens: Photography & Visual Storytelling Course

This Journey’s accompanying online course, explores the fundamentals of photography and visual storytelling through guided lessons, creative exercises, and opportunities for reflection. Mentees and mentors will learn about key photographic concepts, including composition, lighting, perspective, framing, and visual narrative. Through practical activities, participants will strengthen their technical and creative skills, experiment with different approaches to image-making, and create original photographs that reflect their individual perspectives and creative vision.

 

Writing

Through the Lens: Photography & Visual Storytelling Mentoring

Mentees and mentors in this Journey will be matched for one cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two hour-long sessions each month. This journey is open to both mentor/mentee pairs and peer-to-peer pairs.

Journey Teaching Artist

Alison Kelley

(she/her)

Alison Kelly (she/her) is a cinematographer and photographer. She has a background in anthropology and fine art, and became interested in making images for their power to tell stories in a uniquely compelling way. Recently she worked with director Angela Barnes on the Marvel series IRONHEART created by Chinaka Hodge and produced by Ryan Coogler and Sev Ohanian. Alison filmed episodes of The Lincoln Lawyer for Netflix and shot the first season of BIG SHOT, a David Kelley production.  Her work can also be seen on highly-acclaimed series such as DIETLAND from creator Marti Noxon and GRAND HOTEL from Eva Longoria and Brian Tanen.  Alison has also been a fine art photographer for many decades. Her work has shown in galleries in New York City and Los Angeles. Dualities, a book of her photography will be published in early 2027. Alison is passionate about building an inclusive creative community and uplifting the voices and visions of young artists. She believes art is vital to imagining a livable and vibrant future for all of us. She teaches at California State University, Long Beach, and mentors young artists through several organizations. Alison holds an MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute.

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Journeys in the Multimedia 360 Adventure focus on creating in particular medium. It is designed for Mentees and Mentors who want to express ideas with digital and audio techniques.

Through the Lens: Photography & Visual Storytelling is a Journey in the Multimedia 360 Adventure.

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Civil Discourse Connection & Persuasion; two girls speaking with a mic

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