Crafting a Compelling Narrative through Memory

Memory is layered, imperfect, and deeply visual, making it a powerful foundation for photographic storytelling. In this new online workshop, you work with photographer Heather Evans Smith to explore photographic storytelling through the lens of memory. Drawing from her own practice, Heather guides you through how personal history, objects, and metaphor can shape images that feel layered, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant.

Over the course of four weekly sessions, you approach memory from a different angle each week, using photography as a way to reflect, reinterpret, and build narrative. Through guided assignments, you experiment with still life and portrait photography, work with heirlooms and found photographs, and explore how metaphor can function as a storytelling tool. Heather shares insight into her creative process, discussing how she uses symbolism, staging, and visual cues to transform memory into image.

Each session includes time for student work review, group discussion, and Q&A with Heather, creating space to share progress, receive feedback, and learn from one another. The workshop emphasizes process over perfection, encouraging you to develop ideas over time and build connections between concept and image.

By the end of the workshop, you leave with new approaches to visual storytelling, a deeper understanding of how memory can inform photographic work, and a stronger foundation for continuing to develop meaningful, personal narratives.