Humans are storytellers. Since before recorded history, we have used stories to keep our cultures alive, convey the histories of our lives, and inspire action. Photography — writing with light — allows us to tell visual stories that transcend language. In this online workshop led by documentary photographer Esha Chiocchio, a Santa Fe resident, we put the adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words” to the test to create cohesive narratives that use the photographic arts to convey unique stories.
Over a five-week period, we look at exemplary photo essays, discuss the nuances of shaping a narrative, engage in weekly critiques of student work, and explore the art of editing and sequencing. Students are given weekly assignments and will share their progress as we build toward our final photo essays.
We begin with the question — “what do I want to say?” From there, we look at the story arc and what types of images we need to create to best convey this message. As we progress, we will deepen our individual styles to create a cohesive body of work that both tells a story and carries the photographer’s artistic signature.
This workshop provides a strong foundation in visual storytelling and is designed to flexibly meet people at their level to encourage skill-building and exploration in a supportive environment. This five-week workshop is intended to help participants develop a new project and create a well-rounded essay with Esha’s guidance. However, if you already have a project underway, we can work to refine it through editing and additional image-making.
Come join Esha online and follow your dream of telling stories with your camera and your heart.
Working knowledge of digital workflow. Participants must be able to download, select, and transfer images to an online platform for weekly critiques.
View Withdrawal and Transfer Policies for online programs.
For the convenience of participants, recordings of each class session are posted privately for one month after the end of each session. Santa Fe Workshops takes the recordings down after one month to protect the intellectual property of our instructors.
Esha Chiocchio is a photographer and filmmaker who uses her combined knowledge of visual storytelling and sustainable communities to inspire social change. An optimistic realist, she focuses on solutions to societal and environmental challenges. Her current project, Good Earth, a multimedia collaboration that features the work of agrarians from diverse sectors who are revitalizing land through regenerative practices, recently won CENTER’s 2022 Environmental Award. She has photographed around the world for publications, non-profits, and commercial clients, including National Geographic, Bonefish Grill, and Jardins du Monde, and her work has been exhibited in group and solo exhibitions in France, South Korea, Mali, Washington, DC, and Santa Fe. Esha studied and worked at the Santa Fe Workshops before launching her photo career and enjoys giving back to the SFW community.
Website: eshaphoto.com
Instagram: @eshachiocchio
