Date: June 20 - 21, 2026
Meeting: Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM CST (2 sessions)
Location: Online Zoom Classroom
Cost: $185 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Michael Robinson Chávez
Skill Level: Intermediate
Do you wish to develop a new series/project and are struggling to identify good stories or concepts to work on? This workshop is designed for photographers who want to develop stronger, more original story ideas that stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. The class takes a highly practical, hands-on approach to moving beyond clichés, helping participants pitch work that is compelling to editors, curators, and audiences at large.
Students will learn how to identify underreported visual stories, sharpen their approach, and refine their pitches. We will also discuss the lifecycle of a project, from initial concept to how you will photograph the story. Participants will leave with a well-structured project proposal and a clearer understanding of how to bring an idea from concept to completion.
Objectives:
Develop and refine an idea for a compelling photographic project
Articulate the narrative intent clearly and effectively
Discuss storytelling strategies and recognize key components
Conduct important research to deepen your understanding of the subject matter, identify potential references, and familiarize yourself with relevant discourse
Discuss feasibility of your project and approaches for overcoming potential obstacles
Gain practical knowledge of pitching projects to photo editors, NGOs, and curators, including proposal development, communication strategies, and identifying the right platforms for publication
Consult on how to plan and prepare for work in unfamiliar environments, including logistics, cultural awareness, and risk assessment
Apply practical field strategies to execute a project with clarity, consistency, and purpose.
Prerequisites:
Students should have a firm idea of a project or story they wish to work on.
Course Prep:
Students must have Zoom installed on their computers with an active camera and tested microphone. Please prepare 2-4 ideas for future projects or have already started working on. If available, please prepare a selection of up to 10 images per project (inspirations, references, or images you have already photographed) to share with the class as part of your pitch.
Date: June 20 - 21, 2026
Meeting: Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM CST (2 sessions)
Location: Online Zoom Classroom
Cost: $185 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Michael Robinson Chávez
Skill Level: Intermediate
Do you wish to develop a new series/project and are struggling to identify good stories or concepts to work on? This workshop is designed for photographers who want to develop stronger, more original story ideas that stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. The class takes a highly practical, hands-on approach to moving beyond clichés, helping participants pitch work that is compelling to editors, curators, and audiences at large.
Students will learn how to identify underreported visual stories, sharpen their approach, and refine their pitches. We will also discuss the lifecycle of a project, from initial concept to how you will photograph the story. Participants will leave with a well-structured project proposal and a clearer understanding of how to bring an idea from concept to completion.
Objectives:
Develop and refine an idea for a compelling photographic project
Articulate the narrative intent clearly and effectively
Discuss storytelling strategies and recognize key components
Conduct important research to deepen your understanding of the subject matter, identify potential references, and familiarize yourself with relevant discourse
Discuss feasibility of your project and approaches for overcoming potential obstacles
Gain practical knowledge of pitching projects to photo editors, NGOs, and curators, including proposal development, communication strategies, and identifying the right platforms for publication
Consult on how to plan and prepare for work in unfamiliar environments, including logistics, cultural awareness, and risk assessment
Apply practical field strategies to execute a project with clarity, consistency, and purpose.
Prerequisites:
Students should have a firm idea of a project or story they wish to work on.
Course Prep:
Students must have Zoom installed on their computers with an active camera and tested microphone. Please prepare 2-4 ideas for future projects or have already started working on. If available, please prepare a selection of up to 10 images per project (inspirations, references, or images you have already photographed) to share with the class as part of your pitch.
Images: Michael Robinson Chávez
