Iraq photography workshop
January 4–10, 2027
A seven-day documentary photography workshop with Laurin Strele and Ethan Swope. Guided fieldwork, local knowledge and daily image reviews.
3,900 EUR per person
Early booking through 15 October. €4,500 thereafter.
Reserve with a €1,000 deposit.
Photograph by Laurin Strele
Photograph by Laurin Strele
Photograph by Laurin Strele
More information
Route and places
Planned route for 4–10 January 2027. Travel between the cities, individual visits and the order of the programme depend on current access and security conditions.
Baghdad
Baghdad introduces the workshop through street life, markets and the book-trading environment around Al-Mutanabbi Street. Guided fieldwork focuses on people in their surroundings, layered street scenes and the context behind a photograph. Specific sites and working areas are selected according to local access.
Babylon
At the archaeological city of Babylon, the photographic focus shifts to the relationship between historic structures, landscape and the people who use and visit the site. Access and photography permissions will determine which areas can be included.
Najaf and Karbala
These important Shia pilgrimage cities bring religious practice, commerce and everyday life together. We work with local guidance and respect for worshippers, dress requirements and photography restrictions. Access to shrines or interiors is not guaranteed.
Mosul
Mosul offers a setting for documentary work on the old city, reconstruction and contemporary daily life. The focus is on how people inhabit and rebuild their surroundings, without reducing the city to its destruction. Working locations remain conditional on permission and a current security assessment.
Photographic work
How we work
The seven days combine guided fieldwork, travel between cities and image reviews. Local circumstances determine the time available at each stop. Assignments are developed around your photographic interests, with discussion of context, access and responsible representation.
Image reviews
Laurin Strele and Ethan Swope lead daily image reviews and individual discussions. Feedback addresses the strength of individual frames, the information a sequence conveys and the gaps that need further fieldwork. Editing runs alongside photographing throughout the week.
This is a documentary photography workshop, with individual guidance and small-group reviews. Participants should be able to operate their camera and edit a selection of work. A willingness to adapt to local conditions and to respect restrictions on photography is essential.
Practical information
- Mentors
- Laurin Strele and Ethan Swope
- Group size
- Maximum 10 participants
- Language
- English
- Included
- Accommodation in four-star hotels, air-conditioned local transport, driver and local guide fees, mineral water, buffet breakfast and evening coffee.
What to bring
Bring a camera you can work with confidently, spare batteries and memory cards, and a laptop with editing software and backup storage. Keep your equipment manageable for walking and road travel. Discuss specialist equipment, including drones, with us before bringing it; do not assume it can be imported or used.
Arrival and departure
Confirm the agreed arrival airport, meeting point and departure arrangements with Laurin before purchasing flights. The route runs from Baghdad towards Mosul, but this outline does not confirm an international arrival or departure transfer.
Booking conditions (opens in a new tab)Travel information (opens in a new tab)