Workshops
Immersive, small-group programmes built around visual narrative, ethical practice and the development of long-form stories with intent. Fieldwork, daily critique and individual mentorship help each photographer build a clearer voice.
- Maximum 10 participants
- Field assignments
- Daily reviews
- Individual mentorship
- English
Not just a photo tour.
The workshops are built around observation, patience, access and daily practice in real situations.
Participants work close to people and place, edit their own photographs, receive direct feedback and learn how to build stronger visual narratives with sensitivity and intent.
Fieldwork, shared in public.
Alongside field workshops, Laurin presents artist talks, lectures and portfolio sessions on documentary practice — connecting lived experience in the field with questions of access, ethics, editing and visual responsibility.
2026–2027 programmes.
Three international programmes remain open across the 2026–2027 calendar. Each combines guided access, independent fieldwork, editing and direct feedback in a small group.
Mongolia
Documentary fieldwork across the Altai, the northern taiga and Ulaanbaatar, developed through guided access, immersive shooting days and daily reviews.
Led by Laurin Strele, Ethan Swope and Roberto Flores · Maximum 10 participants
Programme details
Included: Hotels, selected meals, guides and local transport.
Programme: Fieldwork with Kazakh communities of the Altai, the Dukha/Tsaatan reindeer nomads of the northern taiga and within the urban environment of Ulaanbaatar.
India
A story-driven workshop across Kolkata and Varanasi focused on street, people and culture through sustained fieldwork, close mentoring and daily editing.
Led by Laurin Strele and Shivam Pandey · Maximum 10 participants
Programme details
Included: Hotels, all meals, guides and local transport.
Programme: Story-driven projects across Kolkata and Varanasi supported by daily fieldwork, mentoring, image reviews and narrative development.
Iraq
A seven-day documentary photography workshop through Baghdad, Babylon, Najaf, Karbala and Mosul, built around guided access, sustained fieldwork, daily editing and direct feedback.
Led by Laurin Strele and Ethan Swope · Maximum 5 participants
Programme details
Route: Baghdad, Babylon, Najaf, Karbala and Mosul, with the exact sequence adapted to current access and local conditions.
Fieldwork: Markets, historic mosques and Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad; the ancient city of Babylon; the religious and cultural life of Najaf and Karbala; and documentary work in Mosul and surrounding areas focused on memory, reconstruction and contemporary Iraq.
Included: Accommodation in four-star hotels, air-conditioned local transport, driver and local guide fees, mineral water, buffet breakfast and evening coffee.
Mentorship: Daily field assignments, editing and sequencing sessions, group reviews and individual guidance from Laurin Strele and Ethan Swope.
Safety and itinerary: Iraq is currently subject to official travel warnings. The route is provisional and remains subject to an updated security assessment; it may be adapted, postponed or cancelled if conditions require it. Participants must review the official travel advice relevant to their nationality before booking and departure.
Entry and insurance: Entry requirements vary by nationality and can change. Participants are responsible for checking the official Iraqi e-Visa or embassy guidance applicable to them and for holding appropriate travel insurance that covers the planned journey.
Syria
A one-week documentary photography workshop with a planned route through Damascus, Hama, Homs and Aleppo, centred on sustained fieldwork, ethical visual storytelling, daily editing and direct feedback.
Programme details
Route: Damascus, Hama, Homs and Aleppo, with the exact sequence adapted to current access, permissions and local conditions.
Fieldwork: Documentary fieldwork focused on contemporary daily life, memory, reconstruction and the long-term effects of conflict, approached with attention to context, consent and responsible representation.
Programme: The planned programme combines field assignments, editing and sequencing sessions, group reviews and individual feedback throughout the week.
Safety and itinerary: Syria is subject to official travel warnings in many countries, and conditions can change quickly. The route is provisional and subject to an updated security assessment; the workshop may be adapted, postponed or cancelled if conditions require. Applicants must review the official travel advice relevant to their nationality before booking and departure.
Entry and insurance: Entry requirements vary by nationality and can change. Each participant is responsible for confirming visa, entry and permit requirements with the relevant Syrian embassy or official authority, and for obtaining travel and medical insurance that explicitly covers Syria and the planned activities. Acceptance to the workshop does not guarantee entry, permits, access or insurance cover.
Field-based learning across cultures.
Workshops and mentorships have been held across Iraq, Syria, India, Bangladesh, China, Cuba and Japan, with a consistent focus on cultural context, visual ethics and long-form storytelling.
- Japan · Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo · April 2026
- Iraq · Syria · India · Bangladesh
- China · Cuba · International mentorships
Founded by Laurin Strele, Ethan Swope and Roberto Flores, Eyewitness Collective is dedicated to documentary photography, ethical fieldwork and serious visual storytelling through workshops, exhibitions, podcasts, scholarships and collaborative projects.
Become an Eyewitness.
Join the newsletter and get early access to workshops, exhibitions, portfolio reviews, events and specials.