Fotografiska Academy: Visual Journalism

Overview

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Sergey Ponomarev for a two-day workshop exploring visual journalism – how photographers tell powerful, fact-based stories using only images.

Through the analysis of landmark reportage, you learn how visual stories are conceived and developed into coherent narratives. The analysis includes the work of James Nachtwey, whose exhibition Memoria is currently on show at Fotografiska Berlin and who says that Sergey’s work is “using the full range of photographic vocabulary with great mastery”.

On 1 May in Berlin, a day known for its large-scale political events, street festivals, parties, and cultural celebrations, you are going to shoot a live reportage, documenting the events of the day while creating compelling visual stories.

Image credit: © Sergey Ponomarev

Recommended For

The workshop is suitable for mid-level participants, semi-professionals, professionals, and anyone inspired by or interested in photojournalism.

Key Takeways

• Learn the principles of visual journalism and storytelling from Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Sergey Ponomarev.
• Analyze landmark reportage, including James Nachtwey’s work, to understand how powerful, fact-based narratives are built through images.
• Gain practical skills in conceiving and developing coherent visual stories.
• Apply your learning by shooting a live reportage in Berlin on 1 May, documenting real events and creating compelling visual narratives.
• Learn location scouting and how to navigate crowds effectively for on-the-ground reportage.

What To Bring

• DSLR or mirrorless camera
• One prime lens
• Flash (optional)

About The Host

Award-winning international photojournalist with over 15 years of experience in covering breaking news, wars and conflicts, sports and politics. Since starting his freelance career in 2012, he has worked mainly for the New York Times and other publications, including Paris Match, Volkskrant, Stern, and Figaro Magazine. His main objectives were developing a unique style and approach and developing visual storytelling techniques during that time.

In 2016 he was part of the New York Times team that won a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of the arrival of more than one million refugees from the Middle East and Africa to Western and Northern Europe. Sergey received the Robert Capa Gold Medal Award and three World Press Photo awards, among other awards.

According to James Nachtwey, "Sergey's visual perception operates at a very high level. He has the ability to organize what he perceives in a compelling, complex manner using the full range of photographic vocabulary with great mastery."

Schedule

Day 1 – May 1

09:45 – Gathering at Fotografiska Berlin

10:00 – Introduction 

• Overview of the workshop 
• Presentation of Sergey Ponomarev’s work

11:00 – Theory session

12:30 – Break

13:00 – Field work 

• Practical shooting in Berlin (locations to be confirmed closer to the date)

16:00 – Meeting point

• Group check-in 
• Discussion of progress
• Continued practice

Day 2 – May 2

10:00 – Continued practice 

• Chance to complete the reportage with final images 

12:00 – Review session

• Evaluation and discussion of all course participants’ work at Fotografiska Berlin
• Personalized feedback from Sergey Ponomarev

16:00 – Finish

Cancellation Policy 

• More than 7 days before the course start date: Full refund.
• Less than 7 days before the course start date: No refund.
• Refunds will be processed within 14 business days of receiving a cancellation request or notification of course cancellation.

Contact 

For any further questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Our team is happy to assist you!

Tickets

• 175 € – Workshop (incl. Museum Access)
• 140 € – For Members
• 219 € – Workshop (incl. Membership)*

*This bundle ticket includes the workshop entry and a one-year Fotografiska Membership (Member tier). After your purchase, our team will reach out to activate your membership