Photo by David Middleton

Good photography is an integral part of nonprofit storytelling. It is often our first – and lasting – impression of an organization. Compelling imagery creates a successful message by connecting our audience to the subject of the story, literally, in a blink of an eye. But, for many nonprofits, photography is an after-thought and good photography is elusive.

Join us for this two-day workshop, a rare opportunity to dig deep into the how, what and why of visual storytelling by focusing on the real-world skills needed for creating beautiful photographs and compelling written storylines. Come explore and practice how a harmonious marriage of text and image allows your nonprofit stories to fully live and breathe and connect your communities through action. This is a process-oriented workshop. Each participant will have time to go out and write and shoot “on assignment” to practice visual storytelling. The goal is to learn the process by example during the workshop and apply it to your own organization.

Come be inspired and mentored in your visual storytelling by an internationally renowned photographer and a Vermont-based communications professional. Stretch your creative self and work with fellow nonprofit storytellers in a beautiful setting on the lakeshore of Grand Isle. Join us for this one-of-a-kind experience!

Day One
All photography comes down to 4 things: light, subject, background and conditions. That’s it. The devil is in the details though. David will go through each of these ideas with detailed, hands-on examples, teaching you how to get your best results for everything from a sweeping landscape to a beautiful portrait. You will then “go on assignment” using what you’ve learned in order to gather compelling photos. Whatever your cause or your mission, these techniques will help you elevate your visual storytelling initiatives to inspire others.

Day Two
Today you will continue to discuss the basics of storytelling including helpful tips to get at the heart of a story. Kate will take you through “stasis” to “rising action and critical choice.” Then you will move into the concrete application of storytelling by discussing techniques you can apply day-to-day in your non-profit. Using the photographs you took Day One and building on your “on assignment” work, you will isolate what works well when bringing words and image together and explore how only a few words paired with a photograph can make a big impact.

Lab Leaders: David Middleton and Kate Harbaugh

Level: All Levels Welcome!

Date & Time: The retreat starts after lunch at 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 18 and ends at 1:00 pm sharp on Friday, July 19th. 

Location: The Grand Isle Lake House, Grand Isle, VT

Cost: $200. Cost includes lab instruction, dinner on the 18th, breakfast and lunch on the 19th, and overnight accommodations. Most rooms are shared rooms; a limited number of singles may be available.

Size: This retreat is limited to 20 participants. Register soon as we fully expect this to sell out early.

Formerly a turn-of-the-century inn, The Grand Isle Lake House is now owned by the Preservation Trust of Vermont and operated as a special events and retreat venue.

Lab Leaders