Participants on this LAB learnt tools to create sophisticated stories, and developed their technical skills and practical experience using a combination of anthropological and journalistic disciplines.
Drawing on the wealth of experience of various participating mentors, the programme included a masterclass in photographic storytelling, visual literacy and critical writing. This was achieved through analysis of research-based storytelling approaches, styles and concepts, as well as in-class and field-based assignments.
The mentorship team used an iterative methodology grounded in participatory pedagogy, using ongoing critiques with instructors and peers to explore emergent themes of the photographic projects, all of which were relevant to the community in which participants were working in. These critiques also allowed each participant to bring their unique voice, vision, and individuality to the process of conceptualising, producing, and editing a vibrant portfolio. These portfolios were presented in the form of a public slideshow during the Obscura Festival of Photography in Penang, Malaysia to an audience that included photography, media and art industry professionals. Participants attended the festival over a weekend visit and took part in portfolio reviews, artist talks, exhibition walks and networking sessions. Their projects were also presented in a hand-made photo book in 2018, exhibitions in the Queensland College of Art in Australia and The Objectifs Centre in Singapore, and a “zine” publication in 2019.
