Our Workshops
Work in the field. Edit with purpose. Build a story.
These are small-group documentary workshops, not photo tours. Days are spent photographing real situations; evenings are for editing, critique, and planning the next day. Each workshop is built for photographers who want to work with more intention and leave with a coherent body of work.
Eyewitness Workshops
Small-group documentary workshops led by working photojournalists. We work in the field, edit together every day, and help each photographer turn access, observation and intent into a coherent visual story.
- 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.
Workshop testimonials
In their own words.
Transformational Experience
“Not only did my photography skills improve significantly in just a few days, but I also fell in love with Iraq and its people. Laurin is an excellent teacher—patient, encouraging, and always pushing you to see differently. The Iraq workshop was a launching point for me into new creative directions, and I left feeling deeply inspired. This experience was 5,000% worth it, and I’m already planning to join another workshop in the future.”
A Learning Environment That Feels Natural
“I had no idea what to expect, but this workshop far exceeded my expectations. I loved the small group size, which gave me the freedom to ask questions and truly absorb everything. The schedule was flexible yet structured, allowing us to take our time at locations without feeling rushed. Laurin created an environment where learning felt natural, and every moment was an opportunity to grow as a photographer.”
More Than Just Photography, a Personal Journey
“I feel very fortunate to have joined Laurin and Ethan’s workshop. I met great, like-minded photographers from all over the world, got to practice my image-making in a very concentrated manner, and most importantly, fell in love with Iraq. Because of my experience, I will be going back to dedicate more time to its lands and its people”
A Photographer Who Cares About His Students
“What stood out the most was Laurin’s dedication to his students. He didn’t just wait for us to come to him with questions—he actively guided us, gave personal feedback, and created an atmosphere where we felt supported in our creative process. His workshops are a perfect mix of learning, adventure, and connection. I can't wait to join him on another one!”
2027 programmes.
Applications and questions are handled directly. Groups stay small to protect access, trust and individual mentorship.
Iraq
Seven days of documentary fieldwork from Baghdad to Erbil, built around access, daily assignments, close editing and the development of a concise visual story.
Led by Laurin Strele, Ethan Swope and Roberto Flores · Maximum 10 photographers
Programme details
Included: Daily field assignments, group reviews, individual guidance, local production support and ground transport during the programme.
Working method: Photograph by day, edit together each evening, identify what is missing and return to the field with a clearer plan.
Syria
Seven days of documentary fieldwork from Damascus to Aleppo via Saidnaya, Maaloula, Homs and Hama — focused on everyday life, cultural heritage and the lasting effects of conflict, with individual mentoring and daily image reviews.
Mongolia
Ten days of documentary fieldwork through the Altai, the northern taiga and Ulaanbaatar — time with Kazakh communities in western Mongolia and reindeer-herding families in the north, with daily editing and close mentorship.
India
Nine days in Kolkata and Varanasi, working on street life, people and everyday life along the Ganges — with daily assignments, reviews and individual guidance.
Peru
An immersive visual storytelling workshop is in development. The final route, dates and teaching team will be shared once field production is confirmed.
Indonesia
A small-group documentary workshop is in development, with sustained field time, daily critique and close mentorship at the centre of the programme.
Experience carried forward.
Each programme becomes part of a growing field archive: relationships built, stories pursued and photographs shaped through time, access and direct critique.
- Cuba · 2025
- India · 2025
- Iraq · 2025 & 2026
- Mongolia · 2026
Behind the scenes
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.
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Iraq 2027
4–10 January 2027 · Maximum 10 photographers · English
Baghdad → Babylon → Najaf → Karbala → Mosul → Erbil
Seven days with Laurin Strele, Ethan Swope, and Roberto Flores, combining trusted local access, independent fieldwork, and daily image reviews.
How the workshop works
01 — Apply. Send a short introduction and a link to your portfolio. We review every application personally to make sure the workshop is the right fit.
02 — Prepare. Before departure, we share practical guidance, discuss story ideas, and answer questions about working in the field.
03 — Photograph. Days are built around access, observation, and sustained fieldwork—not sightseeing or staged photo opportunities.
04 — Edit every day. We review the work together, identify what is missing, and make a clear plan for the next shoot.
05 — Leave with direction. You finish with a tighter body of work, stronger editing instincts, and a practical next step for your documentary practice.
Places available
View the full Iraq programme and apply
Syria · Peru · Indonesia
Three new destinations are planned for 2027. Dates, routes, and workshop details are still being shaped.
2026
Iraq · Mongolia
2025
Cuba · Iraq · India
Small-group documentary workshops built around fieldwork, access, daily editing, and close attention to context and ethics.
Past Workshops
Testimonials
“The workshop was a launching point into new creative directions. I left feeling deeply inspired—and I’m already planning to join another.”
Lynne — USA
“I met thoughtful photographers from around the world, worked on my image-making with real focus, and—most importantly—fell in love with Iraq.”
Injee — USA
“The small group gave me the freedom to ask questions and truly absorb the experience. Every moment became an opportunity to grow as a photographer.”
Robert — Switzerland
Apply for Iraq 2027
Tell us a little about your photography, what you hope to work on, and include a link to your portfolio or recent images.
We read every message personally and usually reply within three working days. If the workshop feels like a good fit, we’ll arrange a short call before confirming your place.
4–10 January 2027 · Maximum 10 photographers · Workshop language: English