Documentary Practice:
Visual Storytelling Online

Learn to tell urgent stories about the world around you in this dynamic One-Year Program rooted in online critique and group discussion paired with independent fieldwork. Be guided by world-renowned ICP faculty, connect with fellow imagemakers from across the globe, and bring your visual stories to life.

Program Structure

This intensive program spans a full calendar year (January-December), blending guided classroom study with independent fieldwork focused on creating a long-form documentary project.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will gain a deep understanding of developing and constructing a visual narrative, enriched by dialogue with a global community of photographers. Students are encouraged to explore both local and global perspectives in their storytelling.

Class Structure

Classes are conducted live on weekday mornings (between 9 AM – 1 PM Eastern Standard Time) for approximately 8-10 hours per week. Sessions are held on Zoom, typically lasting two to three hours each.

Ideal Candidates

This program is designed for photographers committed to long-term projects and eager to engage in collaborative learning with a global cohort. By the end of this program, participants will have developed their unique visual voice and completed a substantial documentary project.

First Semester

(Jan–May)

This phase introduces visual literacy, ethics, and research fundamentals. Emphasis is placed on story development, providing a solid foundation for the documentary project.

Second Semester (June–Aug)

Dedicated exclusively to independent fieldwork, students work under the guidance of a mentor to develop their long-term projects. No classes are held during this period.

Final Semester (Sept–Dec)

Students focus on refining and contextualizing their projects, collaborating with peers and international faculty to create a cohesive and articulate body of work.

The application is open from July 1 through October 20.

Apply Online

Documentary Practice: Visual Storytelling Online

The application is open from July 1 through October 20.

Documentary Practice:
Visual Storytelling Online