Witnessing the World Together
A few weeks ago, we concluded teaching CIEE Summer Session 3 - Photojournalism. It felt like embarking on such a richly diverse, deeply human journey. Together with my students, we explored the vast and intricate landscapes of visual storytelling - learning not only how to take photographs, but how to see, how to listen, and how to understand the many contexts, details, and perspectives that shape an image.
And as always, I say that I do enjoy having guest speakers join us on this journey, as research also shows students consistently benefit when educators bring varied backgrounds and perspectives. This session was certainly made richer by the presence of six extraordinary guest speakers, each one a chapter in our collective story, each one expanding the way we think and feel about photography, photojournalism and overall - visual storytelling.
We began with Maria, who opened her heart and lens to us, speaking about the realities of being a photographer - not as a static identity, but as a living, evolving process. She shared her path of self-discovery, her developing style, and the ways motherhood reshaped her creativity. Her words reminded us that photography is not separate from life, but deeply present in it.
Then came Daphne, who invited us into the world of colour and its quiet, psychological power. She showed us how a colourist’s work in film can alter emotion, narrative, and memory, and how every shade tells its own story. Her talk revealed that colour isn’t just an aesthetic choice - it’s a language of its own.
Caspar followed with a raw and generous look into the life of a street photographer. He shared his perceptions of the world, his openness to spontaneity, and his belief in creativity as an everyday practice. Listening to him felt like stepping into the unpredictable rhythm of city streets, where moments become treasures in the blink of an eye.
We were then treated to a special open lecture from Stefano, whose behind-the-scenes journey into his award-winning documentary War on Education left a deep mark. He unfolded the process, the challenges, and the emotional weight of telling such a powerful story. His openness offered the students a rare and honest glimpse into the dedication it takes to bring truth to light.
Tracy took us further - across time, across borders - connecting together light and heavy moments in photojournalism. She didn’t shy away from the difficult images, but instead guided us on how to carry them with care, understanding their impact and importance.
Finally, Celine, who travelled all the way from Paris to share her gentle way of witnessing. She spoke of photojournalism not only as an act of capturing, but as an act of accompanying - of being present to stories and people. Her perspective as an art curator enriched the conversation, showing how images can live many lives in different contexts.
Each of these voices was a gift - to me, to the students, to the unfolding of the course. They brought new layers of thought, practice, and emotion to our classroom, making it a space of true exchange. And now, as we closed summer session 3, I find myself deeply grateful - for the generosity of our guest speakers, for their willingness to share not just their work, but their truths. Most of all, I am grateful to have watched the students grow more curious, more daring, and more open to the beauty and complexity of the world. Like light finding its way through the narrowest of cracks, creativity has a way of expanding when it is nurtured.
