Visual Storytelling Workshop – Confluence Collective

The V Edition of the Introduction to Visual Storytelling with Swastika Pal and Brihat Rai was held from 24th October to 2nd November 2025.

This 10-day immersive, residential workshop was designed for photographers passionate about exploring storytelling through the lens, whether they were just beginning their journey or seeking to deepen their practice in documentary photography and visual narratives. This year, they welcomed a wonderful mix of participants from across India, including six women participants for the first time!

MENTORS: Swastik Pal and Brihat Rai

Swastik Pal is a visual artist working with photography and video. His practice explores human-environment relationships, notably in The Delta Trilogy (2014–2024), documenting the climate crisis in the Sundarbans. He began his personal project My Uncle Tukka in 2012. Swastik holds degrees in English and Film Studies and has received the Alexia Student Award (2018). His work appears in The Economist, BBC, and Financial Times.

Brihat Rai is a lens-based artist from Kalimpong in the Eastern Himalayas. Working with photography and moving images, his practice explores memory, stillness, and emotional interiority. An alumnus of Pathshala’s International Photography Programme, he also holds a Master’s in Mass Communication from the University of North Bengal. He co-founded The Confluence Collective, focusing on collaborative storytelling in the Darjeeling–Sikkim region.

Participants: Click names for videos!

Harshil Kumar – Kolkata, West Bengal @harshil_kumar_08

Neha Srinivasan – Bangalore, Karnataka

Laina Singha – Duliajan, Assam @lainasingha

Sreyosi Dey – Kolkata, West Bengal @sreyontherun

Vhashkar Chettri – Kalimpong, West Bengal @v_chettri9photography

Ahana Basu – Shillong, Meghalaya @ahanabasu

Akshita Talwar – New Delhi @talwar_akshita

Gagan Khati – Darjeeling, West Bengal @infidel.mind

Ishan Banerjee – Ranchi, Jharkhand @ishan.indrajeet

Pema Yangden – Dzongu, Sikkim @pema_yangden_aramoo_lepcha

For what program were the funds given? Who were the beneficiaries? 
The funds were allocated to support the Visual Storytelling Workshop. They were used to rent the workshop venue, provide accommodation and meals for participants, and cover mentorship fees. The direct beneficiaries were the participating photographers from the region.

What was the direct short-term impact on the attendees/beneficiaries? 
The workshop provided participants with an intensive learning environment tailored for photographers at different stages of their practice. Under the mentors’ guidance, attendees developed their personal processes from conceptualising and contextualising stories, experimenting with aesthetics, and addressing ethics and representation, to strengthening their technical skills. This immersive experience enhanced both their creative confidence and practical capabilities.

What do you believe the long-term impact could be? 
In the long term, the workshop is expected to have a sustained influence on the participants by deepening their understanding of the medium, encouraging self-reflection, and helping them focus on meaningful, long-term projects. As one of the first workshops of its kind in the region, it plays a crucial role in shaping a new generation of local photographers who are committed to documenting and sharing local stories.

Do you see potential for a ripple effect on the broader community? Who else might benefit, and how? 
Yes, we anticipate a significant ripple effect within the broader community. As one of the pioneering visual storytelling workshops in the region, it has already inspired many emerging local photographers. Participants often go on to influence and mentor others, helping to strengthen visual literacy, expand representation of local narratives, and foster a growing creative ecosystem.

How does the funding benefit your organization?
PhotoSouthAsia’s support made it possible for The Confluence Collective to host the 5th Edition of the Visual Storytelling Workshop. We were unable to conduct the workshop last year due to a lack of funds, so this contribution was essential in allowing us to continue this important program. With sustained support, we are able to keep offering one of the region’s leading platforms for nurturing photographers who are committed to producing meaningful, locally rooted work.