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Tell Your Story Through Image

The Documentary Practice and Visual Storytelling Online program offers a unique opportunity for students and professionals worldwide to engage in a rigorous, year-long journey tailored for the online environment. 

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This intensive program spans a full calendar year (January 2025 - December 2025), blending guided classroom study with independent fieldwork focused on creating a long-form documentary project.

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.

Do you have a story to tell? Do you wish your work could have more impact? 

Learn to tell the urgent stories around you. 

 

Image by Dara Petrova (DOC Online ’25)

Program Details

 

Study Format

Online

 

Program Duration

January to December

 

Live Class Hours

8–10 hours/week

*Total Program Commitment (including live classes, assignments, and independent work)
12–18 hours/week

 

Application Due Date

October 18, 2026

 Term 1 (January-May): This phase introduces visual literacy, ethics, and research fundamentals. Emphasis is placed on story development, providing a solid foundation for the documentary project.

Term 2 (June-August): 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.

 Term 3 (September-December): Students focus on refining and contextualizing their projects, collaborating with peers and international faculty to create a cohesive and articulate body of work.

Work with Global Photography Professionals

Tell the urgent stories around you in this immersive One-Year Program rooted in online critique and discussion paired with independent fieldwork. 

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, ready to make their mark in the field of visual storytelling.

Scholarships and Fellowships - Don't Miss the Deadline—Apply by Oct 18

Applicants are automatically considered for all eligible ICP merit-based scholarships and fellowships by completing the scholarship section in the program application form (Slideroom). No additional forms are required. Special opportunities include the The Schoenfeld-Capa Scholarship. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do ICP’s online programs work?

ICP’s online programs combine live classes, independent project work, and group critiques over the course of one year. Students meet regularly with faculty and peers in a structured schedule while developing a long-term, self-directed project. The program is designed to balance guided instruction with independent exploration, allowing students to deepen their practice while building a cohesive body of work. 

2. Are the classes live or self-paced?

Classes are live and interactive, allowing students to engage directly with faculty and peers in real time. In addition to scheduled sessions, students complete independent work on their own schedule, including assignments, readings, and project development. This structure offers both flexibility and consistent engagement. All classes are scheduled on weekdays from  9 AM—1 PM  Eastern Time (ET). There are no class recordings provided.  

3. How much time should I expect to commit each week?

Students typically dedicate 12–18 hours per week to the program. This includes live class sessions, coursework, critiques, and time spent developing their individual projects. The program is designed to be manageable alongside professional or personal commitments, while still requiring a consistent and active level of participation. 

4. Do I need documentary photography experience to apply?

Yes, the program is designed for emerging photographers, image-makers, and artists with prior experience who are looking to deepen their creative practice, develop a cohesive body of work, and engage in critical dialogue around visual culture.

Applicants are expected to have a foundational understanding of their practice and submit a portfolio as part of the application. The program is not intended for beginners, but for those seeking to refine their work and develop a more focused direction.  

 

5. What kind of documentary project will I develop?

Students develop a long-term documentary photography project focused on a subject, community, or issue that is meaningful to them. Projects evolve throughout the year through research, critique, mentorship, and independent fieldwork.

6. Will I receive feedback and mentorship on my work?

Yes, feedback is a central component of the program. Students receive regular input from faculty as well as from their peers through critiques, discussions, and presentations. This ongoing exchange helps students refine their ideas, strengthen their work, and develop a more critical approach to their practice. 

7. Can I work while taking the program?

Yes. ICP’s Online One-Year Program is designed for emerging artists who may be working while studying. With a limited live class schedule and an estimated weekly commitment of 12–18 hours, students are able to balance their studies with professional and personal responsibilities in their local communities. 

8. Is this program focused on documentary photography or photojournalism?

This program focuses on documentary photography and visual storytelling through long-term, personal, and research-based projects. While students may explore journalistic approaches, the curriculum is broader than traditional photojournalism and encourages a wide range of documentary practices.

9. What equipment or software do I need for the program?

Online students will receive access to Adobe Creative Suite. However, they are required to have their own professional camera gear, a computer with a stable internet connection capable of running Adobe software, and an external hard drive for file storage. creative environment. The program supports both technical development and conceptual growth.  

10. What will I achieve by the end of the program?

By the end of the program, students will have developed a cohesive body of work or portfolio that reflects their individual interests and approach. In addition, students gain experience presenting and discussing their work, receiving critical feedback, and engaging in a professional creative environment. The program supports both technical development and conceptual growth.  

MAKE AN IMPACT THROUGH ART

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Leadership support for exhibitions, education, public programs and community programs at the International Center of Photography is provided by our Trustees, ICP Collections and Exhibitions Committees, and generous individuals and institutions in our community; ICP is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.  
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