2025 Prism Photo Workshop

Join us for the 2025 Prism Photo Workshop at the Columbia College Conaway Center at 1104 S. Wabash Avenue, 1st Floor, in Chicago on Saturday, May 3, 2025!

Whether you’re an aspiring photojournalist or mid-career visual storyteller, our expert presenters, panelists, and portfolio reviewers will help develop your unique perspective while guiding you through best business practices and other skills vital to sustainable careers. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your toolbox, sharpen your skills, and grow your professional community.

The workshop is from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with portfolio reviews closing out the day.

Breakfast and lunch are included with your ticket! Seats are free but limited, so act fast and register below.

Click here if you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation (without the Eventbrite fee) to support our work and ensure the workshop continues to provide resources to visual storytellers into the future.

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Sign-ups for portfolio reviews will be first come, first served at 9:30 a.m. on May 3rd. You will be able to sign up for a particular time for one 20-minute portfolio review with one of the reviewers below (there will be 3 slots for each).

Prepare to meet and present your work to talented and experienced photographers and photo editors, including…

• Colin Boyle, Director of Photography, Block Club Chicago
• Brian Cassella, Staff photographer, Chicago Tribune
• Max Herman, Photo Editor, Borderless
• James Hosking, Artist and Art Director
• Manual Martinez, Director of Photography, WBEZ
• Sydney Mori Garrett, Director of Programs, 3Arts
• Jaclyn Rivas, Director of Photography, CHICAGO Magazine
• Fred Sasaki, Creative Director, the Poetry Foundation
• Danielle Scruggs, Photo Editor, The Wall Street Journal
• Diana Solís, Independent Photographer, Multidisciplinary Artist, and Educator

The reviews will take place from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., immediately following our workshop programming. Please bring a tablet, laptop, or prints to showcase your work.

No need to feel shy about showing your work. It's great to get feedback wherever you are. Portfolio reviews are all about building relationships with editors and peers. If you don’t have work to show and want to have a conversation with the reviewer, that works too!

9:00am – Doors open

9:30am – Portfolio Review signup begins

10:00am – Welcome and Ice Breaker

10:15am – PRESENTATION: Safety in the Field - Jeje Mohamed 

11:45am – Breakout: Who is your support system in your work?

12:00pm – Lunch

1:00pm – A word from our sponsors

1:10pm – PRESENTATION: Investing in Artistic Practice in Community - Silvia Gonzalez

1:45pm – PANEL: Movement Photojournalism with Siliva Gonzalez, Lyric Newbern, and Ally Almore, photographers embedded in activist communities 

2:15pm – Break

2:25pm – PANEL: Best Business Practices - an accountant, attorney Brendan Healey, and photographer-turned-editor Jaclyn Rivas

2:55pm – Networking Opportunity

3:05pm – KEYNOTE: Creating Opportunity in Local News - Kenn Cook

3:40pm – Break

3:45 – 4:45pm – Mentoring Sessions/Portfolio Reviews

Host or Publisher Prism Photo Workshop