I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing Sonya Woodman while working on a story about Cape Cod’s female wild oyster harvesters. The work is physically demanding and shaped by tides, weather, and instinct. “Every day is an adventure and everything is constantly shifting,” Sonya told me during our shoot. Her transition from shellfish grants to wild harvesting began with a profound full-moon moment—walking through the waves, bathed in moonlight, and feeling an indescribable connection to the ocean.
In our storytelling and narrative portrait workshops, we teach photographers how to uncover and visually express moments like these—where personal history, place, and image converge.
Photography Workshops
We offer immersive photography workshops designed to help students—of all ages and experience levels—discover new ways of seeing and telling stories through images. Each program blends hands-on practice, thoughtful instruction, and real-world environments to build both technical skill and creative confidence.
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The Narrative Portrait: Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill
August 24th-28th, 2026
Instructors: Julia Cumes and Lipe Borges
In this five-day workshop, photographers will explore how to create portraits that move beyond likeness to reveal story, emotion, and connection. Through guided demonstrations, discussions of lighting and composition, and hands-on practice sessions around the Castle Hill campus, participants will learn how to build trust with their subjects and craft images with narrative depth. Each day includes group feedback and individualized guidance from Julia Cumes and Lipe Borges, who will share their collaborative approach to portraiture and storytelling. By the end of the week, students will leave with a small body of work—and a deeper understanding of how to make portraits that feel alive, intentional, and deeply human.
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Photography Storytelling Workshop: Fine Arts Work Center, Provincetown, MA
July 27-31st, 2026
Instructors: Julia Cumes and Lipe Borges
Immerse yourself in the magic of Provincetown, MA, for a week of storytelling through photography. This workshop offers participants the opportunity to document one of New England's most dynamic and picturesque towns while refining their visual storytelling skills.
Based out of the Fine Arts Work Center, the workshop will guide photographers of all levels through the art of crafting compelling photo essays. With guidance from professional Cape Cod-based photographers Julia Cumes and Lipe Borges, participants will explore Provincetown’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich community life.
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Student Storytelling & Portrait Workshop: Cahoon Musem of American Art
Fall 2026
Instructors: Julia Cumes and Lipe Borges
Rooted in the spirit of Invisible Threads, this workshop gives high school students the chance to see their own stories as worthy of art. During a two-hour visit to the exhibition, students meet the artists, explore the portraits and narratives, and begin reflecting on their own identities, histories, and hopes.
Through guided prompts and hands-on portrait planning, they learn how photography and storytelling can work together to express something true about who they are. Back at school, students create their own portrait-and-story pairings, which are later showcased in an online or in-person exhibition. It’s a program designed to build confidence, deepen empathy, and help young people understand the power of their own voice.