Camera Ministry: Lens-based Encounters

[vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46T0dWTytwA” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Over the past 15 years Khalik Allah has carved out an impressive creative space that’s entirely his own, developing a fiercely original lens-based practice reflecting a holistic artistic philosophy. From street photography to portraiture to poetic documentary, and everything in between, Khalik’s images feel as though they transcend the material context of their creation, while retaining a handmade quality and the very deep and present love for whoever is being represented.

In this workshop we’re excited to invite Khalik to unpack the intricacies of his method, both material and spiritual, walking participants through his singular approach to image-making and the conception of what he refers to as the “Camera Ministry”. Participants will explore lens-based storytelling as a practice of presence, connection and encounter, considering how the camera can become a tool for seeing, relating and connecting to the world around us and the people in it in deeper ways.

On the one hand, Khalik’s practice centers a profound care and attention to the people he encounters. On the other hand, an intricate and intimate knowledge of the tools of photography and cinematography allows the act of image-making itself to be as unobtrusive as possible. Over the course of this intensive workshop, we’ll consider the camera as both a technological object and a kind of spiritual instrument. We’ll be asking questions like: what does it mean to truly see another person? How can a camera become a means for connection rather than simply a tool for observation? How do intuition, repetition, proximity, conversation, trust, and vulnerability enter into the making of an image? What responsibilities come with photographing someone else, and how might intimacy, trust, and presence shape the image?

Communing with Khalik over the weekend will be a carefully selected group of guests and artists that will help to expand on and deepen our understanding of the special alchemy that occurs when a camera lens mediates our encounters with others. Filmmaker, cinematographer and teacher Shevaun Mizrahi will discuss her transition from cinematographer to director, and the ways magical realism and verité interact in her work. Legendary hip-hop photographer and cultural archivist Jamil GS will reflect on photography as a form of cultural memory. Stay tuned for more guest additions to the workshop.

Participants will also get the opportunity to share their own lens-based works with Khalik for a creative feedback session. Spots are limited, so don’t wait to grab yours now![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Details” color=”white” el_class=”h1″][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_tta_accordion style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”white” active_section=”8″ no_fill=”true” collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Who is eligible?” tab_id=”1477608256488-ac7d3d1a-ae9084d0-801ebd47-97fc”][vc_column_text css=””]Open to everyone, though the workshop setting is best suited for filmmakers, film producers, journalists, curators and media artists.

Give us an idea of who you are and why you are coming. When you register you will be asked for a short statement of interest that should briefly describe your experience and a film project (it would be great if you have a project in progress that you would present to the group during the work-in-progress critique sessions), plus a bio. There’s a spot for a link to a work sample (and CV, which would also be nice, but is not required).[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Cost” tab_id=”1477608256642-4c32d845-e84384d0-801ebd47-97fc”][vc_column_text css=””]$295 early bird registration ends on Nov 7, 2026.

$350 regular registration.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_s