Summer Workshop in Documentary Photography

Mads Nissen is a Danish documentary photographer, born in 1979, widely regarded as one of the most awarded photographer of his generation. He is a two-time winner of the prestigious World Press Photo of the Year (2015 and 2021), and in 2023 he was also awarded Story of the Year.

His work focuses on people and emotions — documenting social issues, conflict, identity, and cultural change. He has photographed in countries such as China, Russia, and Colombia, often highlighting stories of individuals living at the intersection of political and social tensions.

Nissen has worked with major international publications including Time, Newsweek, CNN, and National Geographic, and has long been affiliated with the Danish daily Politiken. His work has been exhibited across Europe and Latin America, including at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo.

He is also the author of several photobooks, including We Are Indestructible, a result of many years of work in Colombia, portraying a country emerging from decades of conflict.

In addition to his documentary work, he regularly leads workshops and lectures, sharing his experience and approach to photography as a tool for telling meaningful stories.

A summer documentary photography workshop will take place in Copenhagen. The program is designed for both beginners and experienced photographers who want to focus on storytelling through images. The workshop is held in Danish.

This workshop focuses on visual storytelling rather than technical photography skills. Participants will work with documentary and photojournalistic approaches to explore, observe, and communicate stories about people and places that matter to them.

The goal is to develop your personal perspective and strengthen your photographic voice. Through practice, feedback, and analysis of photo essays and documentary work, you will gain tools to create more meaningful and intentional images.

What You Will Learn
How to build a visual story from idea to execution.
How to observe light, mood, and human interaction.
How to develop your personal photographic voice.
How to edit and present a cohesive photo series.