Feeling and Seeing, Storytelling Workshop
with National Geographic photographer John Stanmeyer
Tbilisi, Georgia ~ 25 September through 3 October 2023
Feeling and Seeing, Storytelling Workshop with John Stanmeyer
Tbilisi, Georgia
25 September through 3 October 2023
This fall, we will be together again in one of my favorite cities, Tbilisi, Georgia, for our third in a series of storytelling workshops in the Paris of the East.
No more than twelve photographers will join me, creating and living together in the immersive art of feeling, seeing, and creating. An emergence of creating a complete photo essay while finding yourself and your purpose. As near therapists, we guide you from the beginning of your story idea to the completed essay, editing and creating long and short-form narratives.
As in all workshops I host, we bring you into the powerful mind-space of the "I do not know." Not because you are clueless about anything…of course, you are not! The I do not know opens us to the vastness of being astonished, curious, and open to everything before us and within.
Tbilisi is such a place to be lost and found within the power of; I do not know.
Overview
I have been to Georgia more times than can be remembered; Tbilisi is so personal and special to me. Having hosted three workshops in the Georgian capital, the narratives to be told just walking the streets are unending. Many photographers ' careers blossomed during the previous Storytelling workshop in 2016 and 2002. Both in their photography and in life…some photographers went from passionate hobbyists to full-time photographers. Two other photographers created books, and last year, Hailey Sadler created a story that was published this year in National Geographic. These gatherings are so profound, everyone is changed forever.
This fall, I am so excited to return and equally pleased to be joined by the photography curator, photo editor, cultural manager of MAUDI Art Gallery, and dear friend, Myriam Grigalashvili. I have known and collaborated with Myriam for many years, and I am thankful she will be joining me, bringing expansion to your photography.
Also joining me is Nana Abulidze. A Georgian photographer living and working in the United States. Nana brings an intimate and incanny way of expanding oneself by seeking wisdom we never knew existed withing all of us.
Throughout the 9-day workshop, we will live together and collaborate closely with each other in ways you have never experienced. A voyage within yourself, an expansion of the stories you will create.
Each photographer will create a long-form visual essay like I do for National Geographic magazine. Through story planning, you will be guided through the entire process beginning weeks before you arrive in Tbilisi. Each day and night together in Tbilisi, editing in what I call Therapy Sessions. By the end of our 9-days together, you will have a completed essay ready for pitching to publications.
Without going within, we only see the surface. There is enchantment in the aura surrounding all of us. Energies exist during every event we experience, but that is the surface. Only by going within ourselves can we expand into the world that, at first, is unrecognizable. A process of observing everything around us to present what is often unseen.
Workshop
This is a long-form story creation workshop, not a how-to-use camera gathering.
You know how to use a camera, the same as you know how to use a ladle for cooking soup — both are tools. Now is the moment to go within the core of yourself. The flavor. So we can see the invisible that is before us when we open ourselves to all that is within and before us.
In every workshop I host, each photographer is nurtured and expanded. We evolve to a higher level of upstanding who we are in such giving, unfolding our photography and careers.
Tbilisi is an ancient city. Astonishingly beautiful, with many concealed secrets. Some are joyful, while others are clocked in heaviness.
In one of the safest cities on earth, narratives unfold in the nation's capital when you enter into people's lives. The nights are always filled with mystery…during past gatherings, a photographer created stories only at night, while another lived in an old abandoned building now occupied by those who came to Tbilisi, unable to find housing. Another photographer traveled daily into the countryside surrounding Tbilisi, bringing a completely unexpected, beautiful story of rural life.
Projects and essays can be a continuation of a story you have begun elsewhere or on culture, issues related to the environment, women's issues in Georgian culture, housing, the heaviness of Russia always putting pressure on society, and more.
Once registered in the workshop, we will work closely via Zoom, Skype, and Whatsapp to shape a meaningful narrative narrative over the coming weeks before gathering in Tbilisi.
Each photographer will work with a fixer/translator…we call them Family. Collaborating with someone within the community brings you so much closer to the essence of your storytelling.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Communal
We will be living together in a hotel located in the Marjanishvili area of the city (Myriam is now organizing our living space, which will also be our workshop gathering venue). Private rooms with baths for up to 12 photographers will be no more than $45 per night, less for those willing to share accommodations with another photographer.
Creating
Each photographer is expected to arrive in Tbilisi no later than the morning of 25 September. Even better if you come by the 24th to ease into the timezone change. On the morning of the 25th, we will gather to meet each photographer and be introduced to their fixer/translators to begin logistics planning for your stories. That late morning or early afternoon, you begin to create.
Editing of photography, or Therapy Sessions, happens each day, and night, at the workshop venue. This is done individually and in groups, making it a fascinating learning experience for all when witnessing how each photographer's images evolve into a completed story throughout the workshop.
During our time together, I will present work on various nights of our gathering from more than 18 stories for National Geographic magazine. Myriam will be making an extraordinary presentation that will enlighten all of us — an introduction to Georgian photography. Her work as a curator in both the international and Georgian gallery art world, with insights into how to approach galleries and museums to have your work seen beyond the printed page in magazines. And if we are fortunate one evening, her mother, Natela Grigalashvili, will present her work — Natela is Georgia's most respected, talented visual documentary photographer. I love her photography! Sharing and discussing the pragmatic aspects of the photography business to help expand your career — do know career building is not solely a practical process. There is more.
My added role during our time together is in helping to demystify what often muddles up too many who want to expand their work either professionally or in general passion for storytelling. What I mean by this…we often muddle ourselves into overthinking. Our workshop is also cleansing, so you can clarify your purpose in this life. Whether you want to grow your career professionally or for personal growth, we cannot expand our photography until we expand ourselves.
On the evening of 3 October, each photographer will project their completed work to all attending the workshop and invited guests on a large screen in the garden. Photographers will present and discuss the unique aspects of each story in the exact same manner as a completed story for National Geographic magazine is given upon completion to editors. This evening event is truly magical and unforgettable, with each photographer learning something new about their own work and the work of their colleagues.
It is encouraged that all photographers consider staying longer in the country to continue nurturing what you've gathered during our time together. Myriam and I can help offer guidance and insight into places throughout the country of Georgia.
Costs
Workshop Fee — All workshops I host must be affordable and accessible. We only charge a workshop fee starting at $3000, offering early registration discounts of 15 percent and special discounts to the returning Workshop Family this year, offering a total discount of up to 20 percent.
To avoid hiring a workshop manager, which increases costs, all in-Tbilisi expenses you pay directly, with no markups or hidden fees…packaged workshops always create unnecessary expenses.
Hotel — With the kind support of Myriam Grigalashvili, we can keep room costs to only $45 per night. Soon we will be announcing the workshop hotel venue.
Fixer/Translator and Ground Transport — For your Family member support (fixer/translator), their day rate is a very kind $35 per day. During the previous Tbilisi workshop, we had the most talented Family members supporting photographers. You are also working with local photographers and journalists, who will help you with your stories. We also ask that when you are out working and take food somewhere, please support your Family member with their food. Most meals (even with beer) are $3-$5.
Ground Transport — Because we are in a city, a taxi will be your ground transport. There are numerous taxi companies in Tbilisi that use hailing apps. The average cost per local taxi ride is about $2-$5, depending on the distance. For those photographers wanting to work on stories outside Tbilisi, a car and driver are about $50 per day. Myriam and I will help organize private vehicles upon request.
Food and Drink — Hotel breakfasts, while acceptable, are not often the best…the coffee is terrible! Because we will be in the heart of the Old City of Tbilisi, there are numerous coffeehouses, and we often gather for breakfast, even lunches. Sometimes, we even edit at the garden tables. Food costs are around $2-7 per meal depending on what you order and how much food, slightly more if you add alcohol. There are also many delivery services in Tbilisi, making it simple and inexpensive compared to food costs throughout Europe or the United States.
Air transport — Each photographer sorts air transport from wherever you live to Tbilisi, Georgia (TBS). We suggest using Kayak, Priceline, Expedia, or Google Travel to find the lowest possible flight costs. I am here to help however possible.
Being a guest teacher at many "all-inclusive" workshops costs far too much to organize, manage, and host. While such an approach may seem convenient, it increases workshop fees to hire the management infrastructure and that is why those workshops can cost $7000-$10000.
The best approach is to make the workshops I host affordable and accessible through complete transparency. Creating a simple flowing structure where you pay directly for however, you want to travel or eat. We organize all our living and logistical support in-country, and you also pay directly to help support the lost costs possible.
Our workshops are about giving love and support, not torturing your wallet.
With our Tbilisi gathering beginning in just over two months, we suggest registering soonest… we will host the workshop with a minim of five photographers and a maximum of 12, and these events fill quickly.
Epilogue
We look forward to having you join us this September in a city that is so sweet, enchanting, and unexpected. Enlightening each of us in the limitlessness of storytelling. The unfathomable presence in all of us rises into awareness when we go within to feel. Then see.
Sending much love and kindness,
John, Myriam, and Nana
With Hailey Sadler for drone photography in Tbilisi, 2022.
Natela Grigalashvili's beautiful presentation, 2022.
Photographer Don Murray, watching story presentations, 2022.
Johnny Miller editing his final story with Irinka Tevdoradze, 2022.
Editing with photographers from Iran, 2017 Tbilisi workshop. Photo by Anush Babajanyan/VII
2016 Tbilisi workshop on the roof of the Check-Point Hotel. Photo by Anush Babajanyan/VII
Workshop Options
To support all photographers and those of our Workshop Family, special discounts are available.
Registration & Payment
Please read all sections of this webpage before submitting your registration to join this workshop. We accept Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo for deposits to guarantee a space and final payment to attend each workshop. We kindly ask if you are using PayPal, please send workshop payment as “To a Friend” to avoid PayPal fees. All transfer fees are the responsibility of each photographer. We do not accept deposit of payment directly on this webside, prefering to humanize these process — you will receive an email after registering to request payment to guarantee your space in the Tibilisi 2023 workshop.
$2400
Early Registration - Returning Workshop Family Photographer
• 20% Discount for early registration
• Deposit and full payment received before 31 July 2023
• Returning Workshop Family Photographer
$2550
Late Registration - Returning Workshop Family Photographer
• 15% Discount
• Deposit and full payment received after 31 July 2023
• Returning Workshop Family Photographer
$2550
Early Registration - New Workshop Family Photographer
• 15% Discount for early registration
• Deposit and full payment received before 31 July 2023
• New Workshop Photographer
$3000
Late Registration - New Workshop Family Photographer
• No Discount
• Deposit and full payment received after 31 July 2023
• New Workshop Photographer
Registration
Registration
Each participant is required to fill out the registration form and submit it to participate in the Tbilisi Feeling and Seeing, Storytelling Workshop with John Stanmeyer.
For the courtesy of others, we ask all participants must be vaccinated against COVID-19 — in 2022, two photographers got COVID while travelingto Tblisi. Both healed fine, it also meant we had to take highten caustions thereafter during the 2022 workshop. Thanking you kindly in advance for making these wonderful events safe and comfortable for everyone.
FAQs
Is this workshop open to everyone?
This storytelling workshop is open to everyone at all levels of photography. If you are genuinely passionate, committed to expressing yourself through the visual arts, and willing to journey into the depths of long-form visual essays. Tbilisi, however, is not a gathering about learning to use a camera.
I cannot afford but want to attend?
There are always at least two scholarships for each workshop I host. To submit for the scholarship, you must be a photographer from the Majority World or a US/EU resident who otherwise would not have access to such educational opportunities for economic reasons.
The photographers receiving scholarships must pay all expenses such as travel to Tbilisi, your hotel room, food, ground transport, and fixer/translators. Visas and transportation must be done individually once receiving the scholarship.
If you are a photographer from Georgia, such costs are likely not needed.
Also, Georgian photographers can stay in their own apartments, a friend's or family member's home rather than stay at the workshop venue hotel. We ask that you arrive each day to be with the Workshop Family. You will be treated equally, with the same love and support as all participating photographers.
How do I submit for the scholarship?
Fill out the form above and check "Tbilisi Scholarship." Include a sample of your work—an Instagram URL or a website URL. Or a collection of 20 images and/or videos submitted via WeTransfer or DropBox. The recipient will receive full, equal access to the workshop here at my home, including housing, food, and drink, with the deepest love and support.
What about Covid concerns?
Out of kindness to others, we ask that each participant must be fully vaccinated with any of the world's primary COVID-19 vaccines and bring with you the original proof of vaccination card. With Covid travel restrictions removed to and from nearly everywhere on earth and the Republic of Georgia completely open again to international travelers, there will be little or no concerns related to Covid so long as everyone is fully vaccinated and wears a mask when out photographing. By being vaccinated against the easy spread of Covid-19, we can gather without masks at the workshop venue, thanking you for this humanizing understanding so we are all comfortable and safe.
Are there any safety concerns?
No. Tbilisi is very safe, day and night. Other than the everyday awareness of keeping connected to your cameras, your wallet, and locking your hotel room when going out, it is almost unheard of for concerns related to armed robbery, rape, or killings. Of course, anything can happen. Tbilisi, like much of the Caucasus, is very safe.
How much will it cost?
Wanting to share the love, costs for this workshop range from $2400-$3000 with new discounts (see above). The workshop does not include your travels from wherever you live to Tbilisi, Georgia. Nor ground transport to the workshop venue, hotel/lodging, food, translators/fixers, or personal expenses.
We have designed the workshop to be the least prohibitive on your wallet for all expenses in Tbilisi. The hotel rooms at the workshop venue will not cost more than $45. Fixer/translators support each photographer at a welcoming rate of $25 per day — we also ask that you please pay for your fixer/translators' meals and basic ground transportation to and from the workshop venue. Estimated costs for food and drink would range from $10-$20 per day unless you choose to eat extravagantly. Taxis are very inexpensive in Tbilisi compared to Western Europe and the United States, with an average cost ranging from $2-$5 depending on your travel distance. Because photographers are arriving in Tbilisi from all over the world, airfare costs are unknown. Here are some estimated flight costs based on 8 July 2023:
From within the EU — $200-$500 r/t
From the United States — $770-$900 r/t
From the Middle East — $500-$800 r/t
From most major cities in Africa — $600-$1200 r/t
From most of Asia and South East Asia — $600-$1200 r/t
All costs you pay directly — meaning to the hotel upon arrival to the workshop, direct to your fixer/translators, for your food, etc. We take no commissions, fees, or tips from anyone, helping keep costs as low as possible for you.
Workshop Hotel Venue
At this time, Myriam Grigalashvili is busy visiting various hotels in the historic old city of Tbilisi, a charming, beautiful area within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and story-filled places.
Hotel rooms will cost no more than $45 per night for a private room with a private bath and shower. The costs will likely be less per person for those willing to share a room with another photographer.
We will be updating this website soon with the workshop hotel details. All those who register for the workshop will receive hotel room details as soon as the venue has been confirmed.
Can I stay at a nearby Airbnb?
The beauty of these gatherings is the dance we have together. In the energy and power of sharing ideas and creating stories. Long days and nights editing in therapy sessions. Coming and going to another place each day and night (sometimes multiple times per day) disrupts the energy for yourself and the others attending. Therefore, we will not support any photographer staying at an off-site hotel.
Only if you are a photographer receiving one of two scholarships to attend the workshop may you stay at a different location — we understand the cost of living concerns for those in the country, here to support you by any means possible.
Please note — scholarships are only open to Georgian photographers living in Georgia.
Can I arrive early?
Tbilisi is considered the Paris of the East. The kindest of people, welcoming and safe to be out during all hours of the day and night.
Steeped in culture, history, and incredible architecture, Tbilisi is one of the most beautiful cities I have been to. So lovely, I would even live there…who knows, maybe one day I will!
Stories are everywhere within the center of Tbilisi and its periphery. Some stories are weighty (meaning challenging to process the enormity), while others are deeper in emotion and beauty.
Nana, Myriam, and John help guide and craft your story idea weeks before you arrive.
Can I stay longer?
Of course! However, after the workshop ends the following day, please organize and manage your plans independently for anyone wanting to stay longer in Tbilisi or elsewhere in Georgia.
What do I bring?
Your mind, spirit, and photography.
Also, bring your camera or cameras and lenses. Always consider working with minimal gear — it is not the camera that makes great images. It is you, the creator holding a tool.
A laptop — I am only familiar with using a Mac. PCs drive me batty! Please know that I will do my best not to whine as my round head-aches when placed into a square hole! If you use a PC, you will have to guide me on using it. Or even better, switch the tool all artists use for ease of creation — an Apple.
Bring enough SD and/or CF flash cards to have ample space for many images…some days, it is not unusual to create 500-1000 images because a situation is so visual.
We suggest you bring two 1TB external HDs to store in replication of your photography.
Please only use Adobe Lightroom for all editing of your photography. John, Myriam, and Nana only use Lightroom and will not have the time to learn other digital image management systems. Therefore, it is not a request; you must use Adobe Lightroom. Thank you kindly for your understanding and for allowing the editing sessions we do daily, less painful!
Clothing and personal incidental
It will be summer in Tbilisi and relatively warm. Not equatorial hot but indeed warm and humid when in the sun. Light pants or skirts and cool tops are recommended. Bring a simple jacket as it does e a bit cool at night, especially when we are working late into the evening in what will likely be an open courtyard. Also, comfortable walking shoes (you will probably be doing a lot of walking), and maybe cozy sandals when at the workshop hotel. For personal incidentals, bring what is specific to and for your needs. All personal hygiene products such as toothpaste, shampoo, razors, etc., can be purchased easily and often less expensive than in the US/EU within walking distance of our workshop. If you take specific prescription medications, do bring those. Leaving basic, often heavy items (shampoo bottles, soaps, etc.) at home and purchasing in Tbilisi may help avoid excess luggage fees and lighten your load.
Where and what is Tbilisi like?
Tbilisi is considered the Paris of the East. The kindest of people, welcoming and safe to be out during all hours of the day and night.
Steeped in culture, history, and incredible architecture, Tbilisi is one of the most beautiful cities I have been to. So lovely, I would even live there…who knows, maybe one day I will!
Stories are everywhere within the center of Tbilisi and its periphery. Some stories are weighty (meaning challenging to process the enormity), while others are deeper in emotion and beauty.
Myriam, Nana, and John help guide and craft your story idea weeks before you arrive.
Anything else do I need to know?
There are always more questions than answers. The answer shifts, expanding as each moment passes.
All you need is already within…the desire to be taken places you haven't been before.
Opening yourself to being lifted by each other in this communal gathering.
Giving to the limitless that resides within all of us.
Myriam. Nana and I look forward to being with each of you this summer of storytelling in Tbilisi, Georgia,
John, Myriam, and Nana
Liability WAIVER
This workshop is solely organized and run by Shaker Dam LLC.
Shaker Dam LLC, John Stanmeyer, the VII photo agency, Myriam Grigalashvili, Nana Abulidze, or any assistant, manager, organizer, or support staff nor any other participant does not assume liability nor responsibility for death, injury, or accident to any participant participating in the workshop in Tbilisi, Georgia, anywhere else in the Republic of Georgia, or while traveling to/from the workshop venue from their home countries.
Shaker Dam LLC, John Stanmeyer, the VII photo agency, or any assistant, manager, organizer or support, Myriam Grigalashvili, Nana Abulidze, staff, or any other participant does not assume responsibility for a participant if they are arrested if their equipment is damage, acts of robbery, kidnapping, loss of personal items, damages to other person’s property or other acts of neglect by the participant or neglect caused by someone else. As well as any pre-existing or none pre-existing health issues, including illness, accident, death or any health issues related to COVID-19.
Shaker Dam LLC, John Stanmeyer, the VII photo agency, Myriam Grigalashvili, Nana Abulidze, or any assistant, manager, organizer, or support staff nor any other participant does not assume or cannot be held accountable for any cancellation of the workshop due to war, conflict, demonstrations, act or terrorism, social unrest, pandemics or acts of God.
Each foreign participant must have a valid passport and must organize and pay for their own visa into the Republic of Georgia, procuring their visa at an overseas Georgian Embassy or Consulate office before arrival. NOTE: Many nationalities are offered free visas on arrival. Check with the nearest Georgian Embassy near you or the Consulate office for details, as each passport holder’s country has different visa rules.
Shaker Dam LLC, John Stanmeyer, the VII photo agency, Myriam Grigalashvili, Nana Abulidze, or any assistant, manager, organizer, or support staff nor any other participant does not assume nor are liable if the participant is refused entry into the Republic of Georgia for any reason whatsoever.
Each participant must pay for their own air travel and/or land travel to and from Tbilisi, Georgia, and any ground transportation during the workshop. Food, drink, housing, fixer/translators, ground transport, and airfare are not included with your workshop fee and will be paid directly to each relevant business or person.
A minimum of 7 participants is required to host the workshop. The workshop can be canceled if not having at least 7 participants, with refunds offered only for the workshop fee. All other refunds related to hotels, air transport, etc., are the responsibility of the registered photographer if the workshop is canceled due to falling below 7 participants.
No refunds will be given after August 1, 2023, unless the workshop minimum has not been met and the workshop is canceled.
In the event that the workshop does not reach a minimum number of participants before September 15, 2023, full refunds will be given. However, travel costs and other incidental costs incurred by the participant will not be refunded. Refund will be minus all bank or PayPal transfer fees.
All bank, wire, and Paypal transfer fees are the responsibility of each participant. You will be notified by email with the total fee payment if there is a transfer fee. Any transfer fees can be made in person once in Tbilisi, Georgia, or electronically.
If John Stanmeyer becomes ill or is injured during the workshop, he will do all he can to continue hosting the event. No refunds will be offered if John Stanmeyer becomes extremely ill, incapacitated, or dies during the workshop.
Shaker Dam LLC, John Stanmeyer, the VII photo agency, Myriam Grigalashvili, Nana Abulidze, any assistant, manager, organizer, support staff, or any other participant will not be held accountable for any schedule/date changes.
It is recommended that all participants purchase travel insurance from a reputable source.
It is recommended that anyone requesting special health vaccines receive those before traveling to the Republic of Georgia.
As a courtesy to others, you should be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend this workshop, with proof of vaccination card.
Each participant and/or their spouse/partner must abide by the laws and rules of the Republic of Georgia.