Photography Without Borders

Telling Their Stories

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Due to COVID-19, Photography Without Borders will continue programming virtually until it is safe to resume in person classes and events. LogoLogoLogo

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About Us Since 2009 Photography Without Borders has been teaching youth how to tell their powerful, personal stories using traditional and digital photographic techniques. YQmQage Our Story

We call ourselves Photography Without Borders because borders can be both geographical and perceived. We give voice to students in the Kensington and Olney neighborhoods of North Philadelphia, some of the most disenfranchised parts of the city. They use the classroom to communicate their feelings in a supportive space and gain confidence to speak thoughtfully in a group setting. Their powerful stories help create change locally and on class trips. Many of their images have dealt with the violence, blight and drug problems that have plagued North Philly for decades. Their photos have been so powerful that Philadelphia City Council has used them during their hearings as examples of what issues affect the North Philadelphia community. Just taking a group to the Christmas Village in Center City felt like an adventure for many. Imagine their wonder at leaving the country to visit other students in Colombia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these students documented their struggles and found joy in their daily lives despite the obstacles. Learn More Staff Tony Rocco

Executive Director Shoshanna Wiesner

Program Director Board of Directors Jesus Rincon Cassandra Avila Richard W Gretzinger Alejandro Alvarez Rey Sierra

Student Representative LuzSelenia Salas

Secretary Bill Jordan

Chair Adjunct Members Colin Burgess Rafaela Colon

Consultant looking back... 2000, 1st Photo Students 2000, 1st Photo Students

2006, 1st Colombia Project 2006, 1st Colombia Project

2006, My 1st Colombia Students Grupo Aguacero 2006, My 1st Colombia Students Grupo Aguacero

2009, 1st Shutterbugs Project Started At Stetson 2009, 1st Shutterbugs Project Started At Stetson

2012, 1st Trip To Colombia 2012, 1st Trip To Colombia

2013, 2nd Trip To Colombiame Teaching In Colombia 2013, 2nd Trip To Colombiame Teaching In Colombia

2013, Brought Colombian Students To Philly 2013, Brought Colombian Students To Philly

2015, 3rd Trip To Col 2015, 3rd Trip To Col

2015, 3rd Trip To Colombia 2015, 3rd Trip To Colombia

2016, Exhibition At UPennUPenn Exhibit 2016, Exhibition At UPennUPenn Exhibit

2019, Hostos Shutterbugs Published In Curriculum Book 2019, Hostos Shutterbugs Published In Curriculum Book

Take a trip down memory lane with us on some of our international adventures: Blog Archive Logo

In The News

The power of snapshots, Philadelphia Citizen, January 18, 2021.