PRISM PHOTO WORKSHOP
Supporting the next generation of storytellers in Chicago and beyond.
The 2026 Prism Photo Workshop will be held on Saturday, May 23 at Columbia College Chicago.
Join us at the Conway Center:
1104 S. Wabash Ave., 1st Floor
Whether you’re an aspiring photojournalist or mid-career visual storyteller, our expert presenters, panelists, and portfolio reviewers will help develop your unique perspective while guiding you through best business practices and other skills vital to sustainable careers. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your toolbox, sharpen your skills and grow your professional community.
The workshop programming runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with portfolio reviews closing out the day.
Breakfast and lunch are included with your ticket! Seats are free but limited, so act fast and register here:
2026 Schedule (subject to change)
9:00 AM: Breakfast and networking
10:00 AM: Opening remarks
10:15 AM: Adriano Kalin: Crowdfunding Your Passion Project
11:15 AM: Business panel: Building a Sustainable Photo Career
April Alonso, the Digital Publishing & Visual Director at Cicero Independiente, will host a conversation with Sun-Times staff photojournalist Anthony Vazquez, commercial photographer Akilah Townsend and freelance photojournalist Lou Foglia
Noon: Lunch and networking
1 pm: Keynote Different Road, Same Table: A conversation About Careers in Photography with Photographer Kevin Serna and CHICAGO Photo Director Jackie Rivas
2 pm: Camille Smith: Mindfulness Practices for Creatives
2:15 pm: Expanded Portfolio Reviews & Mentoring Session: 5 15-minute sessions available per reviewer
Sign-ups for portfolio reviews will be first come, first served at 9:30 a.m. on May 23rd. Stay tuned to learn more about this year’s reviewers.
Portfolio Reviews/Mentoring Sessions
2026 Speakers & Panelists
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April Alonso
DIGITAL PUBLISHING & VISUAL DIRECTOR AT CICERO INDEPENDIENTE
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Lou Foglia
PHOTOGRAPHER, LOU FOGLIA PHOTOGRAPHY
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Gonzalo Guzman
PRISM PHOTO WORKSHOP PROGRAM MANAGER
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Adriano Kalkin
FOUNDER, THE PEOPLE’S APERTURE
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Jaclyn Rivas
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY, CHICAGO MAGAZINE
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Kevin Serna
PHOTOGRAPHER, KEVIN SERNA PHOTOGRAPHY
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Camille Smith
MEDITATIVE TEACHER
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Akilah Townsend
PHOTOGRAPHER, AKILAH TOWNSEND PHOTOGRAPHY
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Anthony Vazquez
VISUAL JOURNALIST, THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
What We Offer
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Whether you’re an aspiring photojournalist or mid-career visual storyteller, our expert presenters, panelists, and portfolio reviewers will help develop your unique perspective while guiding you through best business practices and other skills vital to sustainable careers. Don’t miss this annual opportunity to build your toolbox, sharpen your skills and grow your professional community.
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Keynote presentations and panels are the highlight of our annual workshop. Our speakers share practical advice and valuable insights that leave attendees informed and inspired.
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Connect with industry-leading professionals and get feedback on your work with 1-on-1 portfolio review sessions at our annual workshop. We have facilitated more than 100 portfolios with commissioning editors from publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, South Side Weekly, the Chicago Sun-Times and Getty.
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We also offer grants, scholarships and mentorship. Read more here.
Major Sponsors
Additional Funders
Our Impact
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$41,000
in funding for Chicago-based visual storytellers
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30
paid speaking opportunities
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1,000+
workshop attendees
Donate
Your tax-deductible donation will help the Workshop offer resources to visual journalists from traditionally underrepresented communities through grants, scholarships, mentoring and our annual live workshop. Contributions at any level are welcome.