Project LA
Photography as a Force of Change
Join Momenta for our longest-running West Coast workshop as we support the rebuilding of Altadena, the epicenter of the devastating fires of 2025.
During this workshop program, you will work with a nonprofit partner operating in the areas around Altadena where the 2025 Eaton Fire was the most devastating. The nonprofit partners cover a range of issues from human rights, children’s arts and educational programs, animal rescue, home rebuilding, job training, immigration, and homeless outreach. Join us for this powerful, life changing workshop.
The Details
Dates: Feb 3-7, 2026
City: Altadena/Pasadena, CA
Total Spots Available: 15
Skill levels: Beginner - Pro
Activity Level: Light - Moderate
“Such a wonderful way to learn about and connect with a new community, work with other photographers and continually grow as a visual storyteller. Thank you for a beautiful experience.”
—Sophia Nahli Allison, Project LA attendee & Oscar-nominated Filmmaker
Register Now
$1750
Option One
You can choose to pay the full tuition now at the link below. All registrations are subject to our Terms and Conditions, which includes refunds and cancellation policies
$875
Option two
You can choose to pay half the tuition now at the link below. Final payments and all registrations are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
$1575
Alumni
If you are an alumni, please use the code ALUMNI10 for 10% off this workshop at checkout. If you choose this option, we will confirm your alumni status with our records. Final payments and all registrations are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
$875
Full Time Students
If you are a full time student in undergrad or grad school, we will confirm with your school for full time status after you register. Final payments and all registrations are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
NEW!
If you have any issues with the registration or want to ask questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff.
About The WorkshopFive Incredible days of Nonprofit Storytelling
During this inspirational workshop, you will be paired with a local nonprofit to create a powerful photo or multimedia story about their staff and mission. You’ll also have a full day of educational lectures, guest lectures from professionals hands-on instruction to help improve your technical skills, as well as daily 1-on-1 editing sessions. We will end our week together with a huge public slideshow party celebrating the nonprofit partners and your amazing projects. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Faculty
We have a 5-to-1 maximum ratio so you have plenty of personalized time with coaches all week. Meet our Team.
Tuition
$1750 (Minimum Deposit: $875) / Students $875
Continuing education certificates available. Professional members, nonprofit staff, and veterans discounts available.
Pre-Workshop Planning
We are here to help every step of the way including lodging suggestions, reading and research packets, and more.
What to Expect
Nonprofit Partners
Your nonprofit partner will give you access to their clients and programs for your documentary project. In exchange, you gift a small selection of images for their marketing. You keep the copyright, of course!
Logistics & Support
We want you to feel fully prepared for your journey with us. We provide you with pre-workshop virtual quizzes, inspirational readings or videos, and informative documents to get you ready
Daily Coaching & Editing
You will get at least one hour of private editing daily. We look at all your images from the day’s take in a direct, hands-on approach to help support your personal learning process.
Nightly Meetings
Every night we meet as a group to exchange thoughts and ideas on topics like ethics and equity in documentary coverage, nonprofit storytelling techniques, gear and software, and much more.
Orientation & Presentations
Our faculty and guest lecturers cover topics like photo archiving, workflow, and file management. Think of this as our effort to build clients into better business people, as well as documentarians
Final Slideshow & Excursion
On our final evening, we have a public slideshow party for the nonprofits, attendees, and faculty. On Saturday, we have an optional street photography excursion to Venice Beach!
Itinerary
Day 1 | Orientation Day
This is a jam-packed learning day full of presentations! We will begin your workshop at 11 a.m. and conclude around 7 p.m. Please have your computer and your cameras with you. There will be a break for a catered group dinner. This is the only sponsored meal of the workshop.
After hours: We usually head to our favorite local bar for portfolio reviews or discussions about your nonprofit assignments.
Day 2-3 | Documenting Your Nonprofits
Each day, you’ll work with your individual nonprofit partner to develop a shooting schedule. When you get a break, you’ll return to headquarters for your one-on-one editing sessions with a coach. Each person can sign up for a 1-hour editing session with a coach per day. Sign-ups happen the day before and this process will be covered extensively during orientation. On day 2 & 3, group meetings will happen at 7:30-8:30 p.m. every night and are usually followed up by a trip to a local pub for more edits.
Day 4 - Final Day & Slideshow
Final Shoots & Editing
Make sure to have your edit scheduled by Thursday Evening! Some folks may still have some shoots lined up with their nonprofits, but most will be doing final edits with their Momenta Instructors. Make sure to be on time for these edits, as they are the most important of the workshop.
Slideshow Party
Let’s celebrate! Friday’s editing sessions happen all morning and afternoon as everyone is finalizing their project. You can still use this day to document your nonprofit or spend more time editing your work. You and your editor will choose a selection of images for the final slideshow party that night that is open to all nonprofits, members of the public, Momenta alumni, and our workshop. This is a very special slideshow experience and a wonderful way to celebrate all your hard work of the workshop as a group.
Day 5 - Optional Street Photography Excursion
Since everyone is working hard all week long, we plan an extra event to get out and do some good ol’ fashioned street photography in Venice Beach. On Saturday, we will meet at his internationally famous locale for people watching and do a photo walkabout to find hidden moments and lively portraits. This is completely optional and a great way to stretch your legs before your flight home!
