2-Week One-on-One | Your Story Matters: 1:1 Photography Mentorship with Zizo Bongekile Manona

Online Edition: Creative Photography & Visual Storytelling

A two-week, personalised photography and visual storytelling mentorship.

Every photograph has a story. The question is, how do we learn to see it, capture it and communicate it?

Your Story Matters is a practical introduction to photography and visual storytelling, developed around the belief that the stories we experience, the people we encounter and the places we inhabit are worth documenting.

Facilitated by South African documentary photographer and visual artist Zizo Bongekile Manona, this two-week, one-on-one online mentorship introduces participants to the fundamentals of photography while exploring how we can use images to observe, interpret and tell stories about the world around us.

Through personalised, live Zoom sessions, practical photography exercises and guided creative development, participants will build their understanding of photography, develop their creative eye and explore how to approach image-making with greater intention.

This isn't just about learning how to use a camera. It's about developing your creative eye, understanding the intention behind an image and discovering how photography can become a tool for personal expression and documentation.

WHAT YOU WILL EXPLORE

01. Seeing the Story

• Introduction to the Your Story Matters approach.

• Photography as a tool for storytelling and documentation.

• Learning to observe people, places and everyday experiences.

• Identifying stories within your own environment.

• Developing your visual awareness and creative perspective.

02. Understanding Your Camera

• Introduction to DSLR and mirrorless cameras and their functions.

• Understanding ISO, aperture and shutter speed.

• Exploring exposure and essential camera settings.

• Learning how to use your camera more intentionally.

• Applying camera knowledge through practical exercises.

03. Photographing and Documenting

• Composition, framing and perspective.

• Understanding natural light and its influence on photography.

• Photographing everyday moments and surroundings.

• Developing practical photography exercises around your environment.

• Receiving individual feedback and guidance on your images.

04. Building Your Visual Story

• Selecting and organising photographs.

• Understanding visual narratives and image sequencing.

• Exploring how individual photographs work together to communicate a story.

• Reviewing and discussing your photographic work.

• Reflecting on your creative practice and identifying your next steps.

HOW THE MENTORSHIP WORKS

The mentorship takes place over two weeks through scheduled, one-on-one Zoom sessions.

Each live session runs for one hour and focuses on a particular aspect of photography and visual storytelling.

Between sessions, participants will have practical photography exercises to complete, allowing them to apply what they've learned, experiment with their camera and develop their own visual stories.

The individual format allows for personalised guidance, questions, constructive feedback and a learning experience that responds to each participant's interests and creative development.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This mentorship is suitable for:

• Aspiring and beginner photographers.

• Creative thinkers and visual storytellers.

• Artists interested in documentary photography.

• Individuals who want to document their personal stories, communities and surroundings.

• Anyone interested in developing a more intentional relationship with photography.

No professional photography experience is required.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Please have the following ready:

• A DSLR or mirrorless camera.

• A charged camera battery and memory card.

• A computer or tablet with internet access.

• A notebook and pen.

• Access to an environment where you can complete the practical photography exercises.

MENTORSHIP DETAILS

Format: One-on-one online mentorship via Zoom
Duration: 2 weeks
Session length: 1 hour per live session
Session type: Personalised, interactive mentorship
Facilitator: Zizo Bongekile Manona

Sessions will be scheduled individually with the participant.

YOUR STORY MATTERS

Your experiences are worth documenting. Your perspective matters. And the ability to tell stories through images begins with learning how to see.

Over two weeks, take the time to observe, experiment, photograph and discover the stories waiting to be told.