Narrative Storytelling and Getting Your Work Seen

Photographer Ilvy Njiokiktjien shares a clear method for creating visual stories that connect with audiences. She explains how to identify subjects with genuine depth, earn trust with the people she photographs, and shape narratives that feel honest and compelling. Alongside the craft, she sets out practical pathways to visibility, from pitching to editors and curators to building a purposeful presence on social media. Blending personal field experience with professional insight, this talk encourages photographers to tell human stories that matter and to ensure those stories are truly seen.

What you will take away:
• A step by step approach for developing story ideas, building access, and structuring a narrative arc
• Practical tactics for pitching work to editors and curators, including timing, format, and follow up
• A visibility toolkit covering portfolio strengths, social media strategy, and measurable goals

Who this is for:
• Photographers and filmmakers who want their stories to resonate and reach wider audiences
• Editors, curators, and commissioners seeking thoughtful narrative approaches and reliable collaborators
• Students and educators looking for a practical framework to teach and apply visual storytelling