About femLENS
What is femLENS?
femLENS is an Estonian-registered non-profit association that delivers documentary photography workshops to women and girls from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds around the world. We use smartphone photography as a tool for self-expression, reflection, and community engagement. Since 2015, we have trained over 200 women across four continents.
Where has femLENS worked?
Since 2015, femLENS has held 16 full workshops in 11 countries across four continents. We have worked with single mothers in Ireland, women with physical disabilities in Poland, women living in refugee camps in Lebanon, migrant women in Germany, women working in the media in Cameroon, Palestine and many more communities. Through EU-funded projects and partnerships, we have also trained participants from across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.
Why does femLENS focus on women and girls?
Women and girls remain underrepresented in almost all areas of life, including visual storytelling. Photography as a tool shouldn’t be the domain of the privileged few. Getting a woman’s point of view matters — not because she may have a “feminine” perspective, but because different life experiences lead to different understandings and visions. Our experience shows that, when supported, women and girls reach potential they didn’t know they had, creating positive role models and setting off a chain reaction in their communities.
Is femLENS a registered nonprofit?
Yes. femLENS MTÜ (registration number 80429622) is an Estonian-registered non-profit association.
We hold Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Workshops
What happens during a femLENS workshop?
Our workshops combine visual storytelling, basic photography skills, and ethical documentary practices. Participants learn the history and purpose of documentary photography, how to use a mobile phone as a storytelling tool, composition and technique, narrative structure, research and planning, ethics and consent, image selection and editing, and digital publishing.
How long are the workshops?
A standard femLENS workshop is at least 16 hours delivered over approximately two weeks. Workshops include short lectures, independent photo assignments, group discussions, individual mentoring, and feedback sessions. The structure can be adapted depending on context, duration, and participant needs.
Do I need photography experience to participate?
No. Our workshops are designed for participants with no prior photography experience. We teach everything from the basics.
Do I need my own phone or camera?
Usually yes — we work with mobile phones and easily available technology. In some cases, when there is time to arrange it, we may be able to source donated equipment.
Are workshops free for participants?
Yes, always. femLENS workshops are free for all participants.
What languages are workshops conducted in?
We deliver workshops in English, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, and French, depending on the location and participant needs.
Can men participate in workshops?
Our core workshops are for women and girls only. However, we sometimes run mixed-gender projects such as the femLENS Photo Club or Narva mediaLAB. Check our Projects page for current opportunities.
How can I join a femLENS workshop?
We usually work with partner organisations rather than running open-call workshops. If you’re interested in participating, contact us to find out about upcoming opportunities, or follow our social media channels where we share information about workshops.
How can I organise a femLENS workshop in my community?
If you work at an NGO, women’s center, school, or community organisation and would like to host a workshop, please get in touch. We work with partner organisations who support participant recruitment and provide a venue, while femLENS provides curriculum design, facilitation, and mentoring. Plan at least a few months in advance.
What do participants receive at the end of a workshop?
By the end of a workshop, participants complete a small documentary photo project supported by a written narrative. They gain a portfolio of images, practical skills to continue photographing independently, and experience presenting and discussing their work.
Photo Rights & Ethics
Do participants keep their photos?
Yes. Participants retain full ownership and all rights to their photographs. We ask participants to sign a basic consent form that allows femLENS to feature their work in publications, exhibitions, and on our platforms, but the rights remain with the photographer.
Why are some photos dark or not perfectly clear?
We work with mobile phones and available technology. Sometimes the technology adds a kind of filter to the real world, which can carry its own layer of meaning. The aesthetic of our work reflects the accessible tools we use — this is part of our ethos.
Publications & Stories
What is We See magazine?
We See is a femLENS documentary photography magazine that provides a platform for our workshop participants as well as guest photographers — women from around the world. There are currently 12 issues available as free PDFs on our website or as print-on-demand copies through Blurb.com, making the magazine accessible to everyone.
How can I submit my work to femLENS?
To submit your story for consideration, please send: (1) A selection of 5-10 relevant images from your project via WeTransfer, (2) A narrative about your story, and (3) Your artist statement or short biography. Note: your story and bio should not exceed 2,000 characters total (this is the Instagram limit). Send everything to info(at)femlens.com with the subject line “Share Your Story.”
Who owns photos submitted to femLENS?
You do. femLENS only uses submitted photos for the specific purpose they were shared — such as We See magazine or Share Your Story Friday. If we think your work would work well in a zine, campaign, or exhibition, we will contact you first.
For Donors
How is my donation used?
Donations support running workshops, organising exhibitions, developing new projects, and building organisational capacity.
Can I donate to a specific workshop or country?
Yes. If you’d like to support a specific workshop or region, please get in touch and we can discuss how to direct your contribution.
Volunteering & Getting Involved
I want to help but don't always have time. Would that work?
Yes! We need support in different areas that require a variety of skills and time commitments. Please get in touch and we’ll see what we can work on together.
How else can I support femLENS?
You can: follow and share our work on social media (@femlens on Instagram), sign up for our newsletter, donate via PayPal, join our Discord community to connect with other photographers, or spread the word about our workshops and publications.
