HerBoldTribe

HerBoldTribe · Umuahia, Abia State

Herboldtribe@gmail.com

HerLens

Now Open · HerLens Cohort 1

Empowering Girls
Through Visual
Storytelling

A three-week hybrid photography and editing workshop — combining virtual and in-person learning for 25 girls in Abia State.

Hybrid

Format

3 Weeks

Duration

25 Girls

Cohort Size

Abia State

Location

“Despite the growing influence of visual media, many girls — especially at the grassroots — lack access to the skills, tools, and platforms needed to tell their own stories. This gap limits representation and silences important narratives from communities that need visibility the most.”

What We Aim
to Achieve

01

Equip young girls with foundational and intermediate photography and editing skills

02

Promote ethical and responsible storytelling practices

03

Amplify the voices and lived experiences of women and girls

04

Challenge harmful stereotypes through authentic visual narratives

05

Empower participants to use storytelling for community engagement and social change

Your Journey

Six experiences across three weeks — from fundamentals to a final public showcase.

01

Virtual and in-person photography training sessions

1

02

Hands-on practical outdoor workshops and field assignments

2

03

Sessions on ethical storytelling and narrative building

3

04

Mentorship from experienced visual storytellers

4

05

Photo review, editing, and feedback sessions

5

06

Final showcase of participants' work

6

Guest Speakers
& Facilitators

Learn from visual storytellers and programme leaders who work at the intersection of photography, governance, and social impact.

Founder & Host

Anicho Stella

Anicho Stella — Founder & Host, HerLens facilitator

Topic

Photography Editing & Visual Storytelling

  • Core editing: exposure, contrast, highlights & shadows
  • Color correction and white balance
  • Advanced color grading for storytelling mood
  • Selective edits and removing distractions
  • Editing for emotion — maintaining authenticity
  • Creating a consistent visual story

Emmy-Winning VR Filmmaker

Kachi Benson

Kachi Benson — Emmy-Winning VR Filmmaker, HerLens facilitator

Topic

Finding Stories in Your Community

  • Identifying subjects and hidden stories
  • Understanding environment and cultural context
  • Research and observation techniques

Presidential Photographer, First Lady of Nigeria

Abel Jude

Abel Jude — Presidential Photographer, First Lady of Nigeria, HerLens facilitator

Topic

Ethics and Charisma of a Photographer

Award-Winning Filmmaker

David Akwara

David Akwara — Award-Winning Filmmaker, HerLens facilitator

Topic

Orientation & Introduction to Visual Storytelling

  • Program overview & expectations
  • Introduction to visual storytelling as a tool for social change
  • The role of visual storytelling in social change

Founder, Southern Africa Embrace Foundation

Dr. Sindy Zemura

Dr. Sindy Zemura — Founder, Southern Africa Embrace Foundation, HerLens facilitator

Topic

The Role of Inclusive Storytelling in Building Confidence and Shaping Africa's Future

Official Photographer, Enugu State Governor

Great Okeke

Great Okeke — Official Photographer, Enugu State Governor, HerLens facilitator

Topic

Documentary Photography & Portraiture

  • What makes a strong story
  • Elements of storytelling: subject, context, emotion, message
  • Staged vs real-life storytelling
  • Capturing authentic emotions and real-life expressions
  • Environmental portraits — telling stories through surroundings
  • Building trust and connection with subjects
  • Using portraits to reflect identity, culture, and lived experiences

Official Photographer, Osun State Governor

Kazeem Olalekan

Kazeem Olalekan — Official Photographer, Osun State Governor, HerLens facilitator

Topic

Composition and Lighting

  • Rule of thirds
  • Framing & angles
  • Leading lines & perspective
  • Natural light vs artificial light
  • Using light to create mood and emotion

Official Photographer, Anambra First Lady

Mgbachi Faith

Mgbachi Faith — Official Photographer, Anambra First Lady, HerLens facilitator

Topic

Camera Basics & Exposure

  • Smartphone vs DSLR
  • Camera functions and settings
  • Exposure Triangle: ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed
  • Focus, exposure, and white balance
  • Understanding how all elements work together

Official Photographer, Imo First Lady

Abigail Chinkere

Abigail Chinkere — Official Photographer, Imo First Lady, HerLens facilitator

Topic

Ethics in Storytelling

  • Consent and permissions
  • Respect, dignity, and representation
  • Avoiding exploitation and harmful narratives
  • Telling stories with accuracy and sensitivity

P.A. to the First Lady of Abia State

Rachel Anyanson

Rachel Anyanson — P.A. to the First Lady of Abia State, HerLens facilitator

Topic

SDG Integration — Using Storytelling for Social Impact

  • Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals
  • Gender Equality (SDG 5), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Quality Education (SDG 4)
  • Identifying community issues aligned with SDGs
  • Using photography to highlight social challenges
  • Telling stories that inspire awareness and action

Special Adviser on Visual Communications, Imo State

artbeat OLUWADAMILARE

artbeat OLUWADAMILARE — Special Adviser on Visual Communications, Imo State, HerLens facilitator

Topic

Building a Narrative

  • Structuring a story: beginning, middle, end
  • Visual sequencing
  • Creating emotional connection through images
  • Writing simple story ideas and captions

The Impact
We're Building

25

Cohort 1

25

Trained Young Female
Visual Storytellers

Each empowered to own their narrative and document their community with skill and purpose.

2

Real Stories

Creation of authentic, community-based visual stories that reflect the true lives of underserved women and girls.

3

Creative Growth

Increased confidence, voice, and creative expression among every participant — documented and measurable.

4

Representation

Strengthened representation of marginalized voices in Nigeria's visual media landscape.

5

Growing Network

A lasting network of young female creatives using storytelling as a tool for community impact.

“HerLens Cohort 1 is more than a training programme — it is a movement to reclaim narratives, empower voices, and inspire a new generation of female storytellers.”
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