1. What is The Giving Lens?

The Giving Lens is an organization that focuses on blending photography education with giving back to local communities. We offer photography workshops in various locations around the globe, where we work alongside local Non-Profit organizations that are doing exceptional work. These workshops are designed and lead by professional photographer and The Giving Lens founder, Colby Brown, who offers a unique and creative learning environment that not only showcases the latest in digital photography techniques but also touches on the importance of lending a helping hand to help make the world a better place for all life on this planet. Read more here.

2. How does it work?

The main purpose of these trips is to make a difference. The trips will send teams of photographers and photo enthusiasts to developing nations, where they work alongside a local non-profit organization to serve a community in need. They will give back with their time, their compassion, and, of course, their photography. Those who participate will grow, both as people as well as photographers. That means that along with volunteering, the team with get the chance to do workshops lead by Colby, a renowned landscape, travel, and humanitarian photographer. The time volunteered with the non-profit can and will be many different things, as needs are different in every country. TGL is ready to work with any people group that finds itself disadvantaged, ignored, unheard or hurting – from war survivors, to sex trade workers, to those living with AIDS, to young pregnant mothers, to street youth, to disaster survivors and more.

3. How do I apply?

Applications are found within workshops, over here. Click on the trip you are interested in, and then click on “Apply Now”.

4. What is covered in the trip fee?

Trip fees vary from country to country but will include accommodation in a comfortable hotel, transportation, meals, activities, a translator (if necessary), and a substantial donation to the non-profit organization. Trip fees do not include flights.

5. Where do the profits go?

The majority of the profits from the trip go right to the non-profit organization. A portion of the profits return to The Giving Lens to cover administrative and  various overhead costs. The Giving Lens is not a non-profit organization, and there for do not directly handle any of the workshop fees. All finances are handled through the NGO organizations we connect with for each individual workshop.  See question 11 for more info.

6. Who leads the trips and workshops?

All teams are lead by Colby Brown and an assistant. Teams will vary from 10 to 14 people.

7. Will it be safe?

We strive to provide a safe, comfortable environment in which participants can experience, learn, and grow in a new culture. Of course, travel in developing nations is different from travel in a developed nation and certain logical cautions will be taken, based on what is recommended by the non-profit. However, one of the goals of a TGL trip is to really experience a culture, so particpants can expect a unique, “off-the-beaten path” experience. We want to immerse the team in the culture, the food, the music, the language, the colours, and the nuances of a country and it’s people while at the same time ensuring safety for our team.

8. How are applicants selected?

We accept applications for a certain time period which is announced in our newsletter and on our fan sites. After the closing date, we review the applications and begin to build the team. Our goal is always to take a team with a variety of backgrounds, ages, occupations, skill level, and experience. We feel this builds a better team dynamic and ensures there is room for everyone. We review all applications. We work partly on a first-come-first-served basis, but we do also consider how emotionally prepared the applicant is for international travel to a developing nation, as culture shock and poverty awareness can be extremely stressful for an unprepared volunteer. All these things are considered when building our teams.

9. What will I learn from the photo workshops?

Colby Brown is a renowned photo educator, so participants can expect to learn cutting-edge techniques. Since our teams will range in skills levels, the extent and difficultly of what you learn will be based on what you already know about photography, composure, settings, lighting, etc. Colby can work with all skill levels, so your one-on-one time will be tailored to your needs. This is an exciting and compelling component to our trips because Colby’s workshops are highly respected and coveted by both amateurs and professionals alike.

10. Is TGL a non-profit?

The Giving Lens is not an NGO and in fact receives no money up upfront from workshop tuitions. All money from trip fees goes through the 501c3 registered organizations which we are partner with. On average the organizations themselves will receive between 8k – 12k per workshop from the trip fees. TGL receives a small portion of this to cover administration costs.

11. What will I be able to write-off on my taxes?

For US residents, this is a likely possibility. Every organization is structured differently, so we can’t make any blanket statements about this. TGL always works hard to ensure you will be able to write off as much of the trip as possible. Nothing can be guaranteed because each non-profit is different, but it is likely you will be able to claim portions of the costs on your taxes.

12. Is TGL a Faith-Based Organization?

No. TGL is not affiliated with any religion or faith. However, we recognize that many non-profits in other parts of the world are faith-based, and many communities we will serve will be religious communities. We are willing to work with any organization, faith-based or otherwise, whose primary mission, goal, and mandate is to help those in need and make a tangible difference in the world.