EXPERIENCING YEREVAN Storytelling Workshop
Dates: May 26 - June 3, 2026
Duration: 9 Days
Location: Yerevan, Armenia
Class Size: Limited to 9 Participants
Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, is sunny and full of life in early summer. This is a city where Armenian traditions intertwine with Soviet and European influences. Its charm is in the streets, the color and noise, and then there are the peaceful villages that surround it... I think the magic of this city is its imperfection and the strangeness of these contrasts. Having lived and worked in Yerevan for most of my life, I continue to find it a place of discovery and genuine inspiration, and I want to share that with you.
I invite you to join me for this nine-day workshop exploring Yerevan’s unique character while creating a photographic story. This is a practical learning experience, and my purpose here is to give you all my support and knowledge in your expansion as a photographer and storyteller.
Space is limited to 9 participants to ensure a personalized and immersive experience. Don’t miss the chance to explore Yerevan and grow as a storyteller in this hands-on, beautifully practical workshop. I’ll be there to guide and support you every step of the way.
WORKSHOP FLOW AND DAILY EXPLORATION
Prior to the workshop, we will work together to help you choose a theme for your photo essay, allowing you to have a clear creative direction throughout the workshop days.
On two evenings during our workshop, I will present my World Press Photo-winning project Battered Waters, speaking about the creation of the story, and will share with you the process of bringing together the book project A Troubled Home.
In this practical and quite intensive workshop, you will be exploring the city and working on your story on daily trips with your translator, if you need one. I am organizing a team of experienced fixers/translators, who will be your trusted companion and guide, helping you navigate, understand and connect deeply with Yerevan and the broader Armenian landscape.
Whether you’re capturing the city’s lively streets or the tranquility of its outskirts, every day will give you an opportunity to build your project. You are encouraged to take your time, staying and photographing as long as needed to capture the essence of your story.
Afterwards, return to the workshop location, where we can review your progress and refine your narrative together.
DAILY REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK
In-depth review and editing sessions happen at our workshop location every day. I’ll work closely with you to refine your images and stories, focusing on:
Individual and group discussions of your images - an opportunity to learn both from me and from fellow participants
Toning, editing, and sequencing advice
Insights into advancing your narrative
Broader discussions on the photography industry, career growth, and leveraging social media
CLOSING PRESENTATION
On the final day, we will celebrate your progress with a group presentation of your photo essays in a supportive and collaborative environment.
WORKSHOP GOALS
Your photographic story, which can be complete or open for continuation
Refined storytelling and technical skills
Confidence in taking on creative challenges
A deeper appreciation for the culture and beauty of Armenia
WHO SHOULD JOIN AND WHAT TO BRING
This workshop is open to photographers of all experience levels. You are encouraged to use any camera you are most comfortable with, whether it’s a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone!
To make the most of your workshop experience, please bring a laptop equipped with sufficient memory and a reliable hard disk for backing up your work. For the editing sessions, we recommend using Adobe Lightroom Classic - it will be the primary software for post-processing and reviewing your images.
WORKSHOP LOCATION
Just as last year, the workshop will take place at Varpet Yerevan, a creative and collaborative space located in central Yerevan. Varpet has a welcoming and comfortable environment where we can work and stay long hours. The venue has excellent coffee and food, making it easy to spend full days there while focusing on our projects and discussions. It’s a place designed for creative work and exchange, perfectly suited for the rhythm of our workshop.
ARRIVAL AND ACCOMMODATION
Participants are welcome to arrange their own accommodation near the workshop location, Varpet in central Yerevan (35v Tumanyan St). Based on current rates, a suitable range would be approximately €45–€90 per night for a comfortable hotel or serviced apartment. I recommend arriving at least one day before the workshop begins to get settled and enjoy the city’s atmosphere before we start.
Please stay in touch with me for these and other arrangements. This is a cozy, in-person event, and I'm here to ensure everyone arrives smoothly and is comfortably settled for an enjoyable workshop experience.
Remember to bring a valid passport and check any entry requirements for Armenia before your trip.
Additional important notes are included in the Workshop Terms, Conditions, and Liability.
I’m looking forward to sharing this experience with you!
REFLECTIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS
“I had a very special and unforgettable experience of connecting with wonderful people through photography in a legendary city like Yerevan by this workshop. I can't thank the amazing woman Anush Babajanyan enough for creating this sophisticated environment that makes one feel lucky to be a part of it, and for taking care of every detail from start to finish. Looking forward to reunite anywhere on the earth again but starting with dream city Yerevan.“ — Bahar Baba
“I attended the 2025 workshop in Yerevan run by Anush Babajanyan. I enjoyed it tremendously for three reasons. First, Yerevan it is all there to be enjoyed for its views, life, cafes and restaurants and the homely feeling one gets when visiting the city well-preserved oldest quarter or the open air carpet market. Second, Armenians are friendly, welcoming and easy to start a conversation. Third, but not last, Anush is a fantastically great host, workshop organiser and your best photo editor, always attentive to your needs. Anush will suggest and discuss the theme and main objectives of your Yerevan project well in advance and find the best fixer for you. Anush after every day shooting session, and sometimes late at night, will review your material, select your best frames and plan your next move with both you and your fixer in a friendly and cosy environment like the Varpet Café, last time. To sum it up, I recommend the workshop to photographers of all levels. You will greatly enjoy it.” — Ezio Gianni Murzi
"I’ve always looked up to Anush as a role model — a respected professional photographer, someone I imagined would be almost impossible to reach. But in person, she is the opposite. From the very beginning, her communication was warm, clear, and thoughtful. Everything was organized and planned at such a high level that I felt supported even before the workshop began. Once in Yerevan, Anush gave us her full time, energy, and best advice. She created a space where we felt comfortable, encouraged, and inspired to grow. Her generosity, openness, and genuine support made this experience unforgettable." — Nairi Bandari
REGISTRATION AND PRICING
I'm happy to offer an early registration discount available until March 5, 2026.
Simply use the code 15%OFF at checkout for this special offer.
Additional costs
Travel, accommodation, fixer services, and meals are not included in the workshop fee. The fixer fee, set at €50 per day, ensures you’ll have personalized guidance and local expertise to make the most of your experience.
