Frames of Reality

Through the annual program, photojournalists partake in 10-12 workshops led by professional lecturers from both sides, which focus on theoretical and practical aspects of photojournalism including topics such as photography and social change, documentary photography, new media, and more.

Upon conclusion of these sessions, exhibitions that are open to the public are held in the region and abroad and therefore have the invaluable potential to reach thousands of people from both sides. The exhibitions include photographs taken throughout the program and are accompanied by a catalog, for international distribution.

Importantly, the "Frames of Reality" program enhances the professional skills of the photographers, encourages the formation of both personal and professional ties between Israeli and Palestinian photojournalists, and provides participants with an opportunity to present a reality which is not usually depicted in conventional news sources – that of Palestinian-Israeli dialogue and cooperation.

Following the launch of the pilot “Frames of Reality” program in April, the second and third joint meetings were held In May 2008. During the initiative's second meeting, held outside Beit Jalla in the West Bank, the photojournalists heard a lecture from Mr. Yannis Behrakis, Reuters' Chief Photographer in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, during which he shared his rich experience as an international photojournalist. The lecture was accompanied by an impressive photography presentation which demonstrated the essence of the profession, and the power of a single picture. The third meeting was dedicated to nurturing the professional and personal relationships between the Israeli and Palestinian photojournalists. The meeting opened with a discussion about "social photography" and the "visual culture", both in terms of peacebuilding efforts in general and this program in particular. The participants were asked to bring three photographs that represent themselves and their photographic vision, which provided the base for interesting and fruitful discussions between the Palestinian and Israeli professionals.

As of July 2008, eight meetings had been held on both sides, at HadassahCollege in Jerusalem (Israel) and in Beit Jalla (Palestinian Authority). Moreover, a special two-day symposium was held, during which two panel sessions took place: "The Role of the Photographer as an Agent of Change" (held in A-Ram, West Bank) and "Photojournalism - Visual Art and Mutual Recognition" (held in Tel Aviv, Israel). The symposium featured Ms. Cecilia Bohan - Director of Photography at the International Herald Tribune, who also provided the participating photojournalists with critiques of their projects. Additional speakers included well-known Israeli and Palestinian figures from the field of photography, visual art and social change.

Interestingly, the “Frames of Reality” social network website has continued to serve as an important medium of communication for Palestinian and Israeli photojournalists as well as interested others, even beyond the life of the pilot project. While the 2008 series of workshops has been completed, and their works have been displayed in an exhibition and through the publication of a book, the participants and additional photographers have continued to post new photos on the website. With over 750 members and almost 4,000 photos uploaded, this platform serves as a critical channel for contact, as demonstrated during the hostilities in Gaza-Southern Israel in early 2009, whereby photographers from Gaza shared their images with the rest of the world through this website. Indeed, during those difficult days, the website served as an alternative media tool considering that foreign journalists were not permitted access to the Gaza Strip.