
James Estrin
James Estrin is a staff photographer for The New York Times. He is a founder of Lens, The New York Times’s photography blog, and has been its co-editor since it launched in 2009. He has worked for The New York Times since 1992 and was part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team in 2001. James is a co-producer of the HBO film “Under Fire: The Untold Story of Pfc. Tony Vaccaro”.
James's Links:
James's Upcoming Workshops

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IV
Level IV
Photography students have advanced skills and knowledge of photography and digital image processing. New Media students have advanced skills and knowledge of video, multimedia, coding or animation. Students are self-motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
Aug 17 - 21, 2026
9AM - 5PM
Advanced Mentored Studies: Visual Storytelling and Documentary Photography Projects
James Estrin, Ed Kashi
Tuition $2,050
Code P1201-26
The digital age has opened new possibilities for visual storytellers of all kinds—from documentary photographers and photojournalists to conceptual artists—offering greater authorship, control, and reach. This workshop guides participants through the process of developing and sustaining a long-term personal project, with a focus on narrative development, creative vision, and strategies for sharing work with the world. Participants will learn how to: Identify and pursue a subject driven by personal passion. Build a compelling visual narrative with a distinct style. Sustain long-term projects with intention and discipline. Navigate the industry, make professional connections, and find opportunities for dissemination. The workshop embraces a wide range of visual languages and technologies, from still photography and digital video to transmedia and social media storytelling. Through hands-on guidance, participants will explore how to harness these tools to become more effective, impactful storytellers. The program is led by Ed Kashi, with over 45 years of freelance experience, and James Estrin, senior staff photographer at The New York Times and co-founder of the NYT Lens blog. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge, insight, and mentorship to help participants push their work to new levels. Program Dates: May 1, 2026 – April 15, 2028 In-Person Sessions at Anderson Ranch: Aug 17 - Aug 21, 2026 Aug 16 - Aug 20, 2027 This two-year immersive program is designed for dedicated artists seeking individualized mentorship, critical feedback, and a supportive cohort experience. Participants engage in two week-long, in-person residencies at Anderson Ranch (one each year), complemented by ongoing virtual engagement throughout the program. Each year includes personalized one-on-one mentorship sessions via Zoom and a virtual group critique held in December. The program concludes with a final Zoom meeting in April 2028. Tuition is listed per year. Lodging and meals are additional. To Apply: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a deadline of January 15, 2026. To apply, please complete the 2026 Advanced Mentored Studies Online Application. A non-refundable deposit of $650 per workshop is required to reserve a space for an adult. Questions? For more information about the next session of the Advanced Mentored Studies Program, please contact: Andrea Jenkins Wallace. Vice President of Artistic Affairs and Artistic Director of Photography and New Media [email protected]

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IV
Level IV
Photography students have advanced skills and knowledge of photography and digital image processing. New Media students have advanced skills and knowledge of video, multimedia, coding or animation. Students are self-motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
Aug 24 - 28, 2026
9AM - 5PM
Advanced Mentored Studies: Visual Storytelling and Documentary Photography Projects
James Estrin, Ed Kashi
Tuition $2,050
Code P1302-26
The digital age has opened new possibilities for visual storytellers of all kinds—from documentary photographers and photojournalists to conceptual artists—offering greater authorship, control, and reach. This workshop guides participants through the process of developing and sustaining a long-term personal project, with a focus on narrative development, creative vision, and strategies for sharing work with the world. Participants will learn how to: Identify and pursue a subject driven by personal passion. Build a compelling visual narrative with a distinct style. Sustain long-term projects with intention and discipline. Navigate the industry, make professional connections, and find opportunities for dissemination. The workshop embraces a wide range of visual languages and technologies, from still photography and digital video to transmedia and social media storytelling. Through hands-on guidance, participants will explore how to harness these tools to become more effective, impactful storytellers. The program is led by Ed Kashi, with over 45 years of freelance experience, and James Estrin, senior staff photographer at The New York Times and co-founder of the NYT Lens blog. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge, insight, and mentorship to help participants push their work to new levels. Program Dates: May 1, 2026 – April 15, 2028 In-Person Sessions at Anderson Ranch: Aug 24 - Aug 28, 2026 Aug 23 - Aug 27, 2027 This two-year immersive program is designed for dedicated artists seeking individualized mentorship, critical feedback, and a supportive cohort experience. Participants engage in two week-long, in-person residencies at Anderson Ranch (one each year), complemented by ongoing virtual engagement throughout the program. Each year includes personalized one-on-one mentorship sessions via Zoom and a virtual group critique held in December. The program concludes with a final Zoom meeting in April 2028. Tuition is listed per year. Lodging and meals are additional. To Apply: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a deadline of January 15, 2026. To apply, please complete the 2026 Advanced Mentored Studies Online Application. A non-refundable deposit of $650 per workshop is required to reserve a space for an adult. Questions? For more information about the next session of the Advanced Mentored Studies Program, please contact: Andrea Jenkins Wallace. Vice President of Artistic Affairs and Artistic Director of Photography and New Media [email protected]