Through the Lens: Photo Storytelling

Through the Lens: Photo Storytelling

Register here

Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 8pm ET

This summer, we’re helping AYAs reclaim and share their stories — through photos, video, and voice — in a special three-part storytelling series.

We’re kicking things off with a creative and inspiring session on Photo Storytelling, led by Jennifer Currin-McCulloch, PhD, MSW.

Through her work with Colorado State University’s Serious Illness Narratives Lab, Jen helps people use photography and narrative to explore and express their experiences. During this call, you’ll learn about the power of photovoice storytelling — an empowering method that pairs photography with reflection — and discover how everyday photos can represent moments, feelings, and insights from your cancer journey and survivorship.

Whether you’re new to storytelling or already love taking photos, this session will give you tools and inspiration to share your story in your own way.

What We’ll Cover:

• How photos can tell powerful personal stories
• What to photograph — moments, objects, places, or feelings
• How to pair images with captions or reflections
• Tips on choosing what to share and what to keep personal

Weekly Storytelling Prompts — Just for Registrants!

To help you prepare and stay inspired, everyone who registers will receive gentle weekly prompts by email leading up to the call.

These prompts will invite you to reflect on:

• What parts of your story you may want to tell through images
• How to look at everyday moments and objects with a storytelling lens
• Simple ideas for exploring your personal narrative through photography

No photography experience required — just your perspective and curiosity!

About Our Speaker:
Jennifer Currin-McCulloch, PhD, MSW is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Colorado State University and Director of the Serious Illness and End of Life Narratives Lab. Her research focuses on storytelling, communication, and quality of life for people navigating serious illness. Jen’s work on photovoice storytelling helps individuals use photography and narrative to reflect on and share their experiences.

This is the first in our summer storytelling series designed to help AYAs share their stories — and lift AYA voices — through Dear Jack’s social media, events, and outreach.

Join us and start creating your story through photos!

Looking Ahead: Share Your Story with Dear Jack
At the conclusion of this 3-part AYA Storytelling Series, we will be welcoming photovoice storytelling submissions from participants who wish to share their work.
Selected photo stories will be featured at a future Dear Jack Foundation event — helping us amplify AYA voices and experiences in a powerful and personal way.
We’ll provide guidance on how to submit your photos and reflections after the series wraps. Participation is entirely optional — we invite you to share only what feels authentic and comfortable to you.

How to Join:
This call is open to all members of the AYA cancer community. Register below to receive the Zoom link and join us virtually on July 28th!