Community sessions

Live session with the people shaping the world’s most powerful stories. Participate in conversations about craft, ethics, access, and the real decisions behind meaningful stories.

Join community

What is a Community Session?

A Community Session is a 60–90 minute live event where you get direct insight from people working at the highest level of storytelling.

Each session includes:

  • A talk or case-based presentation

  • Behind-the-scenes insight into real projects

  • Open Q&A with participants

  • Optional breakout discussions in smaller groups

You don’t just listen — you engage.

Upcoming Session

Developing Strong Concepts for Visual Stories
with James B. Wellford
Senior Photo Editor, National Geographic

In this session, we explore:

  • How strong story ideas are developed and refined

  • What editors look for in visual storytelling

  • How projects move from idea to publication

  • What makes a story stand out globally

👉 Join the session
👉 Become a member to access

What You Get

  • Direct access to world-class storytellers

  • Practical insight you can apply immediately

  • A space to ask questions and get feedback

  • Connection to a community of peers

  • Recordings available for members

Who It’s For

  • Journalism, photo, and film students

  • Early-career storytellers

  • Curious creatives who want to go deeper

  • Anyone who wants to understand how great stories are made

The Format

We keep sessions focused, human, and interactive.

1. Introduction (5 min)
Context and framing

2. Talk / Case (30–40 min)
Real work, real decisions

3. Breakout conversations
Reflect and discuss in small groups

4. Live Q&A (20–30 min)
Ask what you really want to know

A Monthly Rhythm

We host one session every month, each focused on a different aspect of storytelling:

  • Developing story ideas

  • Gaining access to difficult stories

  • Visual storytelling and editing

  • Narrative structure and writing

  • Ethics and responsibility

  • Publishing and distribution

Over time, this becomes a living library of storytelling knowledge.

Access

Community Sessions are part of the Duckling membership.

👉 Join as a member to:

  • Attend all live sessions

  • Access recordings

  • Participate in breakout discussions

  • Connect with other storytellers

What’s Coming Next

We are curating the next 8 sessions with voices from:

  • International media

  • Documentary film

  • Photojournalism

  • Independent creators

If you have someone we should invite:

👉 Suggest a speaker

Join the Community
Be part of the conversations shaping the next generation of storytelling.

👉 Become a member