The Paths of Documentary Photography

In an era shaped by misinformation, algorithmic manipulation, and AI-generated imagery, documentary photography is being redefined. This workshop explores how photographers can navigate the relationship between truth, perception, and narrative in the post-truth age. Through historical reflection, critical discussion, and contemporary case studies, participants will examine how documentary photography responds to fake news, deepfakes, and polarized media. The workshop repositions documentary practice not only as a witness to reality, but as an active agent in debates around truth, ethics, and visual credibility. By the end, participants will gain a deeper understanding of documentary photography’s evolving role and tools to position their work within contemporary debates. What you will learn/do • question whether documentary photography has ever been purely “truthful” or always constructed; • reflect critically on objectivity and authorship; • explore historical examples of photographic manipulation up to the 1950s; • examine the tension between the visible and invisible in visual storytelling; • discuss realism, ethics, and responsibility in documentary work; • study contemporary hybrid documentary practices; • explore photography’s credibility after Photoshop; • engage with AI-generated realism. Workshop details Open to anyone interested in the ethics of documentary photography. Maximum 15 participants. About the lecturer Rui Prata (Sesimbra, 1955) is a historian, curator, and essayist specializing in photography. He holds degrees in History, Art Direction, and Artistic Studies (Museology and Curatorship) from the University of Porto and ESAP. He was Director of the Museum of Image in Braga (1998–2014), where he strengthened photography as both artistic and documentary practice, and taught at ESAP and the Portuguese Catholic University. From 1987 to 2013, he directed Encontros da Imagem, establishing it as a major international photography event. In 2019, he founded Imago Lisboa. He has curated over 100 exhibitions, served on juries and international festivals, and is widely recognized for his essays and contributions to contemporary photography discourse.