A special new collaborative effort by Fred Ritchin and StrudelmediaLive, focused on image-making and social justice in our time, is being released. It aims to encourage, stimulate, and educate image-makers toward creating various kinds of imagery that engages people and impacts society, provoking discussion and possibly even change.

Fred Ritchin, the dean emeritus of the School at the International Center of Photography, is one of the world’s leading experts on photojournalism, visual storytelling, media ethics, the impact of digital media on imaging, and the social impact of photography.

Deadline to submit all materials: January 5, 2026

Masterclass Overview

This Masterclass with Fred Ritchin is made up of two related online classes. They are an opportunity for image-makers to work with Fred Ritchin — one of today’s leaders in developing and enhancing the way we can use images for social change — in a small-group setting. There will be opportunities to both create new work and to discuss work in progress.

Enrollment in the classes is by application, and it’s recommended, but not necessary, that students take both, as they flow one into the other. A 10% discount is available for those registering for both classes. Limited scholarships are available.

Image-makers from around the world are encouraged to apply — these live online classes welcome international participants, particularly those who can’t study in the US at this time.

Masterclass Course 1: Innovative Strategies for Exploring the Human Condition

Dates: Wednesdays, Feb 11–Mar 11, 2026
Time: 12–3pm (last session 12–4pm) (ET)
Sessions: 5
Limited enrollment: 16 students
Fee: $650

A seminar looking at new and alternative ways of investigating what it means to be human in 2025, while engaging students to enlarge their vision and produce their own innovative work.

Masterclass Course 2: Advancing the Personal Project for Social and Individual Change

Dates: Wednesdays, Mar 25–Apr 29, 2026
Time: 12–3pm (last session 12–4pm) (ET)
Sessions: 6 (No class on April 1. This class has 5 group sessions plus a private 1-on-1 session)
Limited enrollment: 12 students
Fee: $775

This project-based class is about how the photographer can conceptualize their work to increase its impact in pursuit of social and individual change.

Application Process

This Masterclass is by application only and is open to image-makers around the world. A limited number of partial and full scholarships are available for those not able to afford the full fee. Questions? Email [email protected]

Applicants should submit:

— 10–15 images from a single project:

• jpgs only, 2000 pixels on the longest side
• image files must be named this way: Firstname_Lastname_01.jpg

— a single document (.doc or PDF) that includes:

• your name and email address
• your Instagram and/or website links if available
• where you heard about StrudelmediaLive and this Masterclass
• a short bio (150 words max)
• which class or classes you’re applying for
• For Masterclass Course 1, a short statement of purpose explaining why you want to take this class (200 words max)
• For Masterclass Course 2, a short statement or description of the project you want to work on (200 words max)
  If you want to be considered for a scholarship, please tell us why you would need scholarship assistance and what portion you would be able to pay.

Please send all applications, via WeTransfer, to [email protected].

DEADLINE: JANUARY 5, 2026