About Us

Since 2009 Photography Without Borders has been teaching youth how to tell their powerful, personal stories using traditional and digital photographic techniques.
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Stetson

Our Story

We call ourselves Photography Without Borders because borders can be both geographical and perceived. We give voice to students in the Kensington and Olney neighborhoods of North Philadelphia, some of the most disenfranchised parts of the city. They use the classroom to communicate their feelings in a supportive space and gain confidence to speak thoughtfully in a group setting. Their powerful stories help create change locally and on class trips. Many of their images have dealt with the violence, blight and drug problems that have plagued North Philly for decades. Their photos have been so powerful that Philadelphia City Council has used them during their hearings as examples of what issues affect the North Philadelphia community. Just taking a group to the Christmas Village in Center City felt like an adventure for many. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these students documented their struggles and found joy in their daily lives despite the obstacles.

Staff

Tony Rocco

Executive Director

Shoshanna Wiesner

Program Director

Franchesca Williams

Social Media Coordinator

Katerina Lydon

Grant Writer

Adam Cooper-Terán

Teaching Artist

Louis Soler

Teaching Artist

Michael Smaczylo

Teaching Artist

Amber Rivera

Teaching Artist

Richard Dunoff

Teaching Artist

Board of Directors

Richard Gretzinger

Chair

Yessenia García-Lebrón

Secretary

Drew Simcox

Treasurer

Kerin Handal

Franchesca Williams

William R. Abrams

Susan Abrams

Adjunct Members

Elisa Bermúdez

Kari Richards

Mirielis Almodovar

Student Representative

Oscar Almodovar

Parent Representative

looking back...

Take a trip down memory lane with us on some of our international adventures:
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