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

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