Sea of Memories – Community Photography in Cascais
The “Sea of Memories” course is a practical training programme in documentary photography that invites participants to explore Cascais’ maritime heritage through images and the stories of those who keep their connection with the sea alive.
Over the course of six weeks, participants will be introduced to the principles of documentary photography, visual storytelling and the collection of testimonies, building a collective project inspired by the knowledge and experiences of communities linked to the sea. During the practical sessions and field trips, the challenge will be to observe the local area, portray its tangible and intangible heritage, and record stories that help to preserve this memory and promote local culture.
The course will conclude with an exhibition at the Rei D. Carlos Maritime Museum in 2027, which will bring together the images and short accounts produced throughout the course.
No prior experience is required to take part. The course is open to anyone interested in photography, heritage, memory and community-based artistic creation.
Duration: 15 hours (6 sessions of 2 hours 30 minutes)
Venue: Rei D. Carlos Maritime Museum, with outings to various locations within the municipality
Target audience: General public
Maximum number of participants: 25
Equipment required: Smartphone with a camera or digital camera
Course content:
- Introduction to documentary photography and visual storytelling
- Techniques for composition, lighting and observing the local area
- Interview methods and gathering testimonies
- How to transform people, places and memories into a photographic narrative
- Selection, editing and organisation of photographs for the final exhibition
- Curating and setting up a group exhibition
Methodology
The course combines theoretical and practical sessions, experimental workshops and field trips, with a focus on collaborative learning based on observation, listening and photographic creation.
Through direct engagement with the local area and Cascais’ maritime community, the group develops a joint project culminating in an exhibition, thereby contributing to the promotion and preservation of local memory.
Timetable
19 September – Introduction to documentary photography | Heritage, memory and territory
26 September – Visual storytelling, portrait photography and collecting testimonies
3 October – Constructing a photographic narrative | Project planning and preparation for the field trip
10 October – First field trip | Documentary recording and collecting accounts
17 October – Second field trip | Documentary recording and collecting accounts
24 October – Selection and editing of images for the exhibition
Information and Registration: museumar@cm-cascais.pt; 21 481 59 52
Organised by: Cascais Municipal Council | Louyse Gerardo and Nay Araujo
SDGs: 4 (Quality Education); 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
