The Art of Curation—cohort
Rekindle your sense of direction and build the work that defines your creative career—From archive to publication, exhibition, or photobook.
Join an intimate cohort of fellow photographers and embark on a transformative journey from chaos to clarity. Over six weeks, we'll delve deep into your creative process, refine your vision, and shape your photography into exhibit-ready work.
I believe in an all-encompassing approach to creative work. This program integrates the wisdom of deep inner work and the art of ritual with the core elements of successful photography projects—the ingredients of a powerful curated photographic life.
This is an intensive creative community program designed to help you elevate your photographic practice and get you hired for work that you LOVE.
The Art of Curation: A Transformative Journey for Photographers
Are you a photographer yearning for deeper meaning and direction in your creative work? Do you dream of sharing your unique vision with the world through a powerful exhibition, a compelling photo book, or a curated online presence?
Or maybe you’ve hit a plateau in your practice, and have a few ideas but don’t know how to develop them strategically and authentically?
It's time to move beyond the regular portfolio review and tap into the heart of your work.
Join a small, intimate cohort of like-minded photographers and embark on a transformative journey with The Art of Curation. This six-week immersive program guides you to:
Clarify your artistic vision: Unearth your unique voice and the core themes that define your photography.
Develop ideas into solid timely and timeless stories: Learn the elements of powerful photographic stories and how to make them a reality.
Curate with intention: Transform your archive into a cohesive body of work that authentically represents you.
Gain clarity over a specific project: Gain insights over where to go further with a photographic project, and how to approach and develop an idea. Build the confidence to know what to photograph next.
Create a strategic roadmap: Develop a clear path to publication, exhibition, or self-publishing.
The Art of Resonance™:
This program is built upon the unique framework of The Art of Resonance™, a three-phase journey designed to help you embody self-knowledge, cultivate a mindful practice, and develop a clear and consistent roadmap for success.
Phase 1: Embodied Vision - Awaken your creative purpose and clarify your artistic vision.
Phase 2: Intuitive Flow - Cultivate creative momentum and photographic strategy to take your work to the next level and achieve your goals.
Phase 3: Strategic Emergence - Masterfully present your work and expand your reach through exhibitions, publications, and grants.
In this intimate setting, you'll receive:
Personalized mentorship tailored to your artistic goals.
A supportive community to inspire and encourage you.
Practical tools and resources, including a custom project development framework, a self-care ebook, and a goal-setting Notion board.
Bonus:
Unlimited whatsapp community and text support.
Creative Breakthrough habit tracking Notion board. (valued at: 25EUR)
GSD (Get Sh*t Done) Accountability system.
How to pitch to Magazines ebook (valued at 29.99EUR)
Transform your creative career into a powerful legacy. The Art of Curation provides the structure, support, and guidance to bring your vision to life.
Space is limited to ensure personalized attention and deep connection.
The Art of Resonance™
Your photography deserves to stand out—to become a powerful, timeless artistic statement that reflects your unique perspective and makes you proud. Through The Art of Resonance™ method, we'll unlock your creative potential using a holistic approach that integrates intuitive curation, embodied practices, and strategic development.
Phase 1: Embodied Knowledge:
Purpose: Creative AWAKENING
Reconnect with your artistic core and clarify your vision. Through value alignment exercises, guided reflections, and breakthrough practices, you'll rediscover your authentic voice as a photographer.
Phase 2: Intuitive Curation:
Goal: Creative GROWTH
Transform your archive into a cohesive body of work. Using embodied practices and structured narrative development, you'll learn to curate with intention and purpose, establishing sustainable creative rituals that support your artistic growth.
Phase 3: Artistic Emergence:
Purpose: Create STRATEGY Step confidently into the world with your fully realized vision. We'll focus on strategic storytelling, meaningful industry connections, and creating sustainable momentum for your creative practice.
How I work.
Hi, this is Lola, I’m a Creative Director, multi-disciplinary artist, and mentor.
I bring over 12 years of editorial and visual arts expertise that spans the globe. From small independent magazines to legacy media, my journey has not been easy, though it’s been rich and transformative. I’m Colombian, a migrant, and a woman and I carry the multiplicity of my identity in the work that I do.
I've directed visuals and photography for ATMOS Magazine and National Public Radio, curated and mentored photographers across 5 continents, and contributed to publications like VOGUE and The British Journal of Photography. In 2016, I founded Native Agency a non-profit platform that builds community for photographers and visual artists from the Global South. Through Native, I hosted multiple masterclasses in North and South America, Africa and Europe.
My professional path includes giving portfolio reviews for Lens Culture and setting up workshops with World Press Photo. But something was always missing. A simple portfolio review wasn't going to truly serve my students—or myself.
I witnessed firsthand how biases and a lack of mentors have made our industry isolating and challenging to navigate. I decided to change that.
My approach transforms photography from a technical craft to a deeply personal art form. I blend design thinking, visual narrative, psychology, and somatic mindfulness to help photographers move beyond mere image-making into profound storytelling.
In six weeks, and in a small, intimate group setting, we'll create a personalized path that transforms your work from a collection of images into a cohesive body of work that opens doors and reflects your true artistic voice.
Ready to turn your photography into a legacy you're proud of?
The Program
Awaken your creative purpose and clarify your artistic vision. (2 Weeks)
Week 1: Unveiling Your Authentic Voice & Vision
Deep Dive into Values & Motivations
Identifying Creative Strengths & Areas for Growth
Defining the scope of work.
Week 2: Shaping Your Creative Narrative & Online Presence
Refining Visual Language & Storytelling
Crafting a Compelling Bio & Artist Statement
Identify core themes in your work
Initial portfolio refinement
Phase 1: Embodied Vision
Phase 2: Intuitive Flow
Cultivate creative momentum and develop a personalized roadmap to achieve your goals. (2 Weeks)
Week 3: Cultivating Focus & Clarity
Mindfulness & Creative Flow
Building Confidence in Self-Presentation
Project development
Week 4: Embracing Experimentation & Feedback
Photo editing sessions in community
Phase 3: Strategic Emergence
Masterfully present your work and expand your reach through exhibitions, publications, and grants. (2 Weeks)
Week 5: Cultivating Focus & Clarity
Personal brand storytelling workshop
Portfolio presentation refinement: editing session.
Feedback and critique session
Week 6: Stepping into Your Power & Launching Your Vision
Wrapping the project and making it publication-ready
Building a Strong Online Portfolio & Presence
Negotiating Contracts & Building Professional Relationships
Finalizing the project & Seeking Publication
Daily Ritual Notion board + goal setting framework
Ecosystems mapping <3
Online 1:1 coaching sessions.
Online ideating and mood-boarding, visually.
Creatively tuning into nature and ecosystems to find inspiration
Learn about your voice and how to harness to stand out.
Find clarity in how you show up in the world.
Limited offer!
The Art of Curation is now open for enrollment, but space is limited and registration closes on February 9, 2025.
The commitment: Every Friday from February 14 to March 21: 18:00-19:30 CET (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST)
Your Investment: 500 EUR (excl. VAT)
Bonus:
Unlimited whatsapp community and text support.
Creative Breakthrough habit tracking Notion board. (valued at: 25EUR)
GSD (Get Sh*t Done) Accountability system.
How to pitch to Magazines ebook (valued at 29.99EUR)
Don't wait! Claim your spot and begin your transformative journey.
Get in touch.
Drop me a line and we’ll go over your questions together. I’m here for you.
Enayat Asadi, World Press Photo winner 2019
For those seeking to enhance their artistic potential and showcase their work, Lola Beltran Villamizar is the perfect guide.
My experience with her has driven significant positive changes in my projects and mindset.
She clarifies artistic values and goals, helping me express the deeper essence of my work.
Lola transcends conventional limits, enabling meaningful creation that resonates with both personal and global significance.
She uncovers hidden values within, translating them into impactful artistic forms.
The art world requires visionaries who grasp deeper meanings, and Lola possesses this skill, providing ongoing support in your artistic journey.
Previous Masterclasses
“The workshop was a great learning space where many stories, with different visions, were shared and came to life. It was my first portfolio review and I felt it was a truly enriching experience, also because I chose a body of work that allowed me to learn how to better build a story visually and I feel that I understood it better, especially with the editing exercise.”
Daniela Olave
“Talking about us as female Latin American photographers and the challenges we face in the industry was an incredible experience.”
Joana Toro
FAQs
What is the exact duration and schedule of the program?
This program runs for six transformative weeks, with sessions held once a week on Fridays at 12:00PM EST (18:00 CET). This schedule is designed to provide a balance of structure and flexibility, allowing you to integrate the program into your existing routine.
Where do the sessions take place? Are they online, in-person, or a hybrid?
To foster a global community and cater to diverse needs, this program is delivered entirely online via Google Meet. This means you can join from anywhere in the world, connecting with fellow photographers and accessing the content from the comfort of your own space.
What is the size of the cohort? How many participants will be there?
We intentionally keep the cohort size small and intimate, typically between 4 and 8 participants. This ensures personalized attention from me, fosters deep connections within the group, and creates a safe space for sharing and growth.
What is the refund policy if I need to cancel my participation?
We value your commitment and understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. If you need to cancel your participation, we offer a full refund up to 3 weeks before the program start date. After that, a partial refund may be available depending on the circumstances.
What is the cost of the program? Are there any payment plans available?
The investment for this transformative program is 500EUR plus tax. We understand that everyone's financial situation is different, so we offer flexible payment plans to make it accessible. You can choose to pay in full or opt for 2 instalments of 250EUR plus tax.
What level of photography experience is required for this program? Is it suitable for beginners, intermediate, or advanced photographers?
This program welcomes photographers who already have a body of work and have been working as a professional photographer for 3-10 years. Mid-career photographers who want to take their career to the next level.
What kind of equipment do I need for the program?
While a passion for photography is essential, there are no specific equipment requirements. You'll primarily need a computer with a stable internet connection to access the online sessions and resources. Please have your current portfolio ready to be shared. Ideally you’ll know how to use Notion. Any camera you're comfortable with is perfect for the practical exercises.
What specific guidance is provided for self-publishing a photo book?
We cover all aspects of the self-publishing journey, from concept development and sequencing to design, printing, and marketing. You'll gain insights into different publishing platforms, learn how to create a compelling narrative, and receive practical tips for bringing your vision to life.
Will I receive a certificate or any formal recognition upon completion?
Absolutely! Upon successful completion of the program, you'll receive a certificate of completion to acknowledge your dedication. More importantly, you'll leave with a refined vision, a curated body of work, and a strategic roadmap for your creative future.
How is the program structured to cater to different artistic goals (exhibition, publication, online presence)?
While the core principles of curation apply across all platforms, we provide tailored guidance based on your individual aspirations. Whether you dream of exhibiting in a gallery, publishing a photo book, or building a captivating online portfolio, we'll help you develop a strategic approach.
Can you elaborate on the "somatic practices" used to release creative blocks?
Experience has proven that our creativity (and our blocks begin through the body. For that reason, we will enter every session with one of the following: gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques to help you connect with your body and intuition. These practices can help release tension, quiet the inner critic, and unlock new creative pathways.
Can you provide examples of successful projects from past participants?
Yes, indeed! You can explore inspiring success stories from our alumni on our website here above. Their journeys showcase the diverse possibilities that emerge from "The Art of Curation." We’ve helped photographers get to World Press Photo, published on NYT, and publish their first photobook.
How does the WhatsApp community support work in practice?
The WhatsApp community serves as a vibrant hub for connection, encouragement, and quick questions. You can share your work, seek feedback, participate in challenges, and stay inspired throughout the program and beyond.
What is included in the "Creative Breakthrough habit tracking Notion board"?
This valuable tool helps you establish your core identity, your values and maintain creative habits that nurture your artistic growth. It includes customizable templates for tracking your progress, setting goals, and staying accountable.
Can you explain the "GSD Accountability system" in more detail?
Our "Get Sh*t Done" system is designed to keep you motivated and on track. It combines weekly check-ins, peer accountability, and personalized support to help you overcome procrastination and achieve your creative goals.
