Through a variety of workshops and conference training, I help organizations and schools develop a new approach that helps tap into hidden creative potential in everyone.

I have helped audiences realize the potential for transformative communications. Programming has included insights and ideas to a wide range of civic and professional organizations, businesses, libraries, schools, nonprofits, NGOs and trade associations. For information and details for booking:

email, e.dusenbery@gmail.com

Topics include:

"Stillness in Focus: A Photographer’s Guide to Curiosity, Creativity, and Seeing More Clearly"

“These hands of mine have seen a lot of hard work,” Ormond Simmons once said. “I don’t believe there’s a man in the state of Florida that’s worked any harder than I have.”

This presentation explores the profound impact of personal storytelling through documentary photography.

Drawing from my work with individuals like Ormond Simmons—who once managed 39,000 acres and 2,600 head of cattle—this talk delves into how visual narratives and storytelling can inspire and engage.

Through photographs and firsthand stories, I aim to surface voices with grit, honesty, and humanity—capturing truths that words alone cannot.

The presentation also invites attendees to consider a larger question: "What if taking photos could change the way you see the world—and yourself?" In a time of constant scrolling and superficial snapshots, I encourage audiences to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the joy of truly seeing.

This talk blends:

- Documentary case studies and behind-the-scenes storytelling.
- Visual thinking strategies.
- Mindful reflections to spark creative and personal growth.

It’s ideal for visual storytellers and anyone curious about the role of images in shaping identity and memory.

The presentation features photography, storytelling and multimedia.

"Documentary Storytelling for Students"

We all have a story to tell. Photos can express that story in a way we cannot always convey with words. Using the power of curiosity as a tool, I help students / teachers find new ways to connect and stand out through documentary storytelling.

This workshop initiative is to empower students by encouraging them to document their lives and stories through documentary photography. The curriculum aims to foster a sense of ownership, amplify diverse voices, and highlight personal storytelling. There are three components of the program:

1. How to Engage the School, Social, Cultural and Historic Community

2. Documentary Photography

Through photography, students capture the essence of their school or community, showcasing strengths and challenges.

3. School and/or Public Display and Impact

The photographs are curated into an exhibition and displayed in school or public spaces such as community centers, galleries, or museums, raising awareness and fostering dialogue.

Students bring whatever camera device they choose — from DSLRs to smart phones (as applicable). This is about developing personal vision and becoming a visual storyteller, not how to use a digital camera.

In this workshop, I show how inquiry-based and experiential learning activities get students excited about history, social studies, civics and photography [art] in school.

The workshop features photography, storytelling and multimedia.

"The Power of Curiosity"

Treat your communications like a documentary. Join documentary photographer Eric Dusenbery as he uses the power of curiosity to inspire and engage audiences. Using curiosity as a tool, Eric finds new ways to connect and stand out through storytelling. Colorful characters and unique narratives provide a backdrop for elevating communications from simple interactions to rich experiences; from simply meeting a deadline to using our natural curiosity to inspire original thinking and increase productivity.

Through his documentary projects, Eric's photographic escapades and stories demonstrate how storytelling transforms communications. Drawing on a vast and rich experience with the human connection, Eric provides a new way to see the every day and uses a convergence of compelling images and powerful words to tell the story of how he learned to see opportunities through new eyes.

Being authentic is at the heart of effective communications. This presentation offers ideas and key points on getting your message heard in today's highly technical, fast-paced, complicated world. How would your organization be different if your mission really stuck in the hearts and minds of your audience? How effective could you be if you were able to create compelling, out-of-the-ordinary, budget friendly messages?

"Picture Your Prose: Writing & Photography for Organizations

Learn skills necessary to use writing and photography in a creative, technically proficient manner and incorporate hands-on activities that will allow participants to think, create, express and explore concepts for compelling storytelling. Led by Cynthia and Eric Dusenbery,  this workshop is about expressing unique stories to engage the community. Through a blend of lectures, discussions, and writing and photography prompts, concepts will be learned that communicate ideas and aesthetic elements.

With technology, social media and communications changing so dramatically, there has never been a greater need for individuals, businesses and organizations to connect with the public. When we learn to look at the world a little differently and communicate about real people, struggles and successes to make emotional connections, we initiate change. Participants will learn how to communicate authentically; how curiosity leads to innovation, shifts in perspectives and honest communication.

THANK YOU. Of those who completed a speaker evaluation, 97% gave you a rating of Excellent / Very Good and enjoyed your presentation. Special comments were made regarding your photographs and the personal stories. Thank you for your very interesting and enjoyable presentation."

Maureen Cortese, University of Central Florida

"Thanks again for joining our dynamic team of special speakers with The Enrichment Academy program. You hit a home run last night with our residents. They really enjoyed it"

Melanie Sarakinis, The Villages Enrichment Academy

"Eric is the vehicle that tells Florida's stories."

Robert Redd, Executive Director, New Smyrna Beach Museum of History

"Your program was very interesting, and the guests loved the photographs, as well as the stories that brought your subjects to life.Through your observations of the present and knowledge of the past this helps form our understanding of the place. In order to form a complete understanding, we have to experience the stories, memories, traditions, and cultural history of that place."
Katherine A. Turner, Citrus County Historical Museum

"Eric's presentations at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement have not only been educational but entertaining — the audience interaction was wonderful. The demonstrations and talks made perfect sense as the topic related to our organization's mission of preservation and education on local folk arts and traditional trades."
Debra West, Executive Director, Barberville Pioneer Settlement

"I would like to provide a huge thank you for a wonderful program you presented to the CCB members. I personally thought your photography was inspiring and was some of the most memorable imagery ever presented to the club."
Richard Thompson, President, Camera Club of Brevard

“Thank you! Great class and would love more from Eric on similar subjects.”

Donna S.

"Thanks for a great workshop. Your feedback and constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. I’ve been working on my projects and have enjoyed them."

Dawn S.

“I’m well on my way to completing the assignments for our photography course. I’m really enjoying this course.”

Katherine R.

“Thank you for the feedback and I am learning to “see” the world a little differently because of this class.”

Joshua C.