Hi, I am Sherrlyn Borkgren
a purpose-driven photographer, environmentally awake, and 25 years as an international magazine and newspaper photojournalist and correspondent. I invite you to photograph and explore with me. These are journeys, not tours. We mingle with locals, uncover mysteries, help others, make friends, and make outrageously great photographs.

Traveling with goodwill and purpose is the key to crafting meaningful stories. Through deliberate and ethical photography, we can create transformative experiences that benefit those around us as well as ourselves. I love inspiring travelers who are motivated to embark on photography and purpose trips that have a profound impact on our perspective of life.

It's only by seeking out and establishing genuine connections, and learning to use the camera as a tool that tells stories that we can open ourselves up to the kind of transformative travel experiences that reshape our understanding of the world.

I encourage all of you explorers, photographers, writers, poets, and anyone who likes to laugh and make friends to come on these trips. You can bring a serious pro camera with a variety of lenses but you are also welcome to bring your phone camera. You can also bring your writer’s pen to capture the story. It is the person behind the camera, not the equipment that makes the photo.

An unexpected splash cools Jan down during a wet boat ride in Guatemala

Guatemala After a few exciting days we all start getting a little funky

Guatemala and Cuba.

Guatemala: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Guatemala's vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Capture the essence of ancient Mayan ruins, wander through colorful colonial towns, and document the daily lives of indigenous communities. Our carefully curated itineraries provide opportunities for you to engage with local communities, learn about their challenges and triumphs, and use your photography to raise awareness and promote positive impact. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting your journey, we will provide insights, techniques, and inspiration to take your skills to the next level. Join us on an unforgettable adventure where your photography becomes a catalyst for storytelling and change in the heart of Guatemala.

CUBA: It’s the only place I have walked at night where I felt completely safe even alone. Cuba is known for its old relic cars but the people are as colorful as the cars. One thing about Cubans is they thrive on fun and laughter. I can’t wait to go back.

Sherrlyn with her dog and Guatemalan children

Photojournalist Sherrlyn enjoys hearing a story from Bangladesh workers. See her dog in the man's lap? — As a photojournalist, I delight in listening to stories from workers while my little grey dog sits on the man's lap. There are 8 billion people in the world and each one has a story.

During a LaughingPlanet journey in Guatemala, one of our travelers, Pat, gives a book to a Mayan shopkeeper.

“A traveler engages and becomes forever linked with the culture of another. It’s not the same as going to another country as a tourist. ”

— Sherrlyn

Lynn Johnson

Lynn went on the first trip to Guatemala with our Beta group and will be back for future trips. Her photography graces the pages of magazines such as National Geographic, Sports Illustrated and Women of Vision. She has received a number of prestigious awards including the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award and World Press. We could fill a page with her rewards, but one of the most outstanding things about Lynn is her persistence to practice kindness in all situations. She has taught at National Geographic workshops, Ohio University, and Syracuse University Newhouse Communications. She has traveled world wide working on sensitive photography assignments, and she is always awake, aware and ready to share her knowledge of making good photos with workshop friends.

Lynn works through her invisibility, compassion, and outrage. A regular in National Geographic, Johnson is known for shooting elusive subjects (language, disease, rape, water) and for asking tough questions. Her thesis as a Knight Fellow at Ohio University probed hate crimes; at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications she challenges master’s students to push past their own comfort levels. Dedicated to exploring the far reaches of the human condition, she spends only two months a year at home in Pittsburgh, packing the camera bag.

“I’m short,” says Lynn Johnson. “That’s one of the things I pack in my camera bag.”

Sharon Levy

Sharon will be leading an upcoming surprise trip. Watch for it.
Sharon is an acclaimed visual storyteller and a two-time Emmy winner. She teaches video and storytelling and is renowned for her instructional skills. Sharon is an entertaining, informative guest-educator at national media conferences and has instructed a broad base of students. She has worked for American armed forces, radio, and television. She has a playful, light and compassionate soul that makes her approachable and loads of fun. Sharon will be teaching on an upcoming trip.

When not working in the field Sharon is making sure her children got braces and are on the right pathway to college

Journey with us and return home with tales of secrets to tell.