Classroom

Portraits in Faith is multimedia documentary project whose purpose is to have a profound healing impact on the world by showing that all of humanity (really all of creation) is on spiritual journey together and that there is no “other.” For 25 years, its creator, Daniel Epstein, has interviewed 500 people in 30 countries about their spiritual journeys and then has made a black and white portrait of each person meant to evoke their true spirit. For 13 years the project has been published online with 630,000 views on YouTube and 5,000+ active followers who receive new portraits when published. In 2022, Gina Alicea conceived of an exhibit and educational curriculum under the title “Seeing the Other” for the University of Chicago K-12 Laboratory Schools. The exhibition completed a 10-month engagement in a 2,500 square foot gallery at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY and is now headed to both Principia College outside of St. Louis and to Rome, Italy for the organization, Religions for Peace. The project was invited to the Vatican in October, 2025 for a press conference dedicated to sharing its content and learnings with the Dicastery of Inter Religious Dialogue and the Dicastery of Communication.

I was—we were (as several folks in the office crowded round) — completely blown away. By its power and dignity, its implicit compassion and yet unblinking eye. What a wonderful project and I only wish I hadn't been on the road for the last three-and-a-half months because I would have been able to see this amazing project sooner.
Ken Burns
Emmy Award-winning Documentary Film Producer/Director
and Portraits in Faith Advisory Board member

Interview Questions

  • What is your concept of God or a Higher Power, if you have one?
  • What does it mean to you to have faith and what is your earliest memory of having faith?
  • What was the first time in your life you feel like you had to or chose to rely upon God, as you understand God?
  • Tell me about a time you doubted your faith and what happened
  • What are you most grateful for?
  • What is your greatest wish?
  • Do you have a message?
  • What would you like people to know about you when they see your portrait?



Daniel has made this content available to teachers and is eager to collaborate for in-classroom activities. The primary experience so far is with high school and undergraduate college age students but he has adapted the content for as young as fourth grade. Here are some of the in classroom options:

  • All options start with Daniel Epstein presenting (in person or by Zoom) to the project and the questions posed to all interviewees
  • Students pick two to three portraits/interviews to compare and contrast their journeys
  • Students use the questions to write self-reflection
  • Students interview one or more persons using the questions and style of interviewing Daniel teaches
  • Daniel can also teach a two to three hour workshop on making a portrait of someone that evokes their “true spirit” as part of the interview process
  • Daniel returns to the classroom (in person or by Zoom) to hear each of the students reports/reflections about the assignment. Daniel can also facilitate a conversation about “othering” as the result of these exercises

The primary in-classroom experience has been with The Laboratory Schools at The University of Chicago World Religions class for three years in a row 2023-2026. Teacher Holly Johnston has this to say about the experience working with Daniel and the Portraits in Faith content:

“Our work with Daniel Epstein on the Portraits in Faith project gave our high school students a way to learn from a wide variety of faith journeys and the value of taking the narratives of others seriously. Daniel encouraged the kids to think about how each individual may have arrived at the point he captured BUT that it is only one snapshot in time. His message is that faith journeys are dynamic. The Portraits in Faith project allows the kids to connect on a very personal level with people they may not ever meet, agree with or have the same beliefs BUT it opens their eyes to "others" and the essay part asks them to find connections/themes/threads between a diverse group of humans. They must see the humanity in all of creation as Daniel says. I also appreciate when kids get to hear about Daniel’s life path from education, occupation, passions, travels, and experiences.”
Holly Johnston
high school world religions teacher, The Laboratory Schools

Explore the Project



Please send an email to daniel@portraitsinfaith.org to plan your in-classroom activities using the Portraits in Faith content.