Before I ever understood “SLR,” as an acronym or even had a decent point and shoot, I was framing the world as I saw it into photos. After surrendering my summer savings during junior year of college on a Canon and taking a few photo classes, I began to work as a photographer for my university’s newspaper. Long story short, I graduated and kept taking photos amidst an insatiable desire to participate and work in populations of poverty and victims of structural injustice. I have documented the relocation and integration of Nepali refugees in Eastern Washington State over a 3-year period. I’ve also photographed for the NGO Courts for Kids, in Western Samoa in the South Pacific.
This past year, I moved to Palestine for a season and realized how much I thrived in conflict. I had to learn how to identify clues of potential escalation in volatile situations…and then stay put and keep clicking. Not only did I photograph protests and direct actions, I became involved in the planning and execution of the events I was covering after realizing that neutrality in this case would be to side with the oppressor. Through all these projects, I have come to understand how integral relationships are with the subjects. Whether the project allows for long-term friendship or on the spot rapport building, my priority is on connecting with those I photograph to invite their vulnerability and reveal as much of their humanity to potential viewers.
The images I’ve captured are loaded with political implications. I am interested in what is underneath. A great documentary photo should prod the observer to pursue education on the subject. It implies participation and engagement. I want my photos not only to move people to emotion and empathy, but to action. To capture despair, beauty, weakness and strength, mangled together in honesty, is a call for hope. It’s an invitation to build conviction and then exercise it.
In addition to being a young humanitarian photographer, I am also a credentialed social studies teacher. I do not plan on teaching any time soon, but the entirety of my portfolio will one day be used to impact youth with the kind of weight that only school provides. I plan to indoctrinate teenagers into believing that we all have a tremendous responsibility to seek out the injustices around us, and work toward their redemption.
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