Social Documentary Photography and Film
Posted in Stirring The Fire, Take Action on Dec 13th, 2011
I was just in Antigua, Guatemala in November documenting an innovative program teaching young Mayan girls about their rights and opportunities. The program called Abriendo Oportunidades teaches the girls how to use video cameras and interviews to become aware of social norms in their culture—some of which, like violence against women, are dysfunctional. I am [...]
Posted in Production Notes on Nov 3rd, 2011
I like the subject to look as directly into the camera as possible when being interviewed. This has proven to be a difficult thing to achieve. One of the ways I have attempted this is to use a long focal length lens and place the camera behind the interviewer and slightly to his or her [...]
Posted in Guest Post, Tibet on Jul 22nd, 2010
Inigo de Angulo, a photographer from Spain, also accompanied me on one of my trips to Tibet in May. It was such a pleasure to watch Inigo interact with the people as he shot and gave Polaroids to his subjects. Inigo has been working on a long term project documenting many religious practices around the [...]
Posted in Guest Post, Tibet on Jul 14th, 2010
Over the years I have had many people ask me if they could assist me on one of my trips. I’ve never been too anxious to do so because I felt it would be too disruptive to have more “foreigners” than necessary show up in a remote village or at a nomad’s tent taking photos. [...]
Posted in Production Notes, Stirring The Fire, Take Action on Mar 31st, 2010
Sometimes it is necessary to create your own opportunities for involvement in the issues that you are passionate about. Nonprofit organizations are looking for ways to get qualified intern and volunteer help. My last blog highlighted two students (Alisun Chopel and Suzy Messer) who worked toward their masters degrees while following their passion to do [...]
Posted in Production Notes on Sep 30th, 2009
Because most of my work is now done in very remote areas without the help of a trained assistant, I have learned how to simplify my on-location lighting substantially. Now I choose lighting equipment based on its reliability, simplicity and weight. When I first started making portraits of indigenous and tribal people in the field, I [...]
Posted in Production Notes on Sep 23rd, 2009
I’m often asked how I gain access and go about photographing people in the developing world. First of all your mental attitude as you approach someone to take their photo is critical to your success no matter if the person you approach is from a remote tribe in Irian Jaya or someone on the streets [...]