Exploring Social Justice Through Photography: A Conversation with LaToya Ruby Frazier

Welcome to the 10 Frames Per Second podcast, where photojournalism meets social advocacy. Hosted by Joe Giordano and Molly Roberts, this podcast dives deep into the world of photography and its role in addressing social issues. In this episode, we are honored to have LaToya Ruby Frazier, a renowned photographer and social justice advocate, as our guest.

LaToya Ruby Frazier: A Journey Through Photography

LaToya Ruby Frazier began her photography journey at the age of 16, capturing her family and community in Braddock, Pennsylvania. Inspired by legendary photographers like Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, and Gordon Parks, Frazier has dedicated her work to documenting the social and environmental injustices faced by her community.  Thus far she has produced 5 books.

Achievements and Recognition, Frazier’s impressive accolades include:

Guggenheim Fellow
International Center of Photography Award
MacArthur Fellowship
Sundance Institute’s Art of Nonfiction Fellow (2018)
Gordon Parks Foundation Stidel Book Prize (2020)
Honorary Fellowship with the Royal Photographic Society (2021)
The Power of Photography in Social Justice

LaToya’s work is rooted in her personal experiences growing up in a post-industrial town. She uses her camera as a tool to create a narrative that challenges the dominant media portrayal of communities like hers.

Key Themes in LaToya’s Work

Social and Environmental Contexts: Frazier’s photography encapsulates the struggles of living in a dilapidated environment, where systemic issues like housing discrimination and pollution are prevalent.

Historic Erasure: A pivotal moment in her career was discovering the book Images of America: Braddock, Allegheny County, which omitted the stories of African Americans. This realization fueled her commitment to document her community’s narrative.

Counter-Narratives: LaToya aims to provide a counter-narrative to the mainstream media’s portrayal of her hometown, emphasizing the humanity and resilience of its residents.

Documenting the Water Crisis: A New Narrative

In our discussion, LaToya delves into the water crisis affecting communities across America, particularly in Flint, Michigan. Her work highlights the systemic problems that lead to contaminated water, drawing attention to the urgent need for clean drinking water.

The Importance of Visual Storytelling

Impactful Imagery: LaToya emphasizes how powerful images can raise awareness about social issues. For instance, witnessing water fountains covered with signs declaring “contaminated, do not drink” left a lasting impression on her, pushing her to create a photo essay that would reach millions.

Long-Term Engagement: She believes that documentary work should have a sustained life, urging artists to continue their engagement with communities long after initial projects are complete.

Collaborative Efforts in Crisis

LaToya highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing social issues:

Community Connections: Through her relationships with activists like Shay Cobb and Amber Hassan, she documents their struggles and triumphs in navigating the water crisis.

Innovative Solutions: The introduction of Moses West’s atmospheric water generator technology in Flint represents a beacon of hope. LaToya’s work showcases how grassroots activism can lead to transformative solutions.

The Role of Community Health Workers

In her recent project, LaToya shifts focus to community health workers in Baltimore, highlighting their critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Celebrating Unsung Heroes

More Than Conquerors: This project aims to honor community health workers, often overlooked despite their invaluable contributions. LaToya’s portraits serve as a monument to their dedication and resilience.

Advocacy for Change: By documenting their stories, LaToya advocates for better recognition and support for these workers, pushing for policy changes that ensure fair compensation and benefits.

A Permanent Home for Art

In an exciting development, LaToya’s work has found a permanent home at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA). Glenstone has gifted a significant monument to the BMA, ensuring that LaToya’s impactful art will be preserved for future generations. This gift symbolizes a commitment to the people of Baltimore, allowing them to engage with and draw inspiration from her work.

Inspiring Future Generations

LaToya’s presence in the BMA is not just a personal achievement; it serves as an inspiration for young artists in Baltimore and beyond. As educators like Joe Giordano prepare their students to experience LaToya’s work, the impact of her art continues to ripple through the community.

Conclusion: The Role of Artists in Social Change

LaToya Ruby Frazier’s work exemplifies the power of photography in advocating for social justice. By documenting her community’s struggles and triumphs, she not only preserves their narratives but also inspires others to engage in meaningful conversations about equity and representation.

Key Takeaways

Photography can serve as a powerful tool for social change.
Collaborative efforts between artists and communities are essential for authentic representation.
Understanding the complexities of systemic issues, like the water crisis and health disparities, is crucial for creating inclusive solutions.
Join us every Tuesday on 10FPS for more insightful conversations about the intersection of photography and social justice. You can catch past episodes on WLOY.org and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from photographers like LaToya Ruby Frazier.

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The Power of Photojournalism: A Conversation with Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Painchaud of Lookout Santa Cruz

Welcome back to 10 Frames Per Second, the podcast dedicated to the world of photojournalism, hosted by Joe Giordano and Molly Roberts. Each Tuesday, we explore the stories behind the lens with professional photojournalists. In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Kevin Painchaud, a distinguished photojournalist from Lookout Santa Cruz, whose impactful work has recently earned him and his team a Pulitzer Prize for breaking news and him a Photo of the Year.

Kevin is not just a photojournalist; he is a storyteller who captures the essence of human experiences through his lens. With accolades including the California Journalism Awards’ News Photo of the Year and an Emmy nomination, Kevin’s work has graced the pages of major news outlets such as ABC, CBS, and CNN. His journey into photography began in his youth, sparked by a passion for skateboarding and the captivating black-and-white images taken by a friend.

From Accident to Awakening

Kevin’s love for photography took a transformative turn after a serious car accident during his sophomore year of high school. The experience left him in a coma for four days, but it also gave him a renewed perspective on life and photography.

A Shift in Perspective: After waking up, Kevin felt an overwhelming gratitude for life and a newfound empathy for others. This experience changed how he approached photography, allowing him to see people not as strangers but as individuals with unique stories.

Engaging with Subjects: Kevin emphasizes the importance of building rapport with his subjects. By showing genuine interest in their lives, he creates a trust that allows him to capture authentic moments through his camera.

The Role of Photojournalism in Community Reporting

Kevin’s work at Lookout Santa Cruz has been pivotal, especially during challenging times for the community. The organization, which operates with a small team of reporters and editors, focuses on delivering local news that resonates with its audience.

Covering Extreme Weather Events

In early 2023, Santa Cruz faced extreme weather conditions that tested the resilience of its residents and the dedication of its news team. Here’s how Kevin and his colleagues rose to the occasion:

Team Dynamics: Lookout Santa Cruz consists of six reporters, three editors, and Kevin as the sole photojournalist. This tight-knit group worked collaboratively to cover the devastating storms that hit the area, causing significant damage and disruption.

Community Connection: The team’s commitment to providing accurate and timely information was crucial for residents who were scared and uncertain about the unfolding events. Kevin’s on-the-ground reporting helped bridge the gap between the community and the information they desperately needed.

The Impact of Local Journalism

Kevin highlighted the importance of local journalism, especially in times of crisis. The community relied on Lookout Santa Cruz for updates, and the team’s dedication to their work played a significant role in their Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage.

Real-Time Reporting: Kevin often took on the dual role of photographer and reporter, capturing images and conducting interviews simultaneously. This hands-on approach ensured that the stories being told were not only accurate but also deeply connected to the community’s experiences.

A Sense of Duty: Despite the exhausting demands of working through the storms for three months, Kevin and his team felt an obligation to their community. They worked tirelessly, often putting in 12-hour days, to ensure that residents were kept informed and supported during the crisis.

The Journey to the Pulitzer Prize

The culmination of Kevin’s hard work and dedication came when Lookout Santa Cruz was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news coverage. The announcement was unexpected, and the emotions that followed were profound.

A Surprising Announcement: Kevin’s managing editor, Tamsin, had secretly submitted their work for the Pulitzer without informing the team. When she announced the news during a mandatory meeting, the initial reaction was disbelief, quickly followed by tears of joy and celebration.

A Personal Triumph: For Kevin, winning the Pulitzer was not just a professional milestone; it was a deeply emotional experience that validated his journey as a photojournalist. It reaffirmed that his work mattered and had a significant impact on the community.

The Emotional Weight of Photojournalism

Kevin discussed the emotional challenges faced by photojournalists, particularly when witnessing trauma and hardship in the communities they cover. He reflected on how the Pulitzer win served as a cathartic moment, allowing him to confront his own insecurities and affirm the importance of his work.

The Constant Struggle: Despite the accolades, Kevin acknowledged the ongoing struggle many photojournalists face regarding the value of their work. The profession is evolving, and the pressure to prove the significance of visual storytelling remains.

Finding Purpose: Winning the Pulitzer Prize reinforced Kevin’s belief that photojournalism is vital. It demonstrated that even small, community-focused news outlets can make a difference and be recognized for their efforts.

Conclusion: The Heart of Photojournalism

Kevin Painchaud’s journey and experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that photojournalism can have on communities. Through empathy, dedication, and a passion for storytelling, photojournalists like Kevin help us understand the world around us better.

To hear more about Kevin’s story and the incredible work of Lookout Santa Cruz, listen to the full episode of 10 Frames Per Second on 10FPS.net or wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay Connected

For more insights into the world of photojournalism, subscribe to our podcast and join us each week for new episodes. Don’t forget to check out our previous episodes at WLOY.org, where you can explore the stories of other talented photojournalists.

Previous Episode: George Steinmetz          Next Episode: Latoya Ruby Frazier

The post Episode 128: Kevin Painchaud (Breaking News Photography) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

Exploring the World of Aerial Photojournalism: An Interview with George Steinmetz

Welcome back to 10 Frames Per Second, the podcast dedicated to photojournalism, hosted by Joe Giordano and Molly Roberts. In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with renowned photographer George Steinmetz, who has spent decades capturing the beauty and challenges of our planet from unique perspectives.

Meet George Steinmetz

George Steinmetz graduated from Stanford University with a degree in geophysics and embarked on a remarkable journey into photography after hitchhiking through Africa for 28 months. His adventures have taken him to remote deserts around the globe, often piloting a motorized paraglider to capture stunning aerial shots.

Aerial Photography and Adventure

Steinmetz’s approach to photography is akin to modern drone photography, but with a twist: he actually flies in his unique contraption, which he humorously describes as a “motorized lawn chair.” This adventurous spirit has led to some unexpected and thrilling experiences.

• Unique Perspective: George’s aerial photography allows him to tell compelling stories about remote landscapes, climate change, and food sustainability.
• Published Work: Since 1986, he has completed over 40 major photo essays for National Geographic and published six books, including his latest, Feed the Planet: A Photographic Journey to the World’s Food, released in October.

The Journey into Photography

From Geophysics to Photography: George’s journey into photography was driven by curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown. Growing up in Los Angeles and attending Stanford, he longed for a different experience, leading him to Africa.

• Self-Taught Photographer: Despite being self-taught, George’s passion for photography grew as he traveled, capturing moments and learning through trial and error.
• First Camera: His first camera was an Olympus OM-1, borrowed from a friend, which he used during his travels in Africa.

Overcoming Challenges: Steinmetz faced numerous challenges while learning photography:

• Learning Curve: He made many mistakes, sending photos back to his mother for feedback, which provided him with valuable lessons.
• Film Photography: Shooting with Kodachrome 64 and Ektachrome, he learned the importance of exposure, lighting, and composition.

The Art of Aerial Photography

The Motorized Paraglider: George’s transition to aerial photography began with his motorized paraglider, which he began flying in the late 1990s. This innovative flying machine allowed him to capture breathtaking landscapes from above.

• Flight Experience: He learned to fly and navigate the challenges of aerial photography, often facing mechanical issues and unpredictable weather conditions.
• Safety First: George emphasized the importance of safety, always flying with a pro pilot and having contingency plans in place.

Techniques and Equipment: Steinmetz shared insights into his photographic techniques:

• Camera Settings: He typically shot at 1/500 of a second with ISO 40 film, adjusting settings based on lighting conditions.
• Focus Tricks: To counteract vibration during flight, he would tape his focus settings to ensure sharp images.

Sustainability and Food Choices

In our conversation, George also delved into the critical issue of sustainability in food production. He discussed how the perception of certain fish species has changed over time, leading to shifts in dietary choices.
The Evolution of Fish Consumption: Overfishing and overconsumption threatens many fish populations.

• From Junk Fish to Delicacies: George reminisced about the transformation of once-overlooked fish, like used in a fast-food fish sandwich, into popular menu items, thanks to creative cooking methods.
• Overfishing Concerns: He highlighted the alarming decline of species like swordfish and Atlantic tuna, prompting a need to rethink our seafood choices.

Personal Dietary Changes: George shared how his extensive research has influenced his own eating habits:

• Local and Sustainable Choices: He now strives to buy locally sourced foods and prefers chicken over red meats when he does consume meat.
• Mindful Eating: Emphasizing the importance of informed choices, he encourages people to consider the environmental impact of their food, likening it to casting a vote three times a day.

The Role of Photography in Advocacy

George’s work is not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about raising awareness.

• Educating the Public: Through his photography and writing, he aims to inform people about the environmental implications of their food choices.
• Collaborative Efforts: He collaborates with advocates like Michael Pollan to emphasize mindful eating and the importance of understanding food production.

Conclusion

George Steinmetz’s journey as a photojournalist is a testament to the power of curiosity and adventure. His unique approach to aerial photography not only captures stunning visuals but also tells important stories about our world and the choices we make.

George on Instagram

To hear more about George’s incredible experiences and insights, be sure to listen to the full episode of 10 Frames Per Second, available on 10FPS.net or your favorite podcast platform.

Podcast episode transcript HERE

Previous Episode: Angela Owens Next Episode: Kevin Painchaud

The post Episode 127: George Steinmetz (Documentary Photography) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

Angela Owens joins us to talk about her work covering the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the destruction in Western North Caroline.  Angela covered the story for the Wall Street Journal and shares her experiences on the ground in Asheville and the region.

Angela is a photo editor at The Wall Street Journal, where she has been annoying her colleagues with animal trivia since 2017.

She was previously a multimedia editor at STAT/Boston Globe Media, covering health and life sciences news, and performing dual roles in the photo and social media departments. She began her career as a staff photographer for The Daily Item, documenting communities on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

She earned a B.S. in Business at North Carolina State University before graduate school studying photojournalism at Boston University. She also studied documentary photography at the Duke University Center for Documentary Studies.

Angela has juried competitions for the National Press Photographers Association and MassArt.

She is FAA Part 107 certified. She also has HEFAT certification.

Doubling as a reporter, she has written about wolves, elk antlers, fat baby bears, beloved old bears, and remote subarctic towns for The Wall Street Journal.

A person rides their bike through the River Arts District in Asheville, NC on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.

People survey the damage in the River Arts district in Asheville, NC on Oct. 1, 2024

People survey the damage in the River Arts district in Asheville, NC on Oct. 1, 2024

Podcast transcript Here

Previous Episode:  Martin Broen         Next Episode: George Steinmetz

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Martin Broen is an inventor, industrial designer, diver and photographer. He joins us to discuss his amazing photography in his new book Light In The Underworld available from Rizzoli. Who knew there were underwater rivers and cave collections spanning over 200km?! Martin talks about the process of exploration, the gear and we try to understand how you can get up the nerve to swim more than an hour into an underwater cave…

Originally from Argentina, now living in New York, Martin’s photographic works have graced the pages of numerous magazines and newspapers and have been showcased in various exhibitions, earning him a collection of over 50 distinct photography awards. Notable among these accolades are the 2022 Nature Discovery of the Year, 2022 Speleophotography Grand Prize, 2022 Black & White Photo of the Year, 2022 Current World Archeology Winner, 2022 Landscape Photograph of the Year, 2022 and 2023 Underwater imaging best of show, 2021 Oceanographic Exploration Photographer of the Year, among others. One look into his book will show you why.

Martin on Instagram

Previous Episode: Paula Pastrana           Next Episode: Angela Owens

The post Episode 125: Martin Broen (Underwater Photography) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

Today’s guest Paula Pastrana found her way to photography through an unusual route… from professional soccer to documenting strikes and political protest in her native Colombia.  Paula studied Photography and Digital Image with a different eye.  Her experience with sports and desire to remain true to her own vision led her to a unique style.  She has worked in a broad selection of professional photography from sports & fashion, to documentary & portraiture.  Currently working on her Masters in Documentary Photography with LABASAD Barcelona, Paula is here today to discuss the work she did capturing the struggles of striking Colombians and the police attacks on them.  She has had exhibitions such as Tropicalia, Dendrofilia, Brujería, Miche, Casa Amarilla and individual exhibitions with Eco, publications in the digital magazine Ikebana Magazine and Revista Magazine.  We are thrilled to feature this up and coming talent and encourage you to follow her work!

Previous Episode: Peter Essick          Next Episode: Martin Broen

The post Episode 124: Paula Pastrana (Documentary Photography) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

ARCHIVE EPISODE: Happy Halloween!

Peter Manseau is a novelist, historian, and museum curator. He is the founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s Center for the Understanding of Religion in American History. We explore his book The Apparitionists explores the history of “Spirit photographer” William Mumler and his photos capturing the ghostly presence of lost loved ones alongside his living subjects. Among his many supporters was one Mary Todd Lincoln…

Winner of the National Jewish Book Award, the American Library Association’s Sophie Brody Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Jewish Literature, the Ribalow Prize for Fiction, a National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholar Fellowship, and a National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship, he has also been shortlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize and the Prix Médicis étranger, awarded to the best foreign novel published in France.

Previous Episode: Peter Essick          Next Episode: Paula Pastrana

The post Episode 43: Peter Manseau (Ghost Photography) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

Peter Essick is a photographer, teacher, and editor with 30 years of experience working with National Geographic Magazine. He specializes in nature and environmental themes. Named one of the forty most influential nature photographers in the world by Outdoor Photography Magazine UK, Essick has been influenced by many noted American landscape photographers from Carleton Watkins to Robert Adams. His goal is to make photographs that show the human impact of development as well as the enduring power of the land. Essick is the author of four books of his photographs, The Ansel Adams Wilderness, Our Beautiful, Fragile World, Fernbank Forest and most recently, Work in Progress. He now focuses on photographing the land surrounding Atlanta, Ga, where he resides.

Peter on Instagram

Previous Episode: Robert LeBlanc Next Episode: Paula Pastrana

The post Episode 123: Peter Essick (Nature Photographer) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

Robert LeBlanc is a Los Angeles-based artist who works primarily in photography and video. His projects capture non-traditional communities, including hotshot firefighters, hurricane survivors, and Holiness snake handlers. Through raw, unguarded images, he offers a glimpse of daily life into otherwise rarely-pictured social spaces. He works from the conviction that a meaningful documentary series is made through mutual engagement, transparency, and years of trust-building.

LeBlanc is a self-taught photographer who first bought a 35-mm point-and-shoot camera in 2003 to document and share skate culture, and his experience navigating the world on a skateboard. Over the next 12 years, he created an authentic record of day-to-day life in his cohort, culminating in his debut artist book, Unlawful Conduct. Each copy of this limited edition came enclosed in a unique case, die-cut from a specially-made large-scale graffiti mural. Unlawful Conduct sold out before print and was carried in highly selective bookstores worldwide, including museums MoMA PS1 Bookstore and Frye Museum Store.

In 2017, LeBlanc became one of a handful of photographers awarded a government contract to document hotshot wildfires. Over the next four years, he documented Montana and California crews as they risked their lives to battle remote and unpredictable wildfires. This rare and intimate perspective on the proliferation of natural disasters is chronologized in his second publication, Moon Dust. In partnership with Mystery Ranch and Monster Energy Cares, book sale proceeds are donated to the Eric Marsh Foundation, U.S. Hotshots Association, and Backbone Series Scholarship.

LeBlanc’s 2023 monograph, GLORYLAND, pictures not only the last Holiness serpent-handling church in West Virginia but an old mystic religious ritual on the verge of extinction. LeBlanc spent over five years with the church congregation, giving a unique and intimate view of this dying demonstration of devout faith.

Listen in as we explore his process, history and long-form projects in the works.

Robert on Instagram

Previous Episode: Richard Sharum          Next Episode: Peter Essick

The post Episode 122: Robert LeBlanc (Documentary Photography) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

Richard Sharum is an editorial and documentary photographer based in the Dallas, Texas area. Mainly focusing on socio-economic or social justice dilemmas concerning the human condition, his work has been regarded as in-depth, up-close and personal. We discuss Richard’s long-term projects and outstanding first book “Campesino Cuba” and the upcoming releases starting with “Spina Americana” (available for pre-order).

Selected exhibitions have occurred in Kyoto, Japan, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Reggio Emilia, Italy, New York, Boston, Chicago and Dallas.

His work has been added to the permanent collection of the Witliff Center for Documentary Studies, as well as others.

His commissions include those by The Meadows Foundation, Centers for Community Cooperation, Harvard Law School, Student Conservation Association, Children’s Medical Center (Oncology), Children’s Cancer Fund.

His publications include those by LFI (Leica International), British Journal of Photography, LensCulture, The Atlantic, Texas Monthly, Publico (Portugal), El Pais (Spain), Observer (UK), The New York Times Lens Blog, B+W Photo Magazine, Huck Magazine, Glasstire, PATRON, Creative Review, among others.

Richard Sharum is represented by The Hulett Collection, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Richard is on Instagram @Richard_Sharum

Previous Episode: Carrie Schreck Next Episode: Robert LeBlanc

The post Episode 121: Richard Sharum (Documentary Photography) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.