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intelligence
in photojournalism, and to use
these as tools to inspire,
educate, and
promote change in the world around us.
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Truth With a Camera Workshop Blog Where Will You Find Truth?
NGO Spotlight: IMDEC
With 45 years of experience with community organizing around issues of sustainable development, justice and equality, The Mexican Institute for Community Development is one of the oldest NGOs in Mexico. Founded upon democratic ideals, the people at IMDEC believe in fostering local mobilization and participation to create stronger and healthier communities.
In addition to their support of community groups, IMDEC works to help promote greater public and governmental awareness of numerous interrelated health and environmental issues.
Currently, they are active in several communities around Guadalajara, as well as several more rural areas. As Guadalajara has expanded, the growth of population within the outer zones of the city has outpaced the reach of facilities that deliver clean water. Contaminants in the water make their way into the air and land. Consequently, many who live in these communities are at a higher risk of developing cancer, tuberculosis, and a plethora of skin and respiratory diseases.
Photo © Horus Sandoval Rico 2009 TWAC Workshop participant
Photo © Renée Deemer 2009 TWAC Workshop participant
Photo © Horus Sandoval Rico 2009 TWAC Workshop participant
Photo © Renée Deemer 2009 TWAC Workshop participant
Photo © Renée Deemer 2009 TWAC Workshop participant
Photo © Renée Deemer 2009 TWAC Workshop participant
Photo © Horus Sandoval Rico 2009 TWAC Workshop participant
Photo © Renée Deemer 2009 TWAC Workshop participant
The first University of Missouri Photo Workshop, in 1949, was referred to as an “experiment in photographic education.” The director, Clifton C. Edom, had one rule: “Show Truth With A Camera.” No posing. No manipulation of the facts.
Cliff was influenced by Lewis Hine, Jacob Riis and the Farm Security Administration and their role in documenting social problems. Since that time thousands of photojournalists have educated us about war, hunger, violence and abuse around the world.
“Documentary photography”, wrote Cliff, “is the background, the roots, of modern photojournalism.” He spoke of the necessity to keep up with new technologies, but he emphasized the importance of ethics in documenting society and contributing to social justice.
Dr. Vme Edom Smith, Director and Secretary
The Edom Foundation for Photojournalism Education