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Truth With a Camera Workshop Blog Where Will You Find Truth?
In their own words
Kevin Kovaleski
I came to Guadalajara expecting to tell the story of CODENI and the street children they serve. When I first researched the lives of street children, I anticipated that nonexistent support and absentee parenting would mark the lives of these children. After I met the family that I would follow for the week, I found that my preconceived notions were quite inaccurate. My story quickly evolved into a telling of the power and resilience of motherhood.
During my week with Truth With A Camera, I had the distinct privilege to tell the story of Juana and Felipa, two mothers who are raising their four children in Cerro del Cuatro, one of Guadalajara’s most dangerous neighborhoods. In shared space and under dire economic circumstances, Juana and Felipa have created a nurturing haven for their children that exudes community, love and progress.
Community is a major theme in this story, and thanks to the work of CODENI, the community that surrounds Juana and Felipa is strengthening. CODENI has assisted the women in founding the Mnini Collectivo, an artisan collective that promotes a more sustainable livelihood while honoring the women’s traditional Otomi heritage.
As photojournalists, we have the responsibility to abandon our predetermined biases and let truth unfold before our cameras. I feel extremely lucky to have had an opportunity to work with an amazing group of photojournalists who have encouraged me to do just that during my week in Guadalajara.
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
Thank you, Kevin, for an amazing week. What a blessing you have been to the staff, children, mothers and volunteers of CODENI and MNINI. You are truly and insightful individual with a wonderful talent as a photographer to bring forth what is usually overlooked by the naked eye due to perconceived notions. Your work will definitely make a difference in the lives of the Otomí families involved in these projects. We wish you the best as you continue to bless others with your talent and kindness.