The Students of Truth: Guadalajara
KEVIN KOVALESKI, Boston, MA
“I’ve been shooting freelance photojournalism for about five years on a purely amateur level. I came to the Truth With A Camera workshop with the goal of turning my passion for photography into a full-time commitment. I believe in the workshop’s mission that by showing truth we can be agents of change with our cameras. In this week, I hope to work with a group of like-minded professionals who will push me to use my passion for the benefit of others.”
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JOSEPH SMOOKE, San Francisco, CA
“A number of years ago I made the decision to merge my photographic work with my professional work. At home in San Francisco, I am the Director of a non profit (Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center) serving youth, seniors, and families; developing affordable housing; and building the power of those who are disenfranchised. My interest in Truth With a Camera is to continue this work of bringing dignity, support, and power to those most in need. We also have the opportunity to build the strength of the organizations working in these communities of need for lasting impact. To do this through photography and building relationships has the most potential for bringing truth to light.”
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PEPE MACBA, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
“’I’ve been sailing for latent images for more than 10 years. During this journey, the photography has been a passion, one of my better ways to express myself and communicating with the others. I see the Truth With A Camera workshop as a great opportunity for learning and sharing with people who also believe the image can be an instrument for giving voice to those who don’t have it. It is also a big challenge and a good manner to contribute with the NGO’s labor.”
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JESSE HUTCHESON, Newport News, VA
“I came to the TRUTH workshop because I knew it was the best way to prepare myself for documentary work outside the country. I participated in several TRUTH workshops when they were located in Norfolk, Virginia and I knew the dedication and talent among the staff would make this workshop worthwhile. I will be traveling to Haiti soon to photograph missionary work. I thought the TRUTH workshop would be a great crash course in documentary work. But most of all I’m here to tell the story and bring light to those who may have gone unknown. People who’s story needs to be told, needs to be seen. “
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SARA LEWKOWICZ, Annapolis, MD
“I’ve come to feel that documentary photography is one of the greatest tools that can be used to instill a sense of empathy in people. When we are forced to look at something, particularly something unpleasant, we are forced to take it in, mentally grapple with it, and ultimately, to answer the question of what, if anything, we are going to do in reaction to what we’ve seen. I came to TRUTH because, through photography, I want to effect change in the world around me, and I believe this workshop will give me invaluable training from some of the best and brightest in this field. I came here because I feel this workshop can help me become a better photographer, a better documentary journalist, and a better humanitarian. Maybe even a better human being, too.”
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SARA K. MULLEN, Virginia Beach, VA
“I have focused my creativity on many different art forms: painting, drawing and design. But, my constant is the camera. I always go back to it. I hope that working with Truth With A Camera will help me to focus my skills in a way that can help change the world.”
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JOEY CARDELLA, Long Island, NY
“I realized the power of photographs to tell stories during my time as a Peace Corps volunteer in South Africa. I came to Truth With A Camera to learn how to more effectively use photography to highlight issues around the world and hopefully to move people into action to change their world for the better.”
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PHILIP SCOTT ANDREWS, Annandale, VA
“After studying photojournalism for the last four years at Western Kentucky University, and seeing the newspaper industry start to combust, I began to look for a new market for my photography. I knew I wanted to make documentary images and that there was a market for such images outside of traditional print media. I came to Truth because I wanted to learn how to work in a foreign country and how to tailor my work for use with NGO’s.”
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PATRICIA QUIROGA, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
“My name is Patricia Quiroga, and I was born in Guadalajara in 1982. I have loved photography since I was young. After high school, I studied basic black and white photography in London, and then received a degree in visual arts with a concentration in photography from the University of Guadalajara. I’m now working as photographer for a governmental institution which promotes sports for the low income people in the community. I signed up for the workshop because I am interested in telling the truth, and thought that the workshop would change my perpective and improve my photography. In the first two days, I’ve been very satisfied with my growth and what I’ve learned from the instructors and other students.”
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ANDREA DIAZ, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
“When I had to decide my major of study, my first intention was to go into film, but for a variety of reasons, I couldn’t enlist, so I decided to go into photography. When I discovered the power of photographs and how they can move people, I completely forgot about film. The workshop, Truth With A Camera seems to be a great opportunity to work with people involved with this medium, to promote the growth of my work, so that I’ll be able to say more with my images, to learn to tell stories that move the world.”
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MEGAN NEWTON, Boulder, CO
“I am a Colorado-based photographer and began shooting professionally last summer. My passion for photography began when I was a little girl; my Dad would stuff our stockings with film. I decided to put that film to use when I saw a photograph that brought me to tears. From that moment forward, I have focused my efforts on documentary photography; I want to use my camera to educate and inspire. I believe that photographs do have the power to change the world. The ideals of Truth With A Camera are similar, and I decided to participate in this workshop for the incredible opportunity to make a difference working with the non-profits here in Guadalajara. This is a workshop with purpose! ”
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RENEE MUNSON, Virginia Beach, VA
“I come from a background in fine art photography but have always had a passion for photojournalism and storytelling. Truth With A Camera has brought me an amazing opportunity to pursue my passion and realize my dream .”
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MINERVA NAVARRO, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
“I’m a student of photography in the Universidad De Guadalajara. With photography, I capture a world that unfolds in front of my eyes. It is a tool that can be used to keep history from repeating itself. It helps us know each other and can break the boundaries between us.”
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JAIME MARTIN, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
“I take photos to show the world what I see in searching for the truth. I entered Truth With A Camera to learn and to see other points of view. Photography is a powerful weapon that can help the world find the truth.”
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NESTORI VIRTANEN, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico via Finland
“I heard about the Truth With A Camera the day before it started. I have to admit I did think about participating for 1/60th of a second before making up my mind. The truth is out there, but don’t believe me if one day I say I’ve found it.”
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HORAS SANDOVAL RICO, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
“I started in photography because of a woman. Now she is gone, but I am still a photographer. My main photographic interests lay in documentary and photojournalism. I firmly believe one successful image can change the world. Photographers and other artists have a big commitment to society, because it is through our eyes that society is reflected upon itself. Truth With A Camera has been a great experience because it brings photographers from many different backgrounds to share experiences and points of view. I am very thankful to be a part of this.”
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RENéE DEEMER, Bowling Green, Kentucky
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