CONFLUENCE magazine

“This book made me wish I had started taking photos earlier in my life. It reinforced the importance of documenting things that change or disappear over time – people die, fashion changes, cities gentrify. Even if you don’t publish the shots, you will leave a legacy or your life and of the world. “

“We are subjectively looking at the world through our lenses, which already alters reality some. What we choose to include in the frame is based on a lot of subconscious thinking, and also our perception of how things are in that moment. Once we go back and beautify our images, some of that information can be lost. The image no longer says what was true in the moment the shutter went off, another layer of subjectivity has been added in post-production. When it’s done with a heavy hand it can significantly alter the message of the image. “

“I’ve spent 16 years as a sort of mediator between photographers and readers/viewers, helping to determine what people want to know about a documentary photo, how to pull that information together, and how to present it clearly. Here are some things to consider before and during your coverage, and some tips on conveying information in captions.”

“What happened there could happen to any of us here, or on the east coast for that matter, and all that decides our fate sometimes is a wobble. “

“My experience last year provided me with so many game changers in the way I practice photography. I now go into covering a wedding with a little bit of Maggie Steber, Andre Chung, Carl Juste, and Martin Parr, and I now sequence photos from my sessions with a little bit of James Estrin. You may have to look some of these folks up, but the point is that FOTS allowed me to be around the best and that has been tremendous for my growth as a photographer. “

“If we can do this once, we can do it twice. If we can do this twice, we can keep doing it. “

“Even though on the surface things may appear different, we are much the same. We are all just trying to find our own way in this thing we call life. Whether that is through religious practices, fashion choices or going balls out on a scooter across a bridge in Prague. “

“The presentation is is a whole level of commutation in and of itself. I’m just seeking a balance of thoughtful crafting and not mindfuxxing the thing to death. Fine line.”

“It was like watching a baby horse walking for the first time , clumsy at start then with more and more confidence. This is what is interesting for me to see how this little girl will transform into a beautiful strong teenager.”

Founded by three documentary photographers, the DFAs have transformed the judging process into something that is part live critique, part seminar in composition, technical skill and storytelling style. The takeaways from watching any part of the multi-hour broadcast are inspiring and informative.