Socially Engaged Photojournalism

The socially engaged photographer is the affected photographer, one who akin to activists, are:
So much so that they are affected to take action and raise awareness while attracting the public’s attention surrounding current social concerns.

null — Social Reportage Session III: Farmworkers in upstate New York harvest produce working long days exposed to extreme heat and pesticides. Arleen Thaler

It can allude to a humanly dire classification of photojournalism that commits to capturing images of those who are impoverished, marginalized, victimized or disadvantaged, while being immersive in nature.

Social Reportage Session III: Farmworkers in upstate New York take a break near the end of the harvest season. 52 Jamaican seasonal workers share a 12 unit encampment while away from their family for extended periods of time. Arleen Thaler

Social Reportage Session III: Farmworkers in upstate New York celebrate their last evening on the farm before leaving for their homeland of Jamaica in the morning to reunite with their family. Near the end of the evening the farmowner appears to thank them for their hard work, the send off was fraught with emotion while the workers shrunk back into the darkness away from their boss. Arleen Thaler

Social documentary in America began with photographers such as Jacob Riis, Lewis Hine, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange and Gordon Parks capturing images of the depression and urban decay. The Farm Security Administration (FSA) hired these photographers to capture images of poor farmers, while the Information Division of FSA’s goal was to “Introduce America to Americans”

The same goal is the primary focus of the Social Reportage course I teach here at the Flower City Arts Center, to “Introduce Rochester to Rochesterians” Students of past social reportage classes have covered relevant topics to include migrant and seasonal farmworkers in upstate, NY, Rochester’s refugees and homelessness.

Portraits of residents of the Open Door Mission’s Samaritan House. Arleen Thaler

Over the next several months, students will be involved with capturing images of the Open Door Mission’s mission to help provide for and house women and children with a new women’s shelter. These images will be used to raise awareness of a much needed service to our homeless women.

I look forward to sharing our journey with you and it is my hope that the images coming forth will encourage you, inspire you, outrage you and elicit you to take action.

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