Defining Documentary Photography

Documentary photographers use intention to create story-telling images that express their own concerns, passions and viewpoint. Documentary photographers tend to focus on one broad area that holds their interest; this deep emotional connection that the shooter has with his/her subject of interest creates an interest and connection with the public. Documentary photography is important because it allows the general public to get a sense of another’s perspective, and it is sometimes powerful enough to change the way someone thinks about an issue.

Lynsey Addario, one of the few photojournalists with experience in Afghanistan, is a documentary photographer that currently focuses on Syrian refugees, the ISIS push into Iraq, the civil war in South Sudan, and maternal mortality in Sierra Leone. She is, in my opinion, a notable documentary photographer in that she is using her skills to speak out about some of the hardest issues our world faces. She has the ability to capture emotion, even in the midst of disaster.

Kurdish Peshmerga fire rockets at Ansar territory whileduring a US-lead war in coalition with Kurdish fighters against the fundamentalist group qwith alleged ties to Al Quaeda near Halabja, Northern Iraq, March 30, 2003. The United States is leading a war on several fronts throughout Iraq and Northern Iraq both in the name of the War on Terrorism and to overthrow Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussain. (Credit: Lynsey Addario/ Corbis Saba) — Kurdish Peshmerga fire rockets at Ansar territory whileduring a US-lead war in coalition with Kurdish fighters against the fundamentalist group qwith alleged ties to Al Quaeda near Halabja, Northern Iraq, March 30, 2003. (Credit: Lynsey Addario/ Corbis Saba)

IN KUNAR PROVINCE, US BASEIN KUNAR PROVINCE, US BASE medics with the 173rd treat local afghans who claim they were injured by american bombs, though their wounds were NOT consistent with the timing of us attacks ion villages near their homes. very important that afghans injured by taliban and anti-american forces (mortars falling short of villages, etc) often claim it was americans who caused injury when it was not. tight portrait on boy: khalid, 7, clear shrapnel wounds or wounds from an explosion, but definitely not from within the last 15 hours. behind him out of focus is his cousin, fareed, 11 american soldiers with the 173 patrol towards a new outpost in a valley of kunar province to bring supplies to soldiers who have been fighting to establish that outpost. specialist mike patterson, 26 private bobby wilson, 20, of carrollton, ga specialist brian underwood, 27, of chesterton, indiana on 500 caliber gun in window staff sgt. mckely rentas (inside bunker sitting against wall smoking) third tour of afghanistan from billabla, puerto rico pfc sterling jones, black, in window with 240 gun team leader for the 240 of sacramento, ca sterling dunn, 24, of bristol

Kitra Cahana, a documentary photographer and conceptual artist, has a unique style and covers interesting topics. I enjoyed viewing her most recent project, entitled Teens, where she covers the attitudes and lifestyle of modern day teens. I think this type of focus is interesting for those who aren’t often around teens and would appreciate insight.

Stephanie Sinclair is known for gaining unique access to the most sensitive gender issues and human rights globally, according to National Geographic. She is currently covering child brides of the Middle East, a seldom discussed but incredibly important issue that First World citizens rarely think about. I think her work is important and has created change, especially in that she is working with a non-profit organization called ‘Too Young to Wed’, where citizens can get involved to help promote change.