–Life as a Documentary Photographer–
The way in which we as humans record our experience is clearly varied. Documenting the world and our interpretations of it including the spaces that we as living beings occupy is to some considered to be an artform unto itself.
It is this mixing of art and life which is able to give rise to sometimes deeply profound feelings that define the human experience. Sadly, at times it is the worst of what humans are connected with which can evoke the most powerful forms of expression and emotional output.
Think war, destruction, greed, suffering. Despite being incredibly difficult emotions to empathetically cover and study, the work done by those who focus on it is no less important.
It is often visual exposure to atrocities or tragedy which leads to the acknowledgement of the worst of what we as humans are capable of. And yet somehow, all of that can lead to seeds of positive change being planted and springs of hope being discovered.
On today’s show, I have a guest who has found ways to serve humanity in such ways. He does so by way of lending his photojournalistic skills to many causes and documenting what he sees through his lens.
Introducing
Régis Defurnaux takes photographs and writes. He records lives as a « Documentary photographer » In his own words, his duty is a matter of making pictures with a sense of belonging, ethnographic intelligence and empathy. Some people call it humanism, he just calls it presence.
Background & Accomplishment
Régis is an award-winning documentary photographer. His works have been widely exhibited around the world in various exhibitions including Mall Gallery in London, European Parliament, Palais des Expositions in Montreal, National Institute of Art History in Paris, Ecole du Louvre and Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Japan.
Furthermore, world governments often call upon Régis to draw attention to issues deemed worthy and in need of dialogue.
Not to be left out, major news publications including the NY Times also feature his work by way of his partnered activities with globally renown NGO’s such as the United Nations, Save the Children, The Red Cross, Atina, and several others.
Mission Driven Work
His documentary photography work specifically for NGO’s has been centered on documenting their operations relating to gender-based violence, asylum seekers, disaster recovery programs, PTSD, rights advocacy, religious discrimination, women empowerment, war experiences, environmental sustainability and child protection amongst many others.
As the NGOs do their work, Régis reports it with relevant, focused and strong narratives, producing photographs and text.
A Platform with Cause
To add, he has recently become a Sony Ambassador for Europe which allows him to not only share his work and experiences but also spread awareness of the many pressing issues he covers. This in turn undoubtedly serves a purpose of inspiring others toward contemplating what they too, can do help those most vulnerable.
Reasons to Listen
In this unequivocally deep and profound talk, Régis expresses the meaning he philosophically attaches to being a documentary photographer. Along with that he provides practical facts and details pertaining to assignment preparation, timelines and itineraries.
Listeners will also hear about his unique background in academia and how that has also helped to shape his skills and abilities in so far as being able to richly cover and create documents for each project he attaches himself too.
His visceral stories and takeaway reflections from many of his projects including the covering of Maiko’s in Japan, his work on a national campaign against domestic violence in Mongolia, his coverage of female soldiers in Iraq and his observations while on assignment in the Balkans are all ever so stirring.
The talk itself is immensely engaging from start to finish. With the topic matter being such that it is in level of importance and significance, listeners may find Régis’ words sitting with them for some time.
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
“Photography is not only about taking a picture. It’s also about living these situations with the people. If you’re just an outsider, it’s like looking through a window, make your pictures and then off you go. That is not the way I work.”
–Régis Defurnaux
Check out the Video Conversation:
For those who desire to view the full video conversation of this discussion, you can do so via Youtube.
Words of Wisdom:
Hear from Régis as he shares advice to those with an interest in the profession of documentary photography.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Régis and his work, you can find out more about it all at his website. You can also follow him here:
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!