Photojournalism and documentary work – their ability to tell stories in powerful, compelling ways, has been a  driving passion for nearly 20 years. I worked in the field as a freelance photographer and photo educator for 14 of those. Two years ago, I began a sabbatical.

To be an empathetic idealist with a camera is possibly one of the greatest paradoxes of all.  Journalism and documentary work teach you to frame moments that serve as visual metaphors.  The most evocative and compelling of these frames capture momentary emotions at their height.  Many times, this means an act of distancing- putting the barrier of a camera up to your face- at the very moment when your hand should reach out to, and your eyes should connect with, the person in your frame.

The one who tells stories stands outside of the boundaries of that frame. It’s a necessary and important view, but it’s also crucial to live from the inside, and partake.   At some point in my life, I realized that much of my own life could only be told through the thousands of images showing the stories of others who lived across the world from my own home community.  I wanted to live from within for awhile, and learn my own place, without framing it in images or words.

I’m picking up my cameras again and relearning to shoot and work from a richer, more personal place.  Photography has taken me on some amazing journeys. It has given me the privilege of taking part in experiences that have shifted and deepened my understanding of the world to an extent that is difficult to name.  I’ve missed it terribly.   These words are an attempt to articulate that process:  a hope and a search for balance, beauty, and grace.  I’m happy to be back – and framing.