Kate Schoenbach - Guest Lecturer Spotlight
By Maura Purnama
Kate Schoenbach is a photo and video journalist from New York with a background in photography, international relations, and the international economy. Her work has an emphasis on social injustice and has been published by the BBC, Al Jazeera, and various educational institutions. Her photos and videos are intended to connect people from around the world and empower those who were oppressed. Earlier in the Spring, Kate delivered a guest lecture for the ‘Cultural Diversity in the Media class, where she talked about ethical guidelines in photojournalism. In the interview, Kate shares her experiences while covering stories from abroad; without forgetting to share some of the tips she has under her sleeve for others who want to start a career in the area.
Q: What do you wish to convey with your photo and video journal projects?
KS: I really enjoy shining a light on social injustice. With my project [In search of Home] the stories of refugees in Moria Camp, Greece, weren’t talked about as much in America as it is in Europe. I thought this was something that was incredibly important to talk about: the global refugee crisis. But regardless of where it is, the thread of all my work is to cover stories that touch on social injustice.
Photographed by Kate Schoenbach
Q: What details do you believe make the best picture in photojournalism that really speaks to people?
KS: Creating a photograph that forms a human connection, and showcases humanity. I think that is done aesthetically through. understanding the aesthetics of your environment, the subject, and lighting, which are all part of your tool kit. But most importantly is creating something that resonates, like someone’s expression where your viewers can relate with.
Q: Do any photographers influence you in approaching your projects?
KS: Sebastião Salgado is a really wonderful photographer. He’s come out with a few books about the refugee crisis from around the world and shows the moments in an incredibly artistic but careful way. Lisa Kristine is a travel and human rights photographer whose work shines a light on modern-day slavery. She’ll exhibit and share her work with incredibly influential people. Those are the two I incredibly admire.
Q: What is the process like with projects you develop yourself?
KS: Really organic and there isn’t a particular formula. Usually, it starts with an idea that I really love and feel compelled to work on it. My first Namibia [The Namibian Genocide] project started out with me accidentally seeing an Instagram post about the Namibian Genocide which I had never heard about before. Then I started researching. From the research, it went to corresponding with people from the BBC about their interest in my story and things snowballed from there.
Q: How do you build trust with your subjects?
KS: I think it starts with showing your genuine interest and conveying your trust. From the beginning, I will tell them, “look, if you don’t want me to share a part of the story, I will not”. Also, understand that not everyone is going to want to talk to you. If there comes a time when someone says “I don’t want to talk or share my story”, you need to honor and respect that.
Q: If your stories don’t get covered, what would you do with the project?
KS: In the instance where you are contractually bound to not publish that story, I would suggest reading the fine prints and seeing what you can do. With the Moria refugee camp [In Search of Home] when BBC said they didn’t want to cover it, I reached out to other people and outlets. In the end, there were Universities that wanted to display my work. I would say, keep trying to find the perfect outlet for your stories, if you’re not contractually bound.
Photographed by Kate Schoenbach
Q: Do you have any tips for graduates that wanted to pursue a career in photo and video journalism?
KS: Be flexible, be persistent, and follow your heart. Prepare yourself to hear a lot of no’s but stay tenacious. If you love what you’re doing, you’re going to do it. Find people in every profession who you can talk to, be helpful, and be interested in your project. Expand your thinking beyond the journalism world.