Current Occupation: Documentary and Fine Art photographer

Workshops:  Project NOLA 2014; Leica Destinations: Romania

Instructors: Jamie Rose, Jaime Windon, Marianne Sabrier, Dotan Saguy, John Christopher Anderson

These images were taken on the Momenta Project New Orleans 2014 workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo © Fran Meckler/Momenta Workshops 2014.

1. What motivated you to take a workshop and why did you pick Momenta?

I began my photography journey with a focus on photography for social change. Momenta was the perfect vehicle for me to move forward with this effort.

These images were taken on the Momenta Project New Orleans 2014 workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo © Fran Meckler/Momenta Workshops 2014.

2. What surprised you most about the location you visited or the experience of working with a nonprofit?

My workshop was Momenta Project NOLA. I was assigned to to photograph the New Orleans French Quarter Festival, a nonprofit that helps promote the culture and heritage of this vibrant city. Capturing emotion is key to my photography and this festival had endless opportunities to find those moments.

3. What was the best lesson you took away from your workshop?

These images were taken on the Momenta Project New Orleans 2014 workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo © Fran Meckler/Momenta Workshops 2014.

4. What was your favorite photograph from the workshop and why?

My portrait of Tarriona Ball (aka Tank), a singer and poet who fronts the band Tank and the Bangas. There is no doubt you can feel the music through the emotion displayed in this image.

 5. What would you tell a potential student to help them prepare for their experience with Momenta?

Fran Meckler has been traveling the globe for over 40 years, capturing images of people, places, and communities. She has visited over 80 countries and photographed hundreds of locations, from the Tea Estates of Darjeeling to the impoverished neighborhoods of Namuwongo, Uganda.

Combining her love of travel and passion for photography with global community service, Fran uses the power of the photograph to shed light upon the effects of poverty in marginalized populations. She emotionally engages with the world around her and is hopeful that her photographs might spark us to reframe our perceptions and motivate individual actions to create social change. Fran’s extensive travel has enabled her to create varied portfolios from around the world.

Find more of her work on her website or Instagram.