Alumni Spotlight with Jeannene Mathis-Bertosa
Current Occupation: Photographer & Professor
Workshops: Project NOLA 2023
Instructors: Jamie Rose, Annie Flanagan, Marianne Sabrier, Eva Russo
These images were taken on the Momenta Project NOLA: Documenting Nonprofits 2023 workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo © Jeannene Mathis-Bertosa/Momenta Workshops 2023.
1. What motivated you to take a workshop and why did you pick Momenta?
In April, I had the opportunity to attend a Momenta workshop. The focus of this workshop was using photography as a tool of change and focusing on Storytelling for Nonprofits.
Being able to use the skills I have worked hard to hone to help others is an experience I treasure.
As a photographic educator, I felt this was an excellent example to my students of the possibilities of the work they are studying. Working with other documentary photographers and photojournalists provided valuable content to bring back to my classroom.
I picked Momenta for several reasons: the caliber of the instructors; the opportunity to not only learn but also to serve; and the location. While there are many options for continuing education in photography, I was drawn to the opportunity to be able to work directly for a nonprofit and to know the work I was doing was also benefiting an organization directly.
These images were taken on the Momenta Project NOLA: Documenting Nonprofits 2023 workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo © Jeannene Mathis-Bertosa/Momenta Workshops 2023.
2. What surprised you most about the location you visited or the experience of working with a nonprofit?
During the course of the workshop, I was paired with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans and was able to spend three full days photographing projects and doing portrait work for the agency.
This experience and opportunity to practice my craft in the field was valuable for my professional growth and to flex my creative muscles. I was humbled to witness and document the incredible work this organization is doing for its community.
3. What was the best lesson you took away from your workshop?
For me, the best part of the workshop was being able to go out in the field to shoot, then have one-on-one time with professionals at the top of their game to review the results from the day.
As photographers, we get into habits; the feedback provided helped me recognize what I was doing and gave me the confidence to branch out and try new approaches to the content I was covering. As an educator, I often facilitate the creative process for others.
Having the opportunity for constructive criticism from professionals I admire was not only a gift but necessary for my own growth.
These images were taken on the Momenta Project NOLA: Documenting Nonprofits 2023 workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo © Jeannene Mathis-Bertosa/Momenta Workshops 2023.
4. What was your favorite photograph from the workshop and why?
Every day I have a different favorite! The image of the young volunteer with the hammer appeals to me. I am drawn to the intensity on her face, making sure she is doing a good job. For me, it speaks to the experience of encouraging a younger generation to be of service to their community.
The second image I really appreciate is the intern being coached by one of the supervisors (top of page). The home they are repairing is in the background, while the intern is being guided in proper form and tool use. I think this image demonstrates another aspect of the nonprofit, that they are training people within the community, not just providing housing.
5. What would you tell a potential student to help them prepare for their experience with Momenta?
Get some rest! The schedule packs in a lot of information, shooting time, editing and presentation time and it is all valuable!
One of the things I enjoyed the most was being able to connect with other people, interested in the same level of image making that I am.
Do not miss the opportunity to be a part of this community.
Jeannene Mathis-Bertosa is a graduate of Cleveland State University and holds a Masters of Fine Art in photography from Ohio University. While working as a photojournalist, she began teaching black and white darkroom courses for Cleveland State University and the University of Akron. Her interest in educating others led her to GlenOak High School where she currently runs the Commercial Photography Career Tech program. Jeannene also helps keep traditional photographic methods alive by teaching an Introduction to Fine Art Photography for Kent State Stark, concentrating in traditional black and white film and darkroom methods.
A longtime resident of the Cleveland area, Jeannene’s work is primary documentary in nature. She has worked as a photojournalist within Northeast Ohio and travelled extensively for photo stories. Still life and portrait photography are also represented within her portfolio. Her work has been exhibited at The Joseph Saxton Gallery, The Akron Art Museum, The Ohio State University, Malone University, The Art Gallery at Cleveland State, among others.
See Jeannene’s work:
Web: mathisbertosa.com
Instagram: @mathisbertosaj
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Join Momenta for Project NOLA 2024 in April of next year and use your photography as a force of change.
Alumni Spotlight: Fredrik Sjöstrand