Our blog is intended to inspire and educate others about documentary photography. In our Behind the Frame series, we’ve asked staff and students to go back to their favorite images over the years and tell us, “Why does this stand out to you as an exceptional documentary moment?” We hope you enjoy what they have to say!

Photo © Mike Sellberg/Momenta Workshops 2023.

Photographer: Mike Sellberg
Workshop: Project NOLA: Documenting Nonprofits
Nonprofit: Promise of Justice
Teaching Team: Eva Russo, Marianne Sabrier, Annie Flanagan, Jamie Rose

From the moment he called me to discuss his goals for the Project NOLA workshop, it was evident Mike was up for a challenge. He had committed himself to independently finding his own nonprofit assignment and he finally settled on The Promise of Justice Initiative, a group that creates positive change for people in the criminal legal system.

We discussed how the sensitive nature of nonprofit’s work required his approach to his subjects to be delicate and incredibly respectful. I impressed upon him how these subjects may be reticent to talk, and we brainstormed how to make sure he could get what he needed to complete his photo essay. 

This process wasn’t merely about ticking a box or padding his portfolio with powerful storytelling topics. For Mike, it was about honestly and accurately telling these stories of hope through authentic moments.

Mike immersed himself in the world of his clients. Each individual was facing their own complex situations and struggles. But he maintained an approach of someone who genuinely wanted to connect and understand their experience, sometimes spending hours just talking to them without making a single picture. 

This dedication resulted in a series of beautiful images and portraits, but this one, in particular, stood out to me. 

Yes, it could be because of the dog. As anyone from a workshop will tell you, I’m a sucker for animals. Aside from the adorable feature of a cute puppy, the symbology of the animal’s presence is what struck me the most. 

My reason for choosing this photo as a Behind the Frame wasn’t merely about the image’s aesthetics, such as the play of light on the bright yellow buildings or his use of the rule of thirds. Mike’s chosen subject had a new home, a new vehicle, and a new small life form for which he was tenderly caring. These are all part of life’s luxuries we take for granted, but the look on his face showed he was cherishing every minute. 

Capturing this empowering portrait was a testament to Mike’s ability to convey the subject’s feelings through his lens after spending many hours gaining this man’s trust. This image is deeply evocative and subtle in its meaning. It shows how a photographer can successfully navigate sensitive subjects with grace and dedication to professionalism when approaching storytelling. 

Great job, Mike! 

–

Jamie Rose
Momenta Co-Founder & Project NOLA Faculty

This image was taken on the Momenta Project NOLA: Documenting Nonprofits 2023 workshop. Please join us for the next Project NOLA in 2024 in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information and to reserve your spot, click here.