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!

These images were taken on the Momenta Project Los Angeles 2018: Working with Nonprofits workshop in Los Angeles, California. Photo © Emily Harger/Momenta Workshops 2018.

Student: Emily Harger
Workshop: Project Los Angeles 2018
Nonprofit: KIPP-LA
Instructor: Dotan Saguy

“Children at play always present great photographic opportunities for showcasing creative composition and human emotions. Emily took full advantage of this and then some in this beautifully layered frame overflowing with joy. I love that she crouched down to use the kids’ arms as a framing element, not just once but twice (see the child beautifully isolated in the lower left). Several expressive faces are visible and help guide the eye around the image in a playful circular motion. Even the minimalist color scheme works thanks to the blue in the uniforms against the blue of the sky with just a touch of magenta.  This moment Emily so masterfully froze in time will be a great asset to KIPP as they promote their non-profit to donors and parents alike.”

Please join us for the next Project Los Angeles in February 2019 at the gorgeous flagship Leica Store in West Hollywood, California. For more information and to reserve your spot, click here.