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 New Orleans 2018: Working with Nonprofits workshop in New Orleans, LA. Photo © Pedro Ledesma III/Momenta Workshops 2018.

Student: Pedro Ledesma, III
Workshop: Project New Orleans 2018
Nonprofit: Youth Rebuilding New Orleans
Instructor: Marianne Sabrier

By standing back and capturing the two scenes happening simultaneously, Pedro was able to beautifully demonstrate the bustle of activity happening within this house in this wonderfully layered image. The viewer can definitely feel the sense of many hands working together to achieve one outcome. The activity happening in the foreground is flush with the spirit of cooperation of these young volunteers as they learn and have fun working together. The viewer is then led through the image to the right-hand side of the scene, where the subject is framed beautifully in the repetition of doorways. The eye is led down the hallway and straight to the subject being illuminated by the gorgeous natural light coming in through the windows.  This is a great capture that the Youth Rebuilding New Orleans will be able to use to demonstrate the heart of their mission in New Orleans.

Please join us for the next Project New Orleans in April 2019 at the New Orleans Photo Alliance in the beautiful Garden District, New Orleans. For more information and to reserve your spot, click here.