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!

Student: Alex Goz
Nonprofit: LEAD Uganda
Instructor: Jamie Rose

“Alexey Goz is not a professional photographer, which makes his portraiture even more impressive to me. His eye naturally clues into expressions and creates a beautiful moment between the subject and the lens.

A few nights before this image was taken, Alexey slipped in our hotel in Kampala and dislocated his shoulder. He had to be taken to the hospital and get muscle relaxers to pop it back in… it was a complete mess.

The next morning, Alexey would not to be deterred: he was shooting that day, no matter what. He got up, grabbed a light kit and went to meet his nonprofit. He was completely within his right to take a day off, but instead he tackled the job like a pro.

This gorgeous image came from someone who worked for it. He fought to keep documenting and finding the beauty in the everyday experiences of nonprofits. That’s the true spirit of a Momenta student.”