Current Occupation: Professional Photographer
Workshop: Project India
Nonprofit Assignment: Latika Roy Foundation
Instructors: Jamie Rose & Mary Calvert

Photo © Ken Carl/Momenta Workshops 2015

What motivated you to take a Momenta Workshop?

I had previous opportunities presented to me for travel–documentary type programs with some very well noted photographers. The one question I had that they could not answer was: What can I do with, and what meaning would the images I create have?

Momenta had a very clear answer. My photographs are still being used today helping create awareness for the mission of my nonprofit, Latika Roy.

What surprised you most about the location you visited or the experience of working with a nonprofit?

There often is a difference between perception and reality. With Momenta you are not engaging with the perception of a place, you are in the reality. How deep into that reality you wish to swim in is up to you. The surprise is finding out what level of a swimmer you are and then deciding if you really want to improve.

What was the best lesson you took away from your workshop?

I learned so many lessons, gained insights and knowledge, enough to fill a book. One best lesson you ask?  The answer has to be do not settle with the obvious, good enough is not enough.

Photo © Ken Carl

What was your favorite photograph from this workshop and why?

I have two: One I love and one for the nonprofit. The one above of Jamie Rose at the train station has a good narrative and creates a story for the viewer. It also speaks to the spirit of being a photographer.

The Latika Roy photo is (for me) a photograph created because of the workshop.  It would have not happened without Momenta. Thank you.

What would you tell a potential student to help them prepare for their experience with Momenta?

Be serious about engaging fully.  Momenta presents the potential for creating a positive difference for yourself and those you engage with.

To quote Walt Whitman and Dead Poets Society: “That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”

Ken Carl’s Biography: 

My home and studio is located in Chicago, Illinois where I maintain an active schedule of assignment work for a variety of clients.  Documentary-style story telling is at the heart of my photography. This path began in 2003 when I was assigned a 21-day project in Tanzania, Africa. The assignment was to capture a cultural and technology exchange program with high school students from Chicago installing the first ever computer lab in a secondary school in Tanzania.

This experience became key to the foundation of my photographic expression. Some of my most satisfying work has been with Latika Roy, a school for special needs children in India. (www.latikaroy.org).  This body of work began as a personal project and has become an ongoing documentary.  The work with Latika Roy evolved into my first one-man show. I have been recognize as a 3-time National photographer of the year. I am ready to add my vision, talent and positive energy to your stories.

See Ken’s Work:
Website: kencarl.com