Current Occupation: Professional Photographer
Workshop: Project New Orleans
Nonprofit Assignment: Self-Assigned
Instructors: Jamie Rose, Chris Usher, Tom Smith & Jeremy Lock

Photo © Lindsay King/Momenta Workshops 2015

What motivated you to take a workshop and why did you pick Momenta Workshops?

At the time, I was a junior in college studying photojournalism. I wanted to push myself by having as real-world of an experience in storytelling as I could at that stage in my education. I wanted to take on a topic that went beyond what I could cover at home in Washington, DC.

By putting myself in a setting I had never been in before made me take in everything I possibly could to tell the story. I came to selecting Momenta after meeting Jamie Rose, COO of Momenta, when she spoke during one of my college courses. Her passion to educate young storytellers was so inspiring and approachable. The fact that all of the instructors are working and respected photographers made it the perfect setting to hone the skills that I needed to become a photojournalist.

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

New Orleans is one of those cities once you go, it never leaves you. After facing such a trying disaster as Hurricane Katrina, it was amazing to me how warm and welcoming everyone I met was. I was not paired with a non-profit for the workshop and, instead, chose to find a story on my own. For my photo essay, I found a group of young people helping to educate youth, rebuilding homes, making repairs on homes, and generally making a difference in their community.

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

The best lesson that I took away from my workshop was just to be bold, open, and curious when it comes to telling stories. There are very few stories that can be told well without stepping outside of your comfort zone.

What was your favorite photograph from this workshop and why?

My favorite photograph from the workshop is of the two volunteers sitting on top of the bus as seen from inside their house. This image is a favorite of mine because of the many things that it represents, as well as being an unusual sight. These young adults moved to New Orleans from all different places to volunteer as cooks, preparing food on the bus, which had been converted into a kitchen, and delivering meals to people in need in the lower ninth ward.

Several years after the hurricane, New Orleans was still in repair, but much of the larger aid organizations had moved on. These young people took a unique approach to helping those still in need.

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

Take full advantage of the mentorship of the instructors and search for a way to see the story from many angles. There is nothing better than the open and honest guidance from working professionals to help you grow as a photographer. Free yourself from your patterns and comfort zones allows you to develop the story more completely. You are given a great gift in being able to work on the notes your instructors give you in the middle of photographing your project. Make sure to value that opportunity intensely.

Lindsay King’s Biography:

Lindsay is a Washington, D.C. based photographer specializing in weddings and press events. Lindsay holds a BFA in Photojournalism from the Corcoran College of Art + Design. Her studies lead her to focus her work on documenting people and the aspects of life that bring them joy by capturing the moments that they will want to remember.

See Lindsay’s work: 

Website: www.Lindsay-King.com
Blog: www.Lindsay-King.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindsayKingPhotography
Twitter: @lindsayckw