Alumni Spotlight: Ellen Buntyn
Name: Ellen Buntyn
Current Occupation: High School Teacher
Workshops: Project NOLA 2025
Faculty: Marianne Sabrier, Annie Flanagan, Jamie Rose
1. What motivated you to take a photo workshop, and why did you pick Momenta?
A friend of mine who had taken a few Momenta Workshops recommended it and, after finding out more on the website, I was very excited. It sounded like a great way to become a better photographer while helping out a non-profit. It was such a novel concept for a workshop. The workshops I had previously attended were focused on street photography, which is fun, but I loved that we would have a specific purpose and assignment.
2. What surprised you most about the experience of working with a nonprofit?
What surprised me the most was how much I learned about the organization while I was photographing, Youth Empowerment Program. That was more important than I realized because that information was helpful in telling their story at the end of the workshop. Not a surprise was how much it meant to them and how much I enjoyed it. They are doing wonderful work and it was great to be a small part.
3. What was the best lesson you took away from your workshop?
The best lesson was a greater understanding of the power that good images can do in helping people understand a story. It was great to find a deeper purpose for my photography. I learned to be more deliberate and thoughtful behind the camera. Also, I was so interested in the process of editing for telling a specific story. I had never had feedback like the feedback we receive and the level of instruction was impressive.
4. What was your favorite photograph from this workshop & why?
I It is very hard to choose, but my favorite photograph from the workshop was a portrait of a young man who was taking a class at YEP’s Broad Street location. It makes me smile because he was so shy and his smile shows that. He was so proud of what he was doing, it was great to connect with him just for a few moments. For me he is what YEP is all about - Aspirations!
5. What would you tell a potential student to help them prepare for their experience with Momenta?
You are going to have an amazing experience. Jamie and her crew will take excellent care of you and you will learn as much as you want to. There is no judgment, only feedback that will help you grow. It is hard work and you will be tired, but it can grow you as a human and as a photographer. And HYDRATE!!!
The images featured in this story were taken on the Momenta Project New Orleans 2025: Documenting Nonprofits workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana in partnership with Youth Empowerment Program (YEP).
Photos © Ellen Buntyn/Momenta Workshops 2025.
Bio
Ellen Buntyn is a high school teacher and amateur photographer based in Gulfport, MS. She and her husband, Randy, share their experiences on their website and Instagram.
website: https://www.imagegumbo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellen_and_randy