Behind the Frame: Project LA
Our blog is intended to inspire and educate others about documentary storytelling. In our Behind the Frame series, we have asked our faculty 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 and be sure to check out the rest of the series.
Photo © Salvador Paniagua /Momenta Workshops 2022.
Photographer: Salvador Paniagua
Workshop: Project LA
Nonprofit: Children’s Institute International
Teaching Faculty: Allison Zaucha, Jamie Rose, Syed Yaqeen
“Salvador's photograph is something special. The moment he's captured, with that young girl pulling off her mask to reveal a smile, is a heartfelt connection to pure joy. Salvador getting down to the kids' height is more than just technique; it's empathy in action. Earlier we talked about the importance of paying attention to the perspective of our subjects and he's turned the idea into this image. It puts you right there in the playground, part of the laughter, part of the excitement. It's a prime example of how the right viewpoint can turn a photo into an experience.
And let's not skip over that lighting! It's as if the sun itself decided to grace the scene. Although harsh sunlight can be tricky to photograph in, Salvador's use of natural light has turned this photograph into a glowing, vibrant celebration of life. This isn't just about technical skills; it's about capturing the light in a way that makes everything come alive. That's a lesson for every photographer – understanding the dance of sunlight, looking for the "fill light" (in this case the reflection from the concrete floor) can transform a good image into something unforgettable.
Planning ahead and creating a photograph that's useful for the client. The empty space on both sides of the young girl adds to the photo's utility (like adding text or a logo) without losing focus on the emotional core. It's a lesson in making a photograph that's as practical as it is moving. It's the kind of thinking that makes photography more than art; it makes it meaningful.”
Syed Yaqeen,
Editorial & Commercial Photographer & Founder of American Muslim Experience