Comments on: How To Become A Humanitarian Photographer

By: Pradeep

Pradeep — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:10:34 +0000

Empathy, you rightly pointed that out!

one interesting post. thanks!

By: Geir

Geir — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:33:52 +0000

Just to clarify: I was not negative, it just popped into mind. But it is a label I love, and defines what I want to achieve myself. At least it’s what I hope to teach my students.

By: Jeffrey Chapman

Jeffrey Chapman — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:26:00 +0000

Geir, I’m not certain for how long “Humanitarian Photographer” has been used, but it is certainly not new this year. I’ve been using it for years and years. Professional photographers and humanitarian organizations have been collaborating since long before I was born; so I’m not certain when one of these photographers first decided to label himself this way. I am neither the first nor the last, but I hope that I will succeed in doing the label justice.

And thank you all for your wonderful responses. I love this community.

By: Geir

Geir — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:56:38 +0000

Good post, but one question: Isn’t the term “Humanitarian photographer” a very new phrase? I never heard about it before this year, and it seems to me to be connected to a very close group of extremely talented photographers who travel and take pictures.
Am I wrong assuming the whole idea of humanitarian photography being brand new?

By: Earl B

Earl B — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 05:14:37 +0000

Great post and great advice for anyone wanting to start humanitarian photography… There is no standard rulebook.

I tell people find a story you are passionate about and start shooting.

By: lane davis

lane davis — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:17:56 +0000

Jeffrey:
Great post. Very important foundations. Thanks for putting a seemingly hard question to answer into words for everyone.

By: CJ Kern

CJ Kern — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:38:49 +0000

Sound advise Jeffery; with the possible exception of being international, I agree that being consistent, professional, entrepreneurial, likable, flexible and having your clients believe that you care in what they care about holds true to all photographers who want to make a living at it.

By: Jere Judd

Jere Judd — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 03:35:02 +0000

I think I would have started the list with “Care.” Or “Be a Humanitarian.” The emotional commitment to the subject will carry you a long way I think.

But you hit the nail on the head. Becoming a Humanitarian Photographer seems to be a lot of hard work. Just like anything else.

If it’s your dream, go for it.

By: Chris Plante

Chris Plante — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:23:39 +0000

“Be likable”… is there an app for that?

It’s true though. Salesmen know this well. People don’t buy products or services from people they don’t like. That’s what Dale Carnegie says.

By: Kenna Klosterman

Kenna Klosterman — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 22:48:02 +0000

Thank you Jeffrey – I continue to ask myself – how do I go about combining humanitarian photography with my babies & bellies portrait biz in Seattle. My goal is to do 3 months humanitarian out of the year. These are great insights! Cheers, kenna