Documentary photography should be in service of the people and places depicted in the photos. Press photography strives for 'visual impact' which is too often mere shock value. I believe firmly there are times when one does not take a photograph because it does not inform the viewer or respect the subject. This is sometimes difficult but it is important to have an ethical frame as well as a visual one. The tradition of social documentary photography has been eroded by a photography that seems to be more interested in making 'visual arguments' than in the people and places it depicts. Documentary photography should communicate directly and effectively, at best adding to dignity of who and what it shows the viewer.
I am primarily concerned with photography as a means of communicating the problems, efforts and solutions in a world where our actions and choices matter. I work primarily for non governmental organizations documenting their efforts and the people they serve. The work ranges from documenting biological reserves to documenting victims of torture seeking asylum. Clients include such groups as Save The Children, The United Nations Foundation, Population Services International, Doctors of the World, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
You will also see wedding photography on the site. I am an accidental wedding photographer shooting a limited number of weddings each year. Weddings are a great counter point to the documentary work which is often a bit grim. I approach weddings as an extended portrait of two people, their families and friends.
Please contact me by email at jonathan@makarion.com or via cell phone at 917.331.6658