National Geographic writes that Ed Kashi is a photojournalist “dedicated to documenting the social and political issues that define our times.” As well as pursuing editorial assignments and working on film and personal projects,Kashi is an avid educator. He teaches workshops, mentors students one-on-one, actively participates in online forums, and presents lectures on photojournalism, documentary photography, and multimedia storytelling. His keen eye and the intimate relationship he establishes with his subjects are signature elements in his work. Ed’s work has been often recognized time and again for its compelling rendering of the human condition.
“I take on issues that stir my passions about the state of humanity and our world, and I deeply believe in the power of still images to change people’s minds,” Ed told National Geographic. “I’m driven by this fact: that the work of photojournalists and documentary photographers can have a positive impact on the world. The access people give to their lives is precious as well as imperative for this important work to get done. Their openness brings with it a tremendous sense of responsibility to tell the truth but to also honor their stories.”
Ed has recently launched a crowdfunding campaign through Indievoic.es to raise awareness of an issue he has seen first hand on his visits to Nicaragua: fatal chronic kidney disease. The cause of the disease is unknown but it affects 68% of men in some Nicaraguan communities—nearly all of them sugarcane workers—Ed notes in the description of the campaign. Kashi aims to raise $18,000 to return to Nicaragua to expand previous reporting with still images and video interviews. “Ultimately this material could be utilized in local information and outreach programs to address problems confronting the workers and their families,” he says. Learn more here.
We are fortunate to have Ed Kashi teaching a weekend workshop at The Image Flow, February 1 & 2, 2014. He will also be giving a lecture about his work on January 31. Learn about the power of photojournalism with a man who is making a change through his photography.
