Exploring the World of Photojournalism with Rebecca Kiger
Welcome to the world of photojournalism, where images tell powerful stories. In this blog post, we delve into a fascinating conversation with Rebecca Kiger, a renowned documentary photographer, as featured on the “10 Frames Per Second” podcast. Hosted by Joe Giordano and Molly Roberts, this podcast episode offers insights into Rebecca’s journey, her work in Appalachia, and her recent accolades.
Meet Rebecca Kiger
Rebecca Kiger is a documentary photographer based in Wheeling, West Virginia. Her work primarily focuses on the lives of people in Central Appalachia. She is an artist in residence through the Rural Arts Collective and the Ohio Arts Council, where she teaches photography in high schools in the Rust Belt of Appalachian, Ohio.
Key Highlights of Rebecca’s Career:
- Publications: Rebecca’s work has been featured in Time and The New York Times.
- Awards: She is a recipient of the World Press Photo award for her coverage of the chemical explosion in Ohio.
- Teaching: As an artist in residence, she inspires high school students through photography.
The Journey to Photojournalism
Rebecca’s passion for photography began at a young age, inspired by magazines like Life and National Geographic. Her journey took a significant turn when she attended a black and white photography class in college, which opened her eyes to the world of photo books and influential photographers like Emmett Gowin and Diane Arbus.
Influences and Inspirations:
- Photographers: Nan Goldin, Sally Mann, and Shelby Lee Adams.
- Photography Style: Rebecca often chooses black and white photography as it is her “first language,” allowing her to convey powerful narratives.
Documenting Appalachia
Rebecca’s work in Appalachia is deeply rooted in her connection to the region. She captures the essence of the community, often challenging stereotypes and providing a more nuanced representation of the area.
Challenges and Reflections:
- Stereotypes: Rebecca discusses the importance of self-reflection and going beyond stereotypes when documenting communities.
- Community Engagement: She emphasizes the value of building relationships and working collaboratively with the community.
The East Palestine Project
One of Rebecca’s notable projects is her coverage of the toxic train derailment in East Palestine. Supported by a grant from the Center for Contemporary Documentation, Rebecca spent a year documenting the community’s response to the disaster.
Project Highlights:
- Collaboration: Worked with Time magazine and received support from the Center for Contemporary Documentation.
- Community Involvement: Organized a photo exhibition and panel discussion at the local library, involving community members in the storytelling process.
Future Endeavors
Rebecca continues to inspire through her teaching and ongoing projects. She is passionate about demystifying the world of photography for her students and encouraging them to explore their creative potential.
Current and Upcoming Projects:
- Teaching: Engaging high school students in creative projects like cyanotype quilts.
- Fellowship: Considering a transition into a master’s program through a fellowship.
Rebecca Kiger’s work exemplifies the power of photojournalism to tell compelling stories and foster community engagement. Her dedication to capturing the essence of Appalachia and her commitment to teaching the next generation of photographers make her a true inspiration in the field.
For more insights into the world of photojournalism, tune in to the “10 Frames Per Second” podcast, where new episodes drop every Tuesday here or anywhere you get your podcasts. You can also catch back episodes on WLOY.org.
Photojournalism, podcast, Joe Giordano, Molly Roberts, Rebecca Kiger, documentary photographer, West Virginia, Central Appalachia, Rural Arts Collective, Ohio Arts Council, Time magazine, New York Times, World Press Photo, chemical explosion, Ohio, Wheeling, steel industry, black and white photography, Life Magazine, National Geographic, photo books, Emmett Gowin, Diane Arbus, Nan Goldin, Sally Mann, Shelby Lee Adams, Appalachia, stereotypes, environmental stories, toxic train derailment, Washington Post.
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