It’s fascinating how much the field of documentary and photojournalism photography has evolved in recent years. When I reflect on my journey, from photographing survivors of human trafficking to my work with the Limd Kind Foundation, I see how storytelling has become as much about ethics as it is about artistry.
In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, the state of documentary and photojournalism is marked by significant challenges. As a photographer committed to telling impactful stories, I believe it’s essential to understand the current condition of this vital field. Here’s an overview of what’s happening in documentary and photojournalism today.
Although she is turned away from the camera, the image of a young girl in a burka hiding her face evokes deep emotion, reminding us that she is a real person with a powerful story. As she shares her experiences of exploitation as a domestic worker in the Philippines, this moment is part of the Philippines: Girls as a Commodity project. The series highlights the harsh realities faced by children sold into domestic servitude and the cybersex trade, amplifying survivor voices as they navigate their healing journey in a long-term NGO facility, receiving psychological services, education, life skills training, legal protections, and advocacy support.
The Role of AI in Photography
One thing that continues to weigh on me is the rise of AI-generated images, especially in spaces that are meant to honor real human experiences. There’s something deeply unsettling about trying to “recreate” a survivor’s story with AI. It feels hollow, devoid of the genuine human connection that I strive to capture. When I photograph someone—particularly survivors of unimaginable hardship—I’m not just clicking the shutter. I’m bearing witness. That authenticity is what makes our work as documentarians so powerful.
In her recent piece AI and the Future of Visual Storytelling , Barbara Ayotte introduces a compelling angle to the conversation by asking, “Could AI be a tool for NGOs to ‘document’ what is too dangerous to photograph, given the risks to victims?” The article raises important ethical questions about using real images of vulnerable individuals versus AI-generated alternatives, which might offer a safer, more ethical option. Ayotte highlights Michael Christopher Brown’s project 90 Miles, which features AI-generated images of people from Cuba. While Brown portrays their journey with empathy, the fact that the images are entirely fabricated sparks debate about the role of AI in documentary work. Brown defends his approach, saying, “People generally don’t want to be voiceless, but they often desire to be faceless.”
While some argue that AI offers a safer option, I find this deeply troubling. Having worked with human trafficking survivors for over a decade, I understand the need for anonymity. However, there are more human, respectful ways to protect identities—like photographing someone turned away from the camera. AI-generated images strip away that vital human connection and lack the depth and truth that come from real, lived experience. Using AI to "recreate" someone's trauma feels wrong. The trust between a photographer and the person is irreplaceable, and AI can never truly bear witness to someone's reality—it can only reimagine it.
At the same time, the rise of AI isn’t just an ethical dilemma, but a practical one. These tools are faster and cheaper than hiring a photographer for an assignment, and for many publications struggling with shrinking budgets, it’s tempting. But what we lose in the process is the very heart of storytelling—the human eye, the connection, the moments that make a photo real. AI might generate beautiful images, but they lack the soul that comes from truly understanding and engaging with a person.
In my own work, whether I’m photographing with the Limb Kind Foundation or creating portraits with survivors of human trafficking, I’ve always prioritized capturing the authenticity of the moment. My goal is to foster understanding and connection. It’s important that we don’t forget what brought us here in the first place—our passion for human stories and the impact they can make when told with integrity.
Children with limb loss at the Center for the Handicapped in Sri Lanka receive prosthetic fittings and physical therapy during a mission by the Limb Kind Foundation, empowering them to regain mobility and independence on Sept. 13-21, 2014.
Economic Pressures
Funding challenges are a growing concern for many documentary and photojournalists, as paid assignment opportunities become increasingly scarce. With media organizations cutting budgets, securing financing for projects has become more difficult, leaving freelancers in a precarious position. The instability of freelance work makes it harder to sustain a career in such a competitive field. As a result, many creators are turning to alternative funding sources like grants, crowdfunding, and sponsorships to bring their stories to life.
During a recent conversation with a photojournalist in Delhi who works on assignments for major publications, she shared a troubling reality. Media outlets are increasingly cutting staff writers and freelance photographers due to financial constraints. This trend makes it even harder for photographers to secure consistent, paid work with large media organizations. As a result, she has been forced to rely more on speaking engagements to supplement her income.
But her concerns extend beyond financial challenges. She also expressed frustration with being tokenized because of her background. While she receives frequent invitations to speak at events, she often feels these opportunities are more about checking diversity boxes than truly valuing her voice and contributions. This has been particularly disheartening, as it suggests a focus on meeting quotas rather than celebrating authentic talent and merit within the field.
A group of girls stands with their backs to the camera, their identities concealed to protect their privacy, yet their collective presence evokes deep emotion. Participating in a tennis session as part of Voice of the Free’s holistic recovery program in the Philippines, these young survivors embody resilience and hope. Captured for the Philippines: Girls as a Commodity project, this moment highlights the therapeutic approaches supporting children who have endured domestic servitude and the cybersex trade. The series documents their journey toward healing and empowerment, as they receive vital psychological services, education, life skills training, legal protection, and advocacy within a long-term NGO facility.
Ethical Considerations
The ethics of representation and authenticity are at the forefront of documentary photography and storytelling. With a growing emphasis on cultural sensitivity and consent, creators strive to portray marginalized voices without exploitation. Additionally, in an era of misinformation, maintaining credibility and accuracy is paramount. Audiences are more discerning than ever, making the integrity of our work critical.
A group of girls, their identities concealed by a soft blur, participates in a psychology session as part of Voice of the Free’s holistic recovery program in the Philippines. This image from the Philippines: Girls as a Commodity project highlights a pivotal moment in their healing journey. As survivors of domestic servitude and the cybersex trade, these children receive essential psychological support, life skills training, education, and legal protection, paving their path toward empowerment and hope.
Conclusion
The state of documentary and photojournalism photography is in flux, and with that come challenges that test our ethics and creative boundaries. I’ve been reflecting on the evolution of the field, as well as my own journey. From photographing survivors of human trafficking to capturing powerful human connections in my work with the Limb Kind Foundation, I’ve seen how this work can transcend mere images. It’s about telling stories that matter. Despite the challenges, the state of documentary and photojournalism is filled with potential for innovation and growth. As photographers and storytellers, we continue to adapt to the changing landscape, finding new ways to share compelling narratives that provoke thought and action. The commitment to truth and the power of visual storytelling remain as vital as ever in our pursuit of meaningful connections through photography.
Four brave girls stand together in solidarity, their faces intentionally cropped out to protect their identities, just moments before confronting their trafficker in court. This powerful image, captured as part of Voice of the Free’s holistic recovery program in the Philippines, reflects the courage of survivors of human trafficking as they seek justice.
In this ever-changing landscape, I remain committed to the power of photography to tell honest, human stories. For me, it’s not just about creating an image—it’s about fostering understanding, empathy, and connection.
And, of course, I couldn’t do any of it without my Leica Q. It’s my trusted partner, always there to capture those fleeting, honest moments that are at the heart of what I do. Whether I’m shooting in the crowded streets of Kenya or in the calm moments of a family receiving care from the Limb Kind Foundation, my Leica helps me stay connected to people, to the moment, and to the truth I want to tell.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and expression through my work. Together, let’s continue to appreciate and support the art of storytelling in all its forms.
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