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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Brenda Manookin: Master Of The New Visual Journalism

An emerging professional challenges the notion of a traditional photojournalist

This Article Features Photo Zoom

The groundwork for this mission was laid at an early age, when her favorite publication brought the various plights of the world’s peoples to her door photographically.

“National Geographic was always my favorite magazine,” Manookin says, “so I knew those were the kind of pictures that I wanted to make. Right before I went to Brooks, I moved to Ecuador and volunteered in orphanages for about six months. I was working about 70 hours a week, and I just realized that I really loved working with the kids and I loved being with them. They’re dear to my heart, but I wanted to show the needs of these kids to the world. I knew that I could do that with photography. Maybe doing something like this, maybe photographing things like this—people in need, situations like this, sharing them somehow, getting them out into the world—maybe that could actually help.”

Manookin is among a new breed of reporter, one who may ruffle the feathers of those who believe a journalist should always remain detached. But she isn’t trying to reinvent the job description. She simply wants to use her photographic abilities to their utmost potential—to do a little more, to take pictures further.

“I want to empower people to create change,” says Manookin. “And I want to do that using my skills as a journalist and my creativity. I can’t see myself being able to have that power working for a big organization. That’s why I want to do this.”


To see more of Brenda Manookin’s work, visit www.brendamanookin.com and newskyproductions.com.