Photographer Suthep Kritsanavarin: Working in Burma, Foundry Photojournalism Workshop 2012

In 2008, Cyclone Nargis caused the worst natural disaster in Burma’s recorded history. Seeing a chance to cover a story that many foreign journalists could not access because of Burmese government restrictions, Suthep Kritsanavarin had to carefully enter Burma to document the aftermath. He speaks about his experience in Burma, telling a tense story of how he entered Burma incognito because when UN relief workers could not guarantee his safety.

Suthep Kritsanavarin is one of Thailand’s leading photojournalists. His award-winning work has been published internationally in: the New York Times, International Herald Tribune, National Geographic Thailand, Geographical, Aera and Japan Times. Suthep has covered environmental, social and humanitarian issues in Southeast Asia for nearly two decades.

Suthep’s work is based on his firm belief that a photojournalist must act as a conscientious observer of society and culture. He or she has to contribute to social change on a local and global level. He or she achieves these goals by working on a project over long durations to build deep understanding on the topic and to establish trust among the communities where he works. Suthep’s powerful images create in-depth documentary essays shot over protracted periods of time on his own initiative and funding.

Recently, Suthep traveled to Burma within a week after Cyclone Nargis that devastated the country. Suthep was able to visit distant areas devastated by the cyclone and chronicled the suffering of people caused by the military government’s actions or lack thereof. His images bore witness to the destruction, torment, and despair not only caused by the cyclone but also exacerbated by the government.

In 2008 Suthep received the Days Japan International Photojournalism Award and was selected for the Best of Photojournalism award from the US-based National Press Photographers Association. His Mekong photo documentary was awarded a grant by the Blue Earth Alliance.

http://www.suthepphoto.com/

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