James Whitlow Delano: Lessons in the Field

Prior to teaching at the 2014 Foundry Photojournalism Workshop in Antigua, Guatemala, award-winning reportage photographer James Whitlow Delano spent a day researching and documenting the lives and experiences of nearby village Santa Maria de Jesus. His attention focuses on the complex issues of immigration, labor, and the lives of children. While on location, James shared some valuable insights: the philosophical and technical approaches he takes to photojournalism and bearing witness.

Through high-contrast black and white film, Delano conjures a rich, silent beauty in his subjects. In 2012, he won the PX3 Award for his photo book, Black Tsunami. See more of James' photos at: jameswhitlowdelano.com

James Whitlow Delano has lived in Asia for 20 years. His work has been awarded internationally: the Alfred Eisenstadt Award (from Columbia University and Life Magazine), Leica’s Oskar Barnack, Picture of the Year International, PDN and others. Delano’s series on Kabul’s drug detox and psychiatric hospital was awarded 1st place in the 2008 NPPA Best of Photojournalism competition for Best Picture Story. His first monograph book, “Empire: Impressions from China” and work from “Japan Mangaland” have shown at several Leica Galleries in Europe. “Empire” was the first ever one-person show of photography at La Triennale di Milano Museum of Art. “The Mercy Project / Inochi” his charity photo book for hospice received the PX3 Gold Award and the Award of Excellence from Communication Arts. His work has appeared in magazines and photo festivals on five continents from Visa Pour L’Image, Rencontres D’Arles; to Noorderlicht.

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