In the realm of photojournalism, Moriah Ratner shines as a storyteller who captures the essence of human experience through her lens. Her work goes beyond mere documentation, delving into the emotional depths of her subjects. During this episode Moriah shares her journey and the profound impact of her project “Live Like Lola.”

Moriah’s journey began at Syracuse University, where she studied photojournalism and psychology. Her interest in how children cope with trauma led to the creation of “Live Like Lola,” a photo essay documenting the life of Lola Munoz, a preteen with terminal brain cancer. Initially a class assignment, the project quickly became a mission to portray Lola as more than just a patient. Moriah aimed to capture Lola’s spirit and the universal experiences of being a preteen. Her dedication earned her recognition, including the Lena Grant from Women’s Photojournalists of Washington.

During the podcast, Moriah discusses the emotional challenges she faced while working on the project. The anticipatory grief of knowing Lola’s prognosis was overwhelming. With guidance from mentors like Lynn Johnson, Moriah learned the importance of self-care and processing grief through therapy, exercise, and journaling. On book in particular titled Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky has been incredibly helpful for her self-care journey.  Moriah’s experience highlights the emotional toll of photojournalism and the need for photographers to balance their well-being with their commitment to their subjects.

Even after Lola’s passing, Moriah remains connected with her family. She is working on a follow-up project exploring how Lola’s family integrates her memory into their daily lives. This continuation delves into themes of grief and legacy, encouraging open conversations about loss. Moriah’s work exemplifies the power of storytelling to foster understanding and empathy.

Moriah Ratner’s journey as a photojournalist is a testament to the impact of visual storytelling. Her dedication to capturing life’s essence, even in its most fragile moments, highlights the role photojournalists play in shaping our understanding of the world. Through projects like “Live Like Lola,” Moriah preserves memories and inspires others to approach storytelling with empathy and authenticity. Her work serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the irreplaceable value of human connection and the enduring power of the human spirit.

#photojournalism #documentaryphotography #narrativestorytelling #griefprocessing #humanexperience

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The post Episode 143: Moriah Ratner (Documentary Photography) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.