Private Story
Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award
Growing up an only child in suburban NJ felt empty, quiet, and clean. Finding ways to keep myself occupied was a driving force for my creativity and molded my cognition. I often reflect back on my upbringing and past observations of monotonous daily routine while romanticizing the repetition. Since college, I’ve lived with 13 different people. Each experience unique, vibrant, full and messy; satisfying my adolescent dream of a rambunctious family. Today, as a 26 year old freelance photographer living in Brooklyn, this theme is deeply embedded in who I am, how I see, and approach every situation. I use photography as a means to show a different point of view in everyday scenes. Straying from the ordinary while photographing the mundane. Much of my photography is focused around youth culture and womxnhood, while finding the beauty in often unflattering angles of life, chaos, and habitual routine that is overlooked.
As a photographer, I’m drawn to finding the universal in the local, while creating an intersectional yet relatable experience. For me, photography is a way of sharing others’ stories while forming a deeper understanding of unfamiliar situations. My personal work is often paralleled to what’s going on around me in my life both circumstantially and unintentionally. Documenting roommates in their 20s during one of the most formative decades of one’s life is a story I’m deeply connect to. Because of my age and environmental circumstances, it allows me access to those in comparable situations. Or similarly, amidst a global pandemic, revisiting the Jersey Shore during the biggest summer holidays. Showcasing a nostalgic destination during a time when things were very different for all. Applying past experiences, knowledge, and thoughtfulness into every assignment allows me the trust and access to intimately document situations that is seen throughout my imagery. Whether it be as large as a public health crisis or as molecular as an intimate journey with others.
Anja was courageous and her work was thorough, intentional and human. Her undeniable attention to detail and authenticity is what helped her rise and allowed her work to be seen in a male dominated industry. Whether it be from war zones to sports events, Anja had a way of documenting in a relatable light, transporting the viewer to that moment in time. As a neophyte to the industry, I’ve been able to gain so much from my experiences, but still have so much to learn. Anja paved the way for photographers everywhere. As a womxn in the industry, her work and efforts before me are that much more invaluable. Her passion and unwavering dedication is tangible through her photographs. She is an inspiration and an icon. Like many others I’m watching, learning, and growing.
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