Seth T. Buckley

Ethnographic photojournalism is my preferred avenue to explore the world around me.  Naturally introverted, I utilize photojournalism as a motivation to get out into the community and interact with others. I even talk to strangers (shocking).

In all of my photography, the foundation has been to learn about and experience cultures different from my own, to understand and appreciate them on a more intimate level, and to share them with anyone who wants to listen. The lens and the pen are my tools to view life with greater clarity, and to help others to do the same.

Ethnographic photojournalism is a reminder for me to see circumstances and issues as they truly are – documenting people and their cultures truthfully and honestly. I don't want to hide inconvenient truths; quite to the contrary, my photography helps me to grapple with difficult matters of contention, it challenges me to see social injustice, inequality and other issues that surround us. It also allows me to see the joy, dignity, and compassion that is ever present in the human spirit. I see the world best when I hold a camera to my eye.

I want to challenge myself to be open minded, to constantly learn, to invite introspection. I want to take photographs that capture candid moments of life objectively and honestly, that evoke emotion, that compel reflection. I want my writings to ponder the connection points we have as humans and citizens of the global community. And I want to embrace it all with grace, truth and openness.