What I learned about Documentary Photography from Tish Murtha

All images from Youth Unemployment by Tish Murtha are © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved.

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Tish Murtha's Photography made a huge impression on me when I first saw it. Looking at her work, and reading up about her background and process, it was clear she was someone who cared deeply about her subjects, and took the responsibility of telling their stories well very seriously. I think we can all learn a great deal about the art of documentary photography by spending time with her work.

#tishmurtha #documentaryphotography #documentary

[ChangshaNotes]

This was excellent, and I definitely would like to see more.

[PPYTAO]

I grew up in Newcastle in the 90’s, my parents took our family to New Zealand in ‘95 when I was 8. My dad has always told me stories of when he grew up there playing in the rubble of fallen buildings. I will definitely be purchasing this book for him. I think it’ll bring back a lot of memories for him.

[grahamhopkinson]

I was fortunate enough to know Tish, in fact it was Tish who got me interested in documentary photography and10 years after meeting her I went to Newport and did the documentary photograhy degree there.

When she first turned up to the course she hadn't arranged accomodation-one of the other students took her home and she stayed with him and his parents until she found somewhere. Not only did she not have a place to live, she didn't even own a CAMERA! David Hurn stood as guarantor with Dixons so she could get an Olympus OM1 with a 50mm lens. All her work was done on it and her daughter Ella still has it.

[bshalr]

This needs to be a series Sean! Please do continue.

[eborgesrey]

Your YouTube channel and photographic work on Instagram is absolutely inspiring and pedagogical, Sean. As a professor of media, I am learning so much from your content. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom!

[ElDeAlLado]

Hands down, this should be a series. This is amazing, man. Thank you for putting this type of work out there

[jorgemaxi]

Highly inspiring piece! Yes, absolutely more documentaries like this.

[gtsewell]

Yes, this needs to be a series. Thanks for bringing Tish to my attention.

[TheChakkram]

Yes ! Sean, I love it. Please continue with this kind of video.

[davidm]

Really enjoyed this, Sean. Would love to see it run as a series.

[availabilityAZ]

I certainly hope 2021 sees you doing more of these. This is just brilliant. It's really great to see your passion for committed photography, and photographers. I do hope you keep this up.

[willsun]

Stunning! Thank you Sean for sharing the lives of these photographers!

[craigcarlson]

Really well done. Thoroughly enjoyed - and felt touched by - both the content and format. The historical details and insights on the individual photographer that you’ve researched and shared really make this special. I’ve loved the other in person interview formats you note wanting to do more of but please do more of these too! Craig

[raeleneinglis]

Really enjoyed this Sean and would love to see more.

[lbotha]

Brilliant. Thank you Sean. More PLEASE!

[honklerfinkelstein]

I would love more of these it helps me get a new perspective on my Photography

[bjorneiben]

Thanks so much, Sean, for putting so much thought and love into the contents you produce. This video was super interesting to watch and I would very much enjoy seeing more like these - not only to discover new photographers, but also to see how you approach the work of others.

[TobyHook]

Sean - of course you should keep producing this format! It's highly informative, inspiring and original.

[ElijahsAba]

Sean, your work is such a gift (and the fact that your images of home took me back to Camps Bay, Noordhoek etc. certainly helped my sense of connection...). Thank you.

[michaelchrist]

Absolutely great! Thx for sharing this great photographer and your thoughts! Greatly appreciate it!