“Nicaragua is a dangerous place. It’s not so much because of its politics, but because they have a rare benevolence that causes one to want to identify this place as home.” (J.M.)
Welcome to the warm and inviting land of Nicaragua, as seen through photographer John McPherson’s photojournalistic view. John believes that it’s important to go experience the world, but that also when you see the world through the perspective of others it is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to feature work from JM Imagery, as well as to “experience” a trip to Nicaragua through these photos. Lynette
Though I like all kinds of photography, photos captured by travel photographers or photojournalists tend to be my favorite. I like them because there is a naturally deep story that exists visually if one looks close enough. I don’t claim to be a true photojournalist, but I do love capturing images in a similar way regardless the subject I’m photographing. For my photographs to tell a story that connects to my viewers is what I aim to do every time I pick up my camera. This methodology has me believe that photography is more than pointing-and-shooting with a camera. Instead, it’s a tool used to journal your’s and other peoples’ lives; thus, it’s the burden of the photographer to communicate his or her stories in a truthful and visually captivating style.
About two years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua for the sole purpose of taking photos of the people and country. I never planned to travel to Central America. It was never in my plans because it never was on my heart. My friend, Andrew Belcher, asked me to tag along with him on a short mission trip during our spring break. He requested that I take photos so that he could show people here in the states why he loves Nicaragua so much. I was excited to go and do exactly that, but I plainly wanted to log another country in my passport. However, like Andrew, the people apprehended my heart while I was there. They are a warm and caring people. I must warn you: Nicaragua is a dangerous place. It’s not so much because of its politics, but because they have a rare benevolence that causes one to want to identify this place as home.
When a photographer is able to connect with the people and culture of a country, a change in his or her life is inevitable. St. Augustine said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel have only read one page.” I feel that photography is like taking notes in the book I’m reading and sharing the stories with others. Images give a glimpse into windows that vary in size, because all photographers are at differing levels in their ability to tell a story effectively through one or more image. Continuing the analogy, the viewer’s ability to connect with the stories of a photographer is also hindered by one’s interest in, or distance from, the window. By creating images that are true and captivating, the window becomes so large that people are naturally attracted to see what is in it. What is more is that this does not just apply to photographers; this applies to every communicator – writer, speaker, musician, etc. Even though the best way to experience a situation is to see it for yourself, comprehending the world through another’s perception is essential to growth as an intelligent human being. Go see the world and develop your perspective of the world, but also listen and inquire with others about their assessment. This is at the heart, I believe, of St. Augustine’s statement, and it is the essence of storytelling.
Back to Lynette: Anyone up for a trip to Nicaragua? It is true that when you connect with a people of a different place it will forever change your life, and the warm hearts and friendliness of the Latin American people I’ve had the chance to get to know has tampered with the way I see the world, in a way that I never want to recover from.
Please head on over and check out some more of John’s amazing work featured on his website JM Imagery. John is a wedding photographer, with a passion to capture special moments, as well as moments in life through travel and everyday happenings.