Documentary Photographer Photography as a Social Tool
by Michael Jack Pazdon
Article rating: 8.25
Chris Rainier is a documentary photographer working on the edge of the world’s cultural map. He has spent his life documenting the cultures and daily lives of indigenous peoples in exotic locations such as New Guinea, Australia, and the Amazon who’s traditions and livelihoods have been challenged by modern industrial and technological expansion. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Life magazine, Time magazine, National Geographic, Smithsonian magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Outside magazine, Men’s Journal, The New Yorker, and The New York Times.
His work is also included in national and international permanent collections and has been collected in three books, the latest of which, Ancient Marks, is due for release in September, 2004, and presents an exploration of the ancient tradition of body modification and its continued life in the modern world. Recently, we talked to Chris about his experience documenting indigenous cultures and some the issues involved in using photography as a social tool.
