Documentary Photographer, Thatcher Cook

Thatcher is a freelance documentary photographer who has been sent on assignments to over 50 countries. He has worked for Mercy Corps since 1999 and his goal as a photographer is to build awareness of the plight of the forgotten citizens of the world. He spends most of his time in regions that don’t get enough or any media attention and brings these situations to the public through advocacy, exhibitions and publications. The following interview was conducted via telephone on July 6, 2009

What do you aim to document through your pictures?

I try to do different things. In order to show the work of Mercy Corps in different countries I always try to take a personal approach, focusing on the story of one person or one family.

I also try to take what I call ‘advocacy’ photos, which are photographs that explain problems that need to be addressed and that Mercy Corps may be able to help with.

What are some of the benefits and challenges of your job?

The benefit is that I get to travel around the world, and when I travel I don’t spend time in meetings but I can actually get out in the field and I get to experience many many wonderful things through the eyes of Mercy Corps beneficiaries.

The hard part of it is that 10 months out of the year I am away from home, so it is hard for me to have a real home life or social life.

What’s your educational background?

I studied photography in the University of Maine and dramatic writing at New York University. I am currently working on another BA in Political Science at the University of Southern Maine.

Where are you from?

Originally I am from Michigan but now I live in Portland, Maine. 

What experiences, growing up or later, led you to choose this career?

I got my first camera as a gift when I was 12, and I brought it to the circus. I arrived at the fairgrounds really early in the morning and spent the day with the circus workers, photographing the animals, their handlers and the tent being raised. It wasn't until I processed the negatives that I realized I had avoided photographing the actual performance; it was the solitary moments backstage and in between events on which I had focused. That day, and those quiet moments, would set the tone and the mood of my photography.

Who inspires you and your work?

I am mostly inspired by the classic black and white documentary photographers like Robert Frank, but I am also really inspired by Russian literature, mainly Dostoevsky and Tolstoy.

What motivates you?

I want to help people, that is my main goal. Through photography I try to make the world smaller so people can realize what is happening in other parts of the globe.

On the other side I teach photography and many workshops, and some of my students are starting their own small NGOs to help people and I am also working on some personal projects. This Saturday I’m organizing a fundraiser in which guests will give 5 $ to be donated to build a school in India. 

Where have you traveled?

I have been to over 50 countries. My first photo project was in Bulgaria to document the Gipsy, and that was the first time I worked for a NGO. That experience was a turning point in my career.

While travelling, have you ever experienced an emergency situation in which you had to choose between being a photographer and being actively involved?

Yes, it happened when I was on assignment in Alaska in a small native fishing village with only 500 residents. One night I was called because 3 boys went onto the ice and fell through. That was the first time I was confronted with the do I help or photograph dilemma? I opted to help. Only later when the boys were rescued and warming up at the hospital I asked the family if I could take one picture and they thanked me and said yes.

I try to remind people that I am not a photojournalist but a documentary photographer, so I always try to help when I can, even because it’s only photographs and photographs are not a big deal. 

Are you currently working on any projects?

I am going to Indonesia at the end of this month for Mercy Corps, and right now my sisters are helping me edit some work that I did in Kurdistan. I was there six months ago, photographing child labors and sex workers.   

What skills do you need to work as a documentary photographer?

Well, I love people and I think that’s an important thing. Also I never judge others and the decisions that they make. When I travel I try not to bring my western background with me because I understand that we all come from different cultures and have different experiences, so it’s not my place to tell others what to do or not to do. 

Any advice for students considering a career in this field?

I think it’s important to be inspired by many things, not just photography. For example by literature, by things happening in the world, or by art and not just by the technology of a camera.

Also never forget that you can design your own career, because many times when students are in college studying photography, they start wonder who they can work for, but truth is that you can work for yourself and build your own career.

What are your other interests? What do you do to stay sane/motivated/fresh?

I enjoy literature, and I definitely enjoy travelling! I have a passion for fly fishing and I am also very excited about my vegetable garden that I just planted this year!

You may view more of his work at www.thatchercook.com and www.pictographers.org.

He also recently published A Guide to Field Techniques for Documentary Photographers, a concise journey of how to produce, prepare for and realize long-term documentary projects.