Back Story: Taking a Stand in Switzerland

I really enjoy the relational side of my work as a photojournalist. I find that as I get to know my story subjects better, they become more comfortable with me.

Not only is the assignment more fun, but my photos turn out better, too! In Switzerland, I had a wonderful time getting to know the Zurbrügg family. They were warm, gracious hosts and loved to have a good time. Mike and his two sons (left) were very interested in photography, and so we spent a lot of time taking each other’s photos and talking “shop” about all things photographic. It gave us an immediate connecting point, and Mike’s interest in photography guaranteed that he wouldn’t get tired of my seemingly endless documentation.

It also offered me a chance to give back to their family by handing a camera to Dominic or Samuel and giving them a few lessons in the finer points of photography. I often found myself on the other side of the camera, with three or four photographers shooting all at once—good times!