Jeremy Weine

My early experiences with photojournalism laid the foundation for my great interest in the medium. Throughout high school, I documented New York City’s youth-led climate movement, attending weekly planning meetings and the resulting actions and events. I learned the gradual process of gaining subjects’ trust and developed the instincts required to make compelling photographs in fleeting moments.

This trust was put to the test while photographing two friends blowing glass together at a pre-college program at the Rhode Island School of Design. I was awed by their unspoken choreography as they repeatedly skirted serious burns while producing marvelous blown pieces as I documented their process. To make compelling photographs – and to prevent any of us from getting hurt – I had to tap into their rhythm and sync my movements with theirs.

Working for The Michigan Daily, I covered everything from high-level collegiate sporting events to gubernatorial campaign events to concerts. I strengthened my sense of composition and framing, my mastery of various camera systems and editing programs, and my editorial judgment.

During my senior year, I documented the student movement imploring the university to divest from Israel. I made photographs as pro-Palestine organizers clashed with police, counter protesters, and administrators while tensions rose on campus. I drew upon my experiences to tell the stories unfolding before me with as much empathy and objectivity as possible.

Each chapter of my photographic journey has drawn me closer to the medium. I have developed a love for documenting the dance practiced by activists, friends, and athletes, and the feeling of dancing alongside them to viscerally encapsulate their experiences.