The Courage to See: A Fotophase Talk + Photo Walk with John Abernathy
About this Event
The Courage to See
A Fotophase Talk + Photo Walk with John Abernathy
What can a camera reveal about the world in front of us—and about the person behind it?
Join Fotophase and photographer John Abernathy for a talk and guided photo walk exploring photography as a practice of attention, reflection and connection.
Abernathy describes the camera as pointing in two directions. It allows us to observe our surroundings while also noticing what is happening within us: what invites our presence, what creates tension, what evokes curiosity and how our perspective changes as we move through an experience.
The talk will be followed by a guided neuroarts-based photo walk.
The group will reconvene at Tamarkin Camera for a facilitated reflection.
About Fotophase
Fotophase is a nonprofit organization exploring how the act of making photographs can support reflection, agency, connection and well-being for people living through trauma, illness, transition or stress.
This program reflects Fotophase’s commitment to photography practiced as an aesthetic experience that engages attention, perception, emotion and meaning-making. By combining image-making with guided reflection and community conversation, Fotophase creates opportunities for participants to notice how they relate to themselves, their surroundings and one another.
The goal is not to position photography as therapy or a substitute for mental-health care. It is to explore photography as an accessible creative practice that may help people become more present, curious and connected.
What to Bring
- A camera & SD Card (or smartphone )
- A notebook and pen
Participants may be invited to complete brief, anonymous reflections before and after the experience to help Fotophase's mission.
No professional camera or prior photography experience is required. Bring any camera you are comfortable using, including a smartphone.
About John Abernathy
John Abernathy is an independent documentary photographer based in Minneapolis with more than 40 years of experience behind the camera. His work explores the relationship between observation, connection, and the human experience.
Before dedicating his focus to documentary photography, John spent many years as a commercial and editorial photographer, creating work for national brands and publications including Target, General Mills, Cargill, Gensler, Marriott, Hilton, and Aveda. His photography has appeared in publications including The New York Times, Fortune, Inc., Washingtonian, Better Homes & Gardens, Artful Living, Minnesota Monthly, Essence, and Real Food.
In recent years, John has focused on documentary and street photography, creating work centered on people, communities, and moments of public significance. His experiences photographing complex human stories have shaped his belief that photography is not simply about capturing an image—it is about being present, paying attention, and building connection.
Through his own photographic journey, John has discovered that the camera can act as a mirror. It reflects not only the world in front of us, but also our own assumptions, emotions, and ways of seeing. He believes photography can become a practice of curiosity, reflection, and self-understanding.
John’s work invites photographers to slow down, notice more deeply, and explore how the act of seeing can transform both the photograph and the person creating it.
Content and Care Notice
This program will include personal discussion and documentary images related to loss, trauma, social unrest, state or police action and emotionally difficult experiences. Participants are encouraged to make choices that support their own well-being, including stepping away from the talk or photo walk when needed.
Photo credit: Pierre Lavie / @just1dudewithacamera
B&W Photo credit: John Abernathy
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
