Each month when we feature our Photographer of the Month, I am in awe of the photographic talent that we've been able to showcase here on Wandering Educators.  One such extraordinary photographer is Maggie Soladay, whom we've profiled here on Wandering Educators before, for her important work with SalaamGarage.  Maggie was nomiated for American Photo's Ten Best Young Photographers, and I can see why. Her photos are glimpses into people and places - often seeing more than we would if we were there.  We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with Maggie, and learn more about her.  Here, she shares her thoughts on photography, as well as an incredible portfolio of photos from a recent trip to Cuba.

WE: How did you get interested in photography?

MS: When i was 10 years old I started shooting whole rolls of film on my   parents Kodak Instamatic camera.  I had 5 younger brothers, the youngest 2 are identical twins, who i would pose with stuffed animals or in streams of light coming in their bedroom window.  It was like an instinct.

WE: How long have you been a photographer?

MS: Since I was 10 really, but my first photography class was at the age  
of 14, sophomore year of high school Bonnie Collier was my wonderful   teacher at Walter Johnson H.S. in Bethesda MD.  I went on to shoot for the school paper and then enrolled in community college photo classes and smithsonian Institute classes over the summers throughout my undergrad years studying literature.

WE: What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

MS: Travel, pictures of the world.  Pattern and light affect the human  
environment and its that relationship I love to shoot.   When I travel I photograph people in their environments quietly, showing the art of environments.  Light and architecture can illustrate a sense of place and culture subtly.  My normal approach is to not disrupt daily life.  But when I am a participant, I always want it to be a fun happy experience for me and the subjects of the photographs.  For Example.  I was in Havana recently when a large group of military cadets streamed in to  the main square.  A few boys spotted me and the camera and it wasn't long before the whole group was hamming and having as great a time as I was.

WE: How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

MS: It's hard without a plan.  Drive-by shootings should be avoided because they look like drive-by shots where no relationship has been formed and nothing is given back.  Without an intention a photograph can make the viewer uncomfortable.  Pretty travel pictures don't educate as much without a goal in place.  I want educate people with words and images now.  After years of traveling and taking what are sometimes just pretty pictures I learned I needed a plan, I want to do something really important when I travel.  My upcoming trips to India and Vietnam I am producing for SalaamGarage.  Anyone can come with me.  SalaamGarage takes anyone who tells stories on journeys that will help cause social change.  For more info go to:
http://salaamgarage.com/

WE:  Are there rules in other countries people need to be aware of about who or what you can or cannot shoot?

MS: There is an invisible language that a photographer in a foreign land  
can speak.  It's body and sign language used to request permission to take a photo of someone when spoken language is impossible.  Yes and No are pretty clear almost everywhere a traveller goes.  Never take that power away from a person.  Journalism is different, they have a tough job and a clear code of ethics that don't apply to travel and documentary photographers.  Don't take an image that could degrade or exploit a person pointlessly.

WE: Any tips you want to share?

MS: I met the renowned documentary photographer Bruce Davidson when I was 16 years old and attending a lecture at National Geographic HQ in  
Washington DC.  His advice to me then was to carry a camera with me  
everywhere i went.  I still think that is the best advice.  Now that advice is even easier to follow because there are great cameras that now fit in your pocket that also shoot digital video!

WE: Thanks so much, Maggie! Your art is incredible - I can't stop looking at your photos and exploring the world with you!

For more information, please see:
http://maggiesoladay.com/

All photographs courtesy and copyright of Maggie Soladay. All rights reserved.