– We spoke a lot and it was really interesting to see their pictures and hear about their experiences, we need to support women in countries like Iraq, says the photographer Anette Nantell. She mentored the female Iraqi photographers featured in the ”Iraq through the eyes of women photographers” exhibition.
Anette Nantell, a well-known photographer at Dagens Nyheter, has mentored the Iraqi female photographers who participated in a collaborative project between Framing Photojournalism School and Global Reporting, funded by the Swedish Institute.
In connection with the Iraqi women’s exhibition, Anette Nantell has been able to talk about her own work as a photographer and shown pictures from her own carrier. She has also facilitated discussions on the selection of pictures and the practical work as a photographer.
– It is important to create a good connection with the person being photographed and to make good relationships. That’s the most important part of the job. We had a lot to talk about and it was really nice to see their pictures and hear about their experiences, says Anette Nantell.
Something that Anette Nantell thought was challenging with the work was the distance. All meetings were held remotely and communicating was in English. Some had problems with the language and she would have preferred to meet in person. But at the same time it was a good experience to work with people from another culture and she believes it was possible for them to build relationships through the screen as well.
– The project was very meaningful. I think it’s incredibly important that women becomes photographers, and that’s why it feels so right to support these girls so that they feel some confidence. I want them to continue to strive to be creative with pictures, she continues.
Now Anette Nantell hopes that she can continue to help the photographers in some way and that more women in Iraq and other countries can be inspired by the success of the Iraqi women.
– I found the project interesting and wanted to participate. We need to support women in countries like Iraq, says Anette Nantell.
Faith Anyango
Anette Nantell is an award-winning photographer and photojournalist at Dagens Nyheter. Her specialty is elaborate photojournalism that often takes months to complete.
