Photojournalist Diego Goldberg Chases the Dream
By Pola Rosen Ed.D.
Diego Goldberg, an Argentinian, is a renowned photojournalist,
one of the creators of the UN photo exhibit, entitled “Chasing
the Dream,” which includes 141 photos, chronicling the
struggles and the hopes of eight youngsters from Brazil, Cambodia,
India, Jamaica, Uganda, Morocco and other nations. At the recent
opening of the “Chasing the Dream” photo exhibit
we spoke with Goldberg about this powerful exhibit.
Education Update (EU): How did this journey begin?
Diego Goldberg (DG): This was a UN intra-agency initiative to facilitate
learning the development goals that the UN has and have it coincide with the
gathering of world leaders who will meet here to see how the program is going.
Journalist Robert Guareschi and I conceived of the idea of illustrating the
eight millennium goals, following eight young people, each from different countries.
EU: How were the countries chosen?
DG: UN agencies suggested the countries we visit and we did so over
the course of two months.
EU: What was the experience like?
DG: It was extremely hectic, but a fascinating experience. Part of our
proposal included holding workshops for young people in each country. We provided
disposable cameras so that they would shoot two images, what they like and
what they don’t.
EU: What were the ages of the kids?
DG: By UN standards, individuals between the ages of 12 and 24 are considered
youth. We spoke to youth of different ages within this category.
EU: How did you decide which children to focus on?
DG: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s)—which were sent
by the UN—stationed in the countries, prepared children that we could
talk to and we interviewed them to learn their stories. We focused on the stories
we found most interesting
EU: What were some of the constraints you dealt with?
DG: We were limited in time. We also faced the challenge of different
cultures, and having to adapt to that. On the other hand, one of the most gratifying
parts was that we were really accepted and welcomed. Peopl e opened their homes
and lives to us.
EU: Is there a particular event that especially stands out for you?
DG: For me the most important thing was the emotional attachment that
we felt and that the kids felt. Probably the most shocking thing, but shocking
in a good sense, is seeing some of the kids here today (at the “Chasing
the Dream” exhibit). Everyone working on this project was so moved to
see them here, after working for three months on their pictures and stories
and then to see them in the flesh and blood is an amazing experience.
EU: What kind of equipment did you use?
DG: I worked with a digital camera, a Nikon D-70—a relatively
inexpensive camera, so that helped in terms of cost and in terms of time in
that I could work and see the photos on the computer.
EU: How did you get started in photography?
DG: Initially I was a physics major in the University, and science still
today one of my favorite things, but I realized it wasn’t for me so I
began to study architecture. After five years of study in the field, having
only one year to go to complete my studies, I woke up one morning and thought, “what
am I doing?” I really want to be a photographer. Photography was a hobby
of mine since I was a teenager and I was very passionate about journalism,
about the real world out there. So I quit architecture that same day and started
from scratch.
EU: So you followed your dream just like the exhibit, chasing the dream?
DG: Yes, that’s absolutely true. I have three sons, and I tell
them, whatever you do, always follow your dreams.#
