For my multimodal presentation, I chose to explore the work of Dorothea Lange, a pioneering American documentary photographer best known for her iconic image, Migrant Mother, during the Great Depression. Lange’s photography focused on the struggles of the American people during times of hardship, especially the poor, displaced, and working-class communities. Her work for the Farm Security Administration in the 1930s powerfully combined art and activism, raising awareness of the human cost of economic collapse. The photographs I chose to present include portraits of migrant workers, mothers, and families living through extreme poverty. Her ability to capture raw emotion through candid, thoughtful composition has made a lasting impact on how we document social issues. Lange’s photographs are not just historical records; they are emotionally resonant stories that speak to the dignity, strength, and vulnerability of her subjects. I created this presentation to highlight how her work shaped photojournalism and continues to influence modern storytelling through images.

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Dorothea Lange’s work showed me that photography has the power to change public opinion and inspire action. Before studying her, I mostly viewed photography as a creative outlet. Now, I understand it as a tool for social justice and advocacy. Lange didn’t just take photos—she gave a voice to the voiceless. Her images taught me that the emotional and human context behind a photograph is just as important as its visual elements. I now see photography as a form of visual storytelling that can raise awareness, create empathy, and even influence policy. Her work has inspired me to think about how my photography and how it can have meaning beyond aesthetics.