Episode 169: Janet Jarman (Documenting Midwives)

Birth Wars — How Photojournalist Janet Jarman Uses Visual Storytelling to Transform Maternal Health Meta Description: Janet Jarman, award‑winning photojournalist and MacArthur Fellow, reveals how she moved from analog photography to long‑term multimedia projects, culminating in the powerful documentary Birth Wars and its companion book. Learn about her early career, the role of midwives in Mexico & Guatemala, grant‑writing tips, and why visual storytelling matters for social change. Primary Keywords: photojournalism, Janet Jarman, Birth Wars, maternal health, midwives, placenta prints, MacArthur Foundation, documentary filmmaking, long‑term projects, analog photography, multimedia journalism 📻 About the Podcast Episode 10 Frames Per Second – a photojournalism podcast hosted by Joe Giordano and Molly Roberts – welcomes Janet Jarman (Mexico‑based photojournalist, documentary filmmaker, MacArthur Fellow). The episode dives into: Janets’s childhood spark for photographyHer analog‑first upbringing and transition to digitalThe evolution from newsroom assignments to independent, long‑term storytellingThe creation of the Birth Wars documentary and bookThe power of midwives, placenta art, and community trustPractical advice on securing grants and building a multimedia team 🎞️ From Slide Film to Global Storytelling Early Inspiration First interview at age 6 on a North Carolina beach → curiosity about people’s lives.Influenced by her father’s endless questions, fostering empathy and a desire to see the world from others’ perspectives. Analog Roots Grew up shooting slide film; reluctant to switch to negatives, then to digital.Believes analog training is essential for mastering exposure and minimizing post‑production time. “If you don’t know how to expose correctly, you waste precious time that could be spent on the next story.” – Janet Jarman Transition to Digital & Multimedia Adopted digital tools to add audio, video, and interactive graphics while preserving the discipline of analog shooting.Built a one‑person multimedia workflow (camera, sound recorder, editing software) after learning to wear many hats on grant‑funded projects. 📚 Long‑Term Projects that Shaped Her Career ProjectRegionFocusOutcomeImmigration story of MarisolUS‑Mexico borderHuman‑rights & migrationOver 2 decades of follow‑up; deep personal connection; shows power of sustained storytellingWater & environmental reportingLatin AmericaClimate justice, resource distributionWon awards from Picture of the Year International & American PhotographyMaternal health & midwivesChiapas, Mexico & GuatemalaTraditional midwives vs. institutional obstetricsPublished NYT photo essay (2015), sparked global conversation, led to Birth Wars film & bookAshoka NGO multimedia series18 countriesSocial entrepreneurshipServed as launchpad for independent journalism career 🤱 Birth Wars – A Visual Narrative of Dignified Childbirth The Core Idea Systemic power struggle: Who decides how a woman gives birth?Goal: Highlight the clash between traditional/indigenous midwives and the medicalized obstetric model. Key Visual Elements Opening image: A striking, belly‑forward photograph that instantly captures the universality of pregnancy.Placenta prints: Each portrait is paired with a translucent placenta imprint, symbolizing the life‑giving organ and its cultural reverence.Pandemic footage: PPE‑clad birth scenes illustrate how COVID‑19 amplified the need for midwife‑led care. Impact & Reception Screened for 200+ midwives in San Cristóbal and 200 doctors in Oposingo – both groups responded positively, promising collaborative change.Presented at the Mexican National Congress, Belgian events, and Istanbul book‑launch (2024).Generates discussion panels that connect midwives, policymakers, and the public. 🩺 Why Midwives Matter – Insights from the Interview Continuum of care: From pre‑pregnancy, through birth, to postpartum (the 40‑day “quarantina” tradition).Cultural trust: Midwives are embedded in the community, offering personalized, respectful care.Systemic gaps: Institutional hospitals lack the flexibility to provide this holistic support. “Midwives are the bridge between a woman’s community and the formal health system.” – Janet Jarman 💰 Funding Long‑Term Visual Stories – Grant Tips Show Depth & Commitment – Demonstrate years of immersion (e.g., Janets’s decade‑long work with midwives).Create a Multimedia Prototype – A short video or photo essay can prove you can deliver across platforms.Leverage Past Publications – Highlight work in The New York Times, National Geographic, and award recognitions.Build a Small Core Team – Sound, editing, and a trusted local fixer make the difference; Janets prefers a 2‑3 person crew.Stay Flexible – Learn basic sound, editing, and graphic design to fill gaps when funding is low. 📑 Quick Takeaways for Aspiring ...