Episode 172: Carol Guzy (Documentary Photography)

Inside the Courthouse: How Pulitzer‑Winner Carol Guzy Uses “Visual Empathy” to Document New York’s Immigration Detentions Published on 10 Frames Per Second Blog – Your source for photojournalism insights 📚 Overview – Episode 172: Carol Guzy In the latest episode of 10 Frames Per Second, hosts Joe Giordano & Molly Roberts sit down with Carol Guzy, a four‑time Pulitzer‑Prize‑winning photojournalist, to discuss her groundbreaking work inside a New York City courthouse that has become the only U.S. courtroom where photographers are allowed to capture ICE‑related family separations. If you’re a photographer, journalist, activist, or anyone curious about how visual storytelling can drive social change, this post breaks down the interview’s most compelling moments, the ethical challenges Carol Guzy faces, and practical ways you can support or emulate her approach. Carol Guzy photojournalistImmigration detention NYC courthouseVisual empathy in photojournalismICE raids New YorkFamily separation photography10 Frames Per Second podcastPulitzer‑Prize photojournalismHow to document immigration raids 1️⃣ Who Is Carol Guzy? FactDetailProfessionPhotojournalist, freelancer represented by Zuma PressAwardsFour Pulitzer Prizes for photographyBackgroundTrained as an RN before switching to photographyFocusLong‑form, human‑interest documentaries (Haiti, Kosovo, Ukraine, U.S. immigration)Current ProjectDaily coverage of immigration detentions at the Eastern District of New York courthouse (hallways and elevators only) Why she matters: Carol’s “visual empathy” blends her nursing instincts with journalistic rigor, allowing her to capture intimate, humane moments in high‑tension environments. 2️⃣ Carol Guzy on the Unique NYC Courthouse Access Only U.S. courthouse that permits photography in hallways/elevators (courtesy of a lawyer’s petition by a photographer named Wiley).Public‑space rule: Hallways and elevator banks are considered public, not part of the federal building’s “restricted” zones.Limitations: No access to interior courtrooms, detention floors, or ICE‑specific offices. “It’s the only courthouse in the country that allows us this level of access – and it’s strictly limited to the hallways.” – Carol Guzy Why This Matters for SEO Search intent: People looking for “photographer access NYC courthouse” or “how to get permission to shoot in immigration courts” will find this post valuable because it explains the legal precedent and the practical constraints. 3️⃣ Visual Empathy: Carol Guzy From Nursing to Photojournalism The Core Idea Visual empathy = “Seeing with a compassionate heart while staying objective.” Nursing training taught Carol to be hands‑on, compassionate, and emotionally aware.She applies the same mindset to photography: listen, observe, protect the subject’s dignity. Practical Tips (From Carol Guzy’s Playbook) Leave bias at the door – focus on the story, not personal politics.Maintain a protective emotional barrier – let feelings settle before shooting.Follow families beyond the courthouse – capture life at home, after reunions, to humanize the narrative. Quick Checklist ☐ Verify legal access (court petition, attorney guidance)☐ Prepare emotionally (breathing exercises, quick debriefs)☐ Carry minimal gear for speed (camera, lens, backup batteries)☐ Respect privacy – ask before photographing children when possible 4️⃣ The Emotional Toll & Self‑Care Physical strain: Standing for hours, lugging gear, dealing with unpredictable schedules.Emotional strain: Witnessing children crying, family separations, and occasional aggression from agents.Coping mechanisms: Dogs – Carol says her pets are a lifeline.Community support: Friends offering couch‑surfing, churches (St. Peter’s) providing meals and legal aid.Professional debriefs: Talking with fellow photographers, taking breaks when needed. “It’s crushing to see these kids, but the mission to document keeps me going.” – Carol Guzy 5️⃣ Balancing Dignity & Documentation Challenges Flash photography from other journalists can feel invasive.Maintaining subject dignity while filming in a distressing environment. Carol Guzy’s Approach Stay in the hallways – capture moments without intruding on private moments.Follow families later – provide a more rounded, respectful portrait.Use captions wisely – avoid activist language; let images speak. Best‑Practice Summary DoDon’tEngage with families, ask permission whenever feasible.Push the camera into private moments without consent.Explain your role as a journalist, not an activist.Use sensational captions that bias the story.Document the systemic issue, not just the drama.Focus solely on shock value. 6️⃣ Community & Legal Support Systems St. Peter’s Church (Pastor Fabian Arias): Daily mass for migrants, legal clinics, and emotional ...