Orin Langelle’s passion for activism began was when he was a high school student in Missouri in 1969 standing up against the Vietnam War. It was through his anti-war work that he got involved in photojournalism. He honed his photographic skills at the International Center of Photography in New York City, and with the guidance of Cornell Capa, understood the meaning of concerned photography.

Langelle says,

“I approach my role as a concerned photographer by not merely documenting struggle, but by being an active part of the struggle. This has enabled me to garner the trust of many of the subjects I have documented, allowing me access that would not have been possible otherwise. In this way, I have been able to expose the truth that is so often hidden. I believe using my photographs to shine a light on peoples’ struggles helps empower those striving for justice because they know they are not alone.

“My photographs are not merely a chronicling of these struggles, however, but a call out to inspire new generations to participate in the making of a new history.