Future focus
Pearson Ripley
Documentary Media MFA alumnus
A recipient of Nikon’s 100th Anniversary Storyteller’s Scholarship, Pearson Ripley has chronicled life in Nepal, Cambodia and Guatemala through his photography. His major research paper, “Shut Away,” focuses on undocumented Latin American immigrants seeking sanctuary in U.S. churches.
How has your TMU graduate education been?
I've grown dramatically as a photographer through the Documentary Media program. The faculty have had a huge effect on my practice. I've learned how to think critically about my creative decisions and write about my own work more effectively.
How did your supervisors support your research?
TMU gave me an incredible support system for executing my first long-term, large-scale documentary project. My supervisors Dr. Blake Fitzpatrick and Don Snyder both have extensive knowledge and experience and gave me honest, straightforward critiques that really informed my work. Whenever I had a question, they were always there for me.
Do you feel well-prepared for your career?
There's no straightforward career path for documentary photography, but TMU has prepared me in an invaluable way by giving me a comprehensive understanding of the documentary framework and introducing me to Toronto's thriving photography and film community. Now, I have a fantastic point of departure to chase down my dream career.