At CC4PJ, we are driven by a strong belief in curiosity and an authentic voice. We are committed to ethical and effective practices in visual storytelling, aiming to create a reliable space where people trust us to share their stories. We recognize that individuals and communities are multi-layered, complex, and multi-faceted, and we value the unique perspectives that each person brings.
Vision
Our vision is to create a more just world by harnessing the transformative and evocative power of images. Through our work, we celebrate and recognize our shared humanity, fostering understanding and empathy.
Mission
Our mission is to empower visual storytellers to illuminate and expand the narrative of their communities. We strive to inspire people to take action on various human rights issues through compelling visual storytelling.
Goals
Equip visual storytellers: We provide visual storytellers with the necessary tools and resources to capture the images of individuals and communities whose stories have not been independently and fairly told.
Connect with expert photojournalists: We facilitate connections between visual storytellers and experienced photojournalists who have effectively used their medium to convey powerful narratives.
Build community through exhibits: We organize exhibits that encourage critical reflection and dialogue about the emotions, thoughts, and discussions evoked by the images. We aim to raise awareness and understanding of various human rights issues.
Meet the Founder
Denise Keim, the founder of the Chicago Center for Photojournalism, is a professional photographer with 30 years of experience. Throughout her career, Denise has been an educator in universities, high schools, and community art centers, sharing her passion and knowledge with aspiring photographers. She has had unique opportunities to witness history unfold and believes in bringing real-time world events into the classroom.
Denise's education and passion for photography have taken her around the world, where she has documented the human condition in all its diversity. Her photographs have been published in numerous books and periodicals and exhibited both in the United States and internationally.
denisekeim.com
Credentials
BA in Photography, University of Dayton
MFA in Photography, Pennsylvania State University
Internship in New York City with Mary Ellen Mark, recognized as one of our most respected and influential photographers.
Fulbright Scholar, grant recipient to photograph for a year in Poland. The Fulbright Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue.
Full-time Adjunct Professor of Photography, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Director, Bruce Gallery, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Instructor of Photojournalism, Harrington College of Design, Chicago, IL
Program Director, Chicago Photography Center, Chicago, IL
Knowledge Worker, ASE (Accelerated Solutions Environment) CapGemini, Chicago,IL
Volunteer coordinator for PhotoNOLA for the annual celebration of photography in New Orleans