Most organizations are forced to choose between a technical report that is rigorous but soul-less, or creative storytelling that is beautiful but lacks strategic weight.
I provide Illuminated Reportage—a synthesis of technical policy & program cycle literacy and documentary photography— designed to transform complex project data into resonant, evidence-based human stories. By merging twenty years of multi-sectoral insight with a documentary heart, I provide the visual and narrative evidence needed to attract funding, honor the agency of collaborators, and inform project/program/organizational evolution.
Services
Connect
Systems - Dignity - Narrative
The Beduin
Documentary
The Approach
My practice is built on a Whole-Brain methodology—a combination of technical rigor and creative intuition. I provide a unified lens that allows me to see projects from the inside out, ensuring the structural requirements of a system are met while the essential human narrative remains visible.
01. Systems: The Structural Foundation (The Left Brain) I analyze the architecture of the work. Drawing on a Master’s in International Development and 20 years in policy and program cycles, I navigate the socio-economic and political forces at play. My background allows me to identify "quiet successes" that traditional reporting misses, synthesizing complex data into clear, evidence-based insights.
02. Dignity: The Respectful Witness (The Heart) My approach is grounded in reciprocal, cross-culturally respectful relationship building. Whether in high-level diplomacy or remote community settings, I serve as a witness to stories. I engage directly with communities to surface narratives of project success and challenge, ensuring every voice is captured with authenticity, safety, and dignity.
03. Narrative: The Visual Translation (The Right Brain) This is where complexity becomes resonance. As a classically trained image-maker, I translate lived experience into high-impact visual stories. By transforming "reporting" into compelling documentary photography, I provide the evidence needed to inform program transitions and secure the confidence of future funders.
A Reciprocal Journey My work balances professional precision with a dedicated artistic practice. I am a curious collaborator committed to social equity, ensuring that as we build better systems, we never lose sight of the beauty, ingenuity, and humanity of the people within them.
Publications
Myrna ~ Coast Salish Weaver
The Creatives
“I was fortunate to work alongside Lara, who while wearing multiple hats, brought our social cohesion project to new heights with her incredible media savvy. This program which reached immigrant and refugee youth across Canada, was hinged on using social and multi-media as platforms for learning and empowerment… She is a creative powerhouse…”
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Click here to learn more about my story and how it informs what I offer.
