NUSA photo initially came into being as a personal project of Nugroho Budianggoro, with the first purpose to publish his photographic works as he was learning the craft and starting his early steps in photojournalism. The NUSA photo website was first launched on December 2008. Now, the format of NUSA photo website has been updated, and its purpose developed to become a permanent outlet for Nugroho’s documentary works. The photos published on NUSA photo website is available to be republished on other media through licensing agreement.
NUSA photo was born out of an idealistic view of the world in contrast with the reality. Such view is an idea of a positive world that is believed to be planted within the heart of people. However, if that vision seems to difficult to achieve, at least a person strive to fulfill the role he/she has towards the realization of the vision. That role is played out with the hope of carrying the person in the cumpolsary path towards his/her ideal self. This frame of mind is important and it underlies the reason NUSA photo keeps progressing with positive intent.
Photography enters the context as a tool to fulfill the vision. Photography is a communication tool. The universality of the visual signs in it is still strong, despite the bias in construction of meanings in the minds of audiences with various backgrounds. Such similarity in the interpretation of visual language by the various audiences indicates a common nature of the audiences, also the photographer as the speaker. It is very likely that this shows the common nature of people-us, which is our humanity.
In the perpective of NUSA photo, photography is power. Photography can make its audience ‘know’ and ‘feel’ in regard with the subjects and moments on a photograph. A strong photograph conveys important issue. Strong photographs cause the audience to notice, think, feel, construct opinion, and then, on the next level, to bear fruit in the forms of action and frame of mind. This kind of photos then go on to become a part of the society’s collective conscience. Such power of photography merits the responsible utilization by any photographer, including NUSA photo.
NUSA photo applies documentary approach which records subjects and events beyond what is seen on the surface. These inconspicuous things often escape attention, although important to know. The approach of NUSA photo is also directed towards the communication of emotions about the subjects and moments from the photographer to the audience. The interpretation of the photographer is influential in determining the angle of story telling, however, honesty and credibility of information must be prioritized. Apart from revealing problems, NUSA photo also see that the hope and possible solutions of that problem. NUSA photo depicts social and environmental issues. This choice of focus, other than for personal reasons, is also based on the importance of the topics and the potential of photography to illustrate them. These two issues are still quite broad, and the more spesific topics will remain flexible, with the major considerations for selection such as the importance, news value, and access.
The concept of NUSA photo website that can be grouped as virtual photography magazine is not yet developed in Indonesia. Meanwhile, this format is not difficult to find among foreign websites. The internet media is indeed rapidly growing. Globally, it has become one main source of information for the public, in competition with printed media, television, and radio. Eventhough, access to internet is not yet evenly spread in Indonesian society, the virtual space with it information exchange and networking has proven its strong influences of Indonesian daily life.
Finally, NUSA photo is enthusiastic to take part in conjuring change of the society. Through its mission, which is documenting the topics of social life and environment, NUSA photo seek to realize its vision, a more positive world. Also, what is also important is that the works of NUSA photo can be a proper representation of the conditions in Indonesia for the foreign world.
Regards,
Nugi
November 11, 2009