By Kiara Catanzaro
Contributing Writer
For most, photojournalism is a way of expressing oneself. For Law Eh Soe, however, photojournalism led to him fleeing Burma for the United States.
Law Eh Soe visited St. Bonaventure on Tuesday to talk about how his career in photojournalism led to him becoming a refugee who now resides in Buffalo.
Pauline Hoffmann, dean of the Russell J. Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication, invited Law Eh Soe to campus after seeing “Click in Fear,” a video that illustrates the photos that Soe took in Burma in the midst of the conflict.
Burma has encountered many tribulations concerning their government for over a decade now. In order to inform other countries of the conflict, Soe used photojournalism to capture the struggles of the Burmese people.
“I took these pictures because I wanted the images of burning homes, destroyed schools and the people of Burma to get recognized to the rest of the world,” Soe said. “After my pictures were put in the national papers, I was called back to capture more movements that were happening throughout the country.”
He began his career as a photojournalist in 1996, despite his father’s disapproval.
“My father wanted me to have a good, successful career as a judge or lawyer,” Soe said. “I told him I wanted to become a photojournalist because it was something I was passionate about and felt that it could help my country.”
Soe believes his photography is a way to show his passion and commitment toward his country. Not only does he consider photojournalism a profession, but also a way to help successfully complete his mission for his country. According to Soe, his mission is to assist those who are still suffering in Burma and unable to help themselves.
“God gave me the strength to continue my mission,” Soe said.
At the conclusion of Soe’s presentation, many students asked about his life as a refugee. Soe said he came to Buffalo because he didn’t have a choice in where he lived.
“I had no plan to become a refugee, but sometimes life doesn’t give us choice,” Soe said. “Sometimes we have to do the things we don’t want to do.”
Despite not wanting to leave Burma, Soe illustrated his love and appreciation for his new residence. He even views Buffalo as his new home.
“I consider coming to Buffalo to be a part of my new mission,” Soe said.
Hoffmann, concluded the presentation with her personal input on Soe as an individual.
“Personally I find Law Eh Soe to be incredibly inspiring,” Hoffmann said. “He is someone that I look up to considering everything that he has gone though.”
Soe’s artwork will be displayed in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts until November 19.
catanzka12@bonaventure.edu
