Notes from the Field | Welcome
Trekking the Hills of Burundi, American Roadtrips and Kenya's Only Disability-Friendly School Bus, Final Frames
Notes from the Field | Welcome
There's never much time for reflection when you're a journalist on assignment, especially when you're sliding down a muddy Burundian mountain, an audience of nimble children howling with laughter below.
But as I sift through the photos and footage collected on my first trip to the tiny nation that has banned virtually all journalists from entering, I realize I have been given a rare gift; to put my boots down in a country that has captured my interest for more than a decade and to see Burundi, in all it's tragic and breathtaking beauty through the viewfinder of my camera.
Burundi Under Watchful Eyes
But as the great Stan Lee wrote "With great power comes great responsibility" not only for Spiderman but to all of us who have been given the privilege of living a big life.
That is why I'm launching a newsletter of sorts, a "Notes from the Field" type journal to share my story - the arcs of triumph, the many oh-so-serious fails, a few holy-shit-is-that-even-legal? moments and the long, bottomless belly laughs that come with working as a journalist in Africa. #YouShouldn'tHaveToCheckYourTolietForScorpians
I'll also post my recent work, some outtakes and lots of exclusive, behind-the-scenes content. I'll make sure answer your burning questions and share ways to support the people and causes that push me to fight the good fight, everyday.
My hope is that this newsletter not only provides a window into my very real, often rough and deeply moving life as a foreign correspondent, but also underscores the importance of journalism as a means of connecting humanity through our common threads.
With that, I hope you're excited to join me on my messy, meaningful, wild ride through life and love as a journalist, photographer, filmmaker and rabblerouser in Africa.
And if you get lost along the way, just remember the advice of my late grandfather Thomas Nelson, "Have fun kid, and don't forget to wear your seatbelt!"
With love from Kenya,
- Katie Fire
P.S. Looking for a writer, photographer or filmmaker? Check my schedule and services below.
Frames from Burundi
Recent Bylines
The Kenyan bus driver bringing kids with disabilities to school Al Jazeera
For children with disabilities, it’s nearly impossible to navigate the slippery, muddy roads of Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya.Mr. Stanley has made it his mission to drive kids with special needs to school who couldn't get there otherwise.
The House on the Rock: My road trip to the most American place in AmericaCity Pages
What do you get when you combine one wealthy man’s fantasy, an eccentric architect, your dad’s basement, and a dash of mythology? According to my friend Josh, you get the most American place in America.
Rad Finds
First Raise a Flag: How South Sudan Won the Longest War but Lost the Peace Book
"A beautifully written first-hand account of how bitter and deadly rivalries dashed the hopes of the world’s newest nation" by colleague and friend Peter Martell.
Power Corrupts Podcast
Does power corrupt? Absolutely. This is the podcast about the hidden—and often nefarious—forces that shape our world. Hosted by friend and fellow Minnesotan Dr. Brian Klaas.
Work with me
I create content for individuals, NGOs and companies around the world.
WordsWriting, research and on-the-ground support in difficult environments
PhotoClean, documentary-style images captured with integrity and respect
FilmHigh-quality video footage and streamlined post-production services with Emmy award-winning editor
Let’s Connect
katiegracenelson@gmail.com
katiegnelson.com
Final Frame
A mother and son harvest greens at a farm in Homa Bay, Kenya.
© Katie G. Nelson for RTI International
Thanks again for signing up to "Notes from the Field." I look forward to our next adventure. Until then, safari njema and keep on rockin'. xx
Pssst: Have a burning question? A helpful suggestion? Need to air some grievances? Contact me at katiegracenelson@gmail.com