Joanna Schaus is a documentary photographer and social practice artist based in Minnesota.

Raised in Türkiye and Afghanistan, Joanna’s early experiences in Central Asia and the Middle East shaped her deep respect for culture, nuance, and human strength. Her work centers communities navigating forced migration, identity, and womanhood, often created in collaboration with NGOs, grassroots movements, and those directly impacted.

With a practice grounded in empathy and trust, Joanna uses photography as a tool for listening, witnessing, and co-creating narratives that honor dignity and spark dialogue.

Email: joannaschaus@gmail.com

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota / Available for Assignments

Member and Alumni of VII Foundation Community 

THE PURPOSE BEHIND MY WORK

Through countless encounters navigating language barriers, I’ve come to see photography as a bridge, a powerful connector of hearts and stories across divides. 

By truly listening to those whose journeys differ from our own, we uncover the truth that photography is more than just creating beautiful images. It becomes a testament to someone's story, and to their struggle. It captures vulnerability and tragedy, showcasing a hopeful and reckless story.

This is the most endlessly beautiful thing to me.

Training & Certificates:

2025: Crisis Consulting International Women’s Field Security Training

2025: Joanna is the recipient of a VII Academy 1-to-1 Program in partnership with PhotoWings

2024: International Women’s Media Foundation Newsroom Safety Training

2023: VII Academy Alumni 2023 Foundry Photojournalism Workshop with Maggie Steber

2023: Empower Women Media Training Fellow

2022: CAST-Field Security Course Certification, Concillium

2018: Risk Assessment and Mitigation Certification, Rethrival International

Features & Exhibitions:

2024: Frank Meo PROJECTIONS Selected Presenter

2023: Exhibition #WithRefugees: Understanding and Solidarity for those that flee, Taylor University

2021: Ekstasis Magazine Issue 8

2021: Resolute Magazine 

2020: Photographic Virtual Border Experience Border Perspective

  • Joanna’s interview skills and writing ability are exceptional. She knows how to craft a powerful narrative from raw interview material and adapt a story to different contexts. I believe she is destined to become a leader in her field, and any journalistic program would be lucky to have her included in their ranks.

    Sarah Wood, Executive Director, Their Story is Our Story  

  • Joanna uses her photos to capture life and tell stories in a dignified and beautiful way. Even working across linguistic, cultural, and various other levels of differences, she maintains a deep sense of empathy, sensitivity, and desire to understand the story and tell it well.

    Kelsey Briggs, The International Association for Refugees

  • Joanna is a terrific young woman who shines in comparison to so many of her peers. She is humble, hard-working, self-starting, passionate, and in possession of global experience that gives her insight and compassion beyond her years.

    Joseph Carlson, Editorial Director, Nations Media

  • Jo is a gift. Constantly curious, instantly building trust, and truly invested in the people she’s photographing. You can see the result of it in her work. She brings out the best in people!

    Tyler Riewer, Creative Director, charity : water

  • She can take your vision and elaborate on it to create a great final project. Joanna is always full of joy and a great creative to work with. She puts so much attention to detail and makes sure that the client is satisfied with the end result. Our resources and visuals were made better by having Joanna be a part of our projects.

    Yonathan Moya, Executive Director, Border Perspective

  • From the first day I met Joanna, it was clear that her passion for people runs deep and that it is what drives her excitement for photography. The nature of the work we do at Arrive Ministries requires us to be flexible and adaptable and we are thankful that Joanna has willingly taken on those characteristics as well as she has worked with us.

    Rebekah Phillips, Volunteer Coordinator, Arrive Ministries

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • I primarily focus on humanitarian projects that center on the experiences of women and marginalized communities. My work aims to shed light on their resilience, as well as the trauma and abuse many face. 

  • My work is rooted in consent, collaboration, and care. I approach every story with cultural humility, aiming to co-create rather than extract. I always respect participants' comfort levels and obtain informed consent before any public sharing.

  • Yes. I’ve traveled across 30+ countries and am available for global assignments or collaborations. I’m passionate about long form, cross-cultural storytelling, especially across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

  • Absolutely. I regularly work with non-profits, individuals, and advocacy groups to document their work in a sensitive, story-forward way. Please use my contact form to share your project needs and timeline.

  • Thank you so much for wanting to support my work! That truly means so much to me. One meaningful way is by purchasing my photographs directly from my Print Shop. Each print page includes details about the image and edition as well as how your purchase supports ongoing independent journalism. You can also directly support my work here. Another powerful way is by sharing with others. Whether it’s an article, a story, or a photograph, spreading the word on social media or with friends helps these voices reach farther. You can also stay connected by subscribing to my newsletter below or following along on my Instagram and on LinkedIn. Your engagement helps keep this work visible and growing.