Inspired by a desire to make world cultures more accessible to New Hampshirites, photographer Becky Field has made it her life’s work to capture, celebrate, and 
raise up images of cultural diversity in the Granite State. While highlighting cultural differences, her work illustrates the human themes of family, faith, work, and community that are common to all residents of New Hampshire – whether born here, or not.
Becky has been taking photos of the IINE community for more than ten years. In her capacity as a volunteer photographer, she has donated hundreds of hours of her time to capture some of the organization’s most special people and special moments.
Part of Becky’s unique approach to photography is the way she respects and promotes the experiences of those from other places. In 2018, she worked with adult learners at IINE Manchester, teaching them how to identify photo subjects, compose an image, and create an artist statement. The students displayed their work at an exhibit wall in the IINE Manchester site.
“Every time I have the opportunity to interact with newcomers to New Hampshire, I find it thrilling and I learn so much,” she said. “Whether I am taking their photos, or helping them create their own, I always feel grateful to have had a little glimpse into their perspectives.”
Becky’s scope of work has been recognized by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, the Bhutanese Community of New Hampshire, and the Turkish Cultural Center of New Hampshire. In 2015, her photographs were published in a book she called, “Different Roots, Common Dreams: New Hampshire’s Cultural Diversity.” The book received two national awards, and launched an exhibit and lecture tour that brought hundreds to see her work.
Recently, Becky partnered with the NH Charitable Foundation to start the Different Roots, Common Dreams Scholarship Fund to help refugees and other immigrants complete a four-year undergraduate degree.
“It is really important to me that refugees and immigrants feel welcomed in New Hampshire,” she said. “This is one small way I can help make this one opportunity available to them.”
Becky holds a Certificate in Photography from the NH Institute of Art, and has studied photography throughout the Northeast. Before she became a full-time photographer, Becky was a research ecologist and university professor. She holds masters and doctoral degrees in wildlife ecology. Her work can be seen online at: FieldWorkPhotos.com and DifferentRootsNH.com
