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| “Photography is a weapon against what’s wrong out there. It’s bearing witness to the truth.” Brent Stirton |
In a recent blog I talked about
photography as a tool for social justice.
I introduced the work of Lisa Kristine and her efforts to publicize the blossoming of human slavery in the 21st
century.
I’d like to hit this theme again,
as it is possibly the most important role of photography in our culture.
Nothing brings home the truth of this more than the work of those brave individuals who bear witness through their photography
For instance, the October 2013 issue of National Geographic points out that the minerals in our electronic devices have
bankrolled unspeakable violence in the Congo.
But it was the black and white photography of Marcus Bleasdale that brought alive the horror of a society torn apart by greed and violence, and gave the term “child soldier” a chilling resonance.
Take a moment to look at those two images; ponder the faces.
Steve McCurry
Most famous for his “Afghan Girl”
cover on the June 1985 National Geographic, Steve McCurry has been responsible for creating many of
the most iconic human images in our culture.
You’ll often hear the phrase “the
human condition.” No one chronicles the
breadth of that notion better than Steve McCurry.
Intrigued by disappearing cultures,
by conflict, and by ancient traditions as well as contemporary culture, McCurry
creates images that expand our sense that we participate in a broader world --
one in which there is much room for compassion.
His photography can elevate your spirit. It can also coax tears.
The tears in this little boy's eyes, the size of the handgun against his little pre-schooler's head, his general look of sorrow and neglect: it would be a stoney-hearted individual who did not feel compassion.
But do images such as this engage us so deeply they motivate us to act, or are we inured to them, numbed by the simulated violence that saturates television?
Keeping in mind our theme of social
justice, this week’s question is: If you were offered the opportunity to travel on assignment as a National Geographic
photographer where would you choose to go, and why?
I love that photography can bear such an incredible witness. It portrays reality in such a way that people can't help but stop and stare.
ReplyDeleteIf I was offered to go anywhere in the world as a photographer I would choose to go to India. There is so much poverty, sadness and despair, yet so much happiness, beauty and colour. I think it would be an amazing opportunity to be able to capture that.
I think I would choose South Africa. It is such a beautiful place, from the wildlife to the coastline, its breathe taking. Then there is the poverty mixed amoungst the riches. One block there is a weathly gated community and next door is a poverty stricken slum. Very moving.
ReplyDeletePersonally I would feel led to go to places in North America. I would want to shed light on the effects of things like abuse, drugs, achololism, and abandonment. I think people are more aware of conditions in third world countries so I would want to go to places where we live and bring into veiw the things that are not as commonly known.
ReplyDeleteCool insights, ladies. Gabrielle -- I've been to India and found it as you say: such dramatic contrasts. And a photographer's dream location. I'd love to go to South Africa, too -- but I might stick with the four-legged wildlife.
ReplyDeleteBailey -- your idea is rich with possibility. I guess any time you put yourself where there is social dislocation and pain you are at some risk yourself.
I really love this question because one of my goals in my photography career is to work for National Geographic. I’m a very sensitive person and I would like to help everyone but that just is not possible. And to see people in the street would hurt emotionally but I could transmit that emotion through photographs. If I could make the people feel something, I think that would help not just see the photo as just anything but a photo that could stir something inside the viewer. The place I would go to right now would be Nepal. The reason is I could do good while helping the Nepalis and bring to the public eye what I hope would be emotionally moving photos. Not just the sadness of the Nepalis but also their appreciation of all the volunteers that came from across the world to help from the goodness of their hearts.
ReplyDelete