Photography is an art.
Photography is a skill.
Photography is a form of communication.
A single picture can tell a story that crosses cultural and linguistic boundaries. It can evoke emotion or engagement (think National Geographic, Afghan refugee), freeze a moment in history (think WWII), or even start a revolution (think Arab Spring).
Pictures tell stories, not only about what is within the frame, but also about those behind the camera. What we, as photographers, choose to focus on, include, or not include in an image says a lot about who is behind the camera.
Recently, 70 sponsored children from three World Vision Area Development Programs in Mexico were given some basic photography training, a camera and the chance to tell their community’s story through their own lens. Their assignment: “show the other side of being a child: not poor, not indigenous, but a happy child.”
These are some of their images.
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Photo by Ivan Sanchez, 16. | Through our lens -- Mexico.
Photo by Gerardo Torres, 14. | Through our lens -- Mexico.
Photo by Julissa Xicahua, 15. | Through our lens -- Mexico.
Photo by Misael Santiago Cruz, 14. | Through our lens -- Mexico.
In Mexico, 70 sponsored children participate in a photography workshop with the objective to capture "the other side of being a child."
Giving kids the power and the tools to tell their story through images is just one way World Vision is helping to build a better world for children—one photo at a time.
You can see more photos from your sponsored child’s community on the new MyWorldVision. Not yet a sponsor? Find a child to sponsor today.
[...] World Vision photo blog [...]
Thank you so much Lindsey for passing this along to Heidi. I can think of no better way for Tuck and our staff to fly into 2012 than this. These children and the work you all do is extraordinary! I look forward to to helping all I can. Have a wonderful new year!
Val — Passed your kind message onto Heidi… she is planning to email you soon. Thanks for the wonderful opportunity!
Hello Heidi,
These photographs are beautiful, not the least because the innocent and clear eyes of children captured them. I have been looking for a way to contribute what I can to promote awareness regarding the plight of children worldwide.
I am the creator and editor of a lit and arts journal, Tuckmagazine.com and one area is specifically dedicated to photography. I would like to extend an offer to you and the children, to display their art in our February issue. I can’t seem to locate an email address for you but if you feel this would be a positive and helpful experience for the children and World Vision, you can reach me at editor@tuckmagazine.com to discuss the matter further. I am of an activist leaning on behalf of the poor and abused, most especially the most precious souls on our planet, the children.