Humanitarian photographer and member of the IGVP community, Scott Bennett seeks to uphold the dignity of individuals and their culture through his photography.  Much of his work includes documentation for various humanitarian organizations, specifically among the Latin American community.  He recently returned from a trip to one of the largest urban slum communities in Central America, La Limonada in Guatemala City, where he documented the work of NGO, Lemonade International.  Although the community struggles with a number of social justice issues, Lemonade International has established two schools as an alternative to involvement in gangs and drugs.  We included some photos from the tour below.  For more on this photos story, click here.

1.  What does visual peacemaking mean to you?

Visual peacemaking means being sensitive to show people and cultures in a way that reflects a true and positive image of an individual's reality.  In other words, it is essential to evoke a common understanding of humanity in the world and not just focus on the most sensationalistic or dramatic problems and issues.  While it is important to be honest (and sometimes it is necessary to show hard things), many times negative and clichéd stereotypes portray people groups in a way that takes away their dignity.  I hope to show the beauty and the positive side of such cultures and people through my photography.

2.  What motivates you to be a peacemaker?

I am motivated to be a peacemaker because of various reasons.  First, the world can be improved by better communication, a deeper understanding of cultures and through striving for peace in communities and countries (and not just the absence of war).  There is definitely to much poverty, strife, war, and suffering in the world.  If photography can help bring understanding and clarity about this (however that may come about).  I consider photography an essential medium for peacemaking.  Also, my faith in God informs my deep desire to see positive change in the world.  I feel called to be a peacemaker and share hope in the world in the most positive, engaging way that I possibly can.  This is especially true of any work for NGOs that promotes improvement and a better world, or when an image simply helps create a clearer understanding about a people group or culture.  

3.  Have you ever felt stereotyped?

The only times that I have felt stereotyped have been when I have lived in other countries for extended periods of time, such as Mexico, Guatemala or Brazil.  Nothing really negative though, just a general misunderstanding of what Latin Americans would consider the "typical" American (I would rather use the term North American).  I just don't fit the mold (if one actually exists).

4.  How does your camera get you to reflect on your world and your life?

I see the world through my camera.  It most definitely makes me slow down and observe what is going on in a more pensive, critical way.  Because of my camera, I am always focusing on issues and topics that are social in nature; it makes me look outward instead of inward.  Moreover, my camera makes me stop and see details around me, and not just rush through my day.

5.  What do you like to photograph best?

I most definitely like to photograph people and different cultures.  I also have a heart for marginalized people groups, youth and social issues.  I especially like cultural events that highlight a country's heritage or current events that show the heartbeat of what a city or village is about.  Although my main focus has been Latin America, I hope to branch out to other areas and topics in the world.  I also hope to focus on more specific topics through photo essays (and improve my skills with multimedia/video/still images/as well.  

6.  What technical aspect of photography do you find most challenging?

Without a doubt, artificial lighting challenges me the most.  I tend to shoot outside and use natural light.  I would love to learn more about studio lighting and off-camera flash, etc. (I can survive, but I've never taken it to the next level).

7.  Is there a particular group you feel is misunderstood or stereotyped that you'd like to document common humanity amongst?

Living on the U.S.-Mexico border, there are many misconceptions and prejudices about why people try and come to the U.S. looking for a better life.  It is very easy to consider immigrants as the "other" and dehumanize them.  As I document different realities in the Borderlands, I am hoping to humanize and increase awareness about people that are not very well known or who have been misunderstood.  I guess this idea can be transferred to other marginalized people groups as well; Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica, Brazilians who live in favelas, etc.  In spite of prejudice and misunderstandings, these people groups many times have a dignity and beauty that is passed over by mainstream society.  

8.  Do you have an idea worth sharing?

As a lover of foreign languages, I would encourage people to take the time and really get to know the cultures that they are photographing by studying and learning the local language.  Although a translator may sometimes be necessary, try and take the time to be conversationally fluent to be able to connect with people on a deeper level.  Obviously this is not easy, but it will definitely pay off in the end if you can speak directly with the people you are photographing.  Also, I think it is a great idea to give photos to the people that you are documenting (there are some great small, instant printers available).  This way, you are not just "taking" a person's image from them, but also sharing a memento of your time and interactions together.  Many times, this could be the only current photo that a person has of his or her family, etc.  Also, as much as possible, talk with people and learn their names instead of just snapping a quick photo and moving on.  I am a fan of wider-angle lenses, and because of that it is necessary to be closer and interact with people.  Try keeping your telephoto lenses in your bag; it will undoubtedly change your perspective and how you interact with people. 

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Disclaimer: While IGVP strives for unity and clarity of vision, each blog author is responsible for his or her own words, links, and references. They do not necessarily represent the many voices and opinions of individuals within the visual peacemakers movement, the Guild, or the IGVP Founders.

Right click to download audio

About the Project:

A Peace of My Mind began out of the belief that if a single voice can make a small difference, then together, many voices can make a tremendous impact.

In early 2009, photographer John Noltner began interviewing people about their thoughts on peace.  The interviews were recorded digitally and combined with a B&W portrait.

The goal is to create a collection of thoughts on peace from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and to use that collection of interviews to foster a larger public conversation on the subject.

The project is based on the premise that we all have important thoughts to share.  We all have a view of peace that is very personal...whether that means political peace, spiritual peace, inner peace or something entirely unexpected.  And the belief is that at the core, we are all the same...we all long for and dream for the same things.

More than 50 people have been interviewed for A Peace of My Mind.  I am currently in the process of producing an exhibit that can be used by school and community groups to help foster dialogue about issues such as conflict resolution, tolerance, diversity and civic responsibility. 

So the hope is that through conversation, we will begin to understand each other a little better.  By sharing, we will create a sense of community, and in our own way , make a stand for peace...in our own lives, in our communities, and in the world that we share.

It’s that simple...join us...and share A Peace of Your Mind.

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Disclaimer: While IGVP strives for unity and clarity of vision, each blog author is responsible for his or her own words, links, and references. They do not necessarily represent the many voices and opinions of individuals within the visual peacemakers movement, the Guild, or the IGVP Founders.

 Cheri Magarrell, photographer and member of the IGVP community, currently lives in Central Asia.  She seeks to display the beauty of individuals and culture through the lens of her camera.  Recently, Cheri completed a photostory documenting her journey across the Silk Road.  Through this series of photos, Cheri illistrates the openness and friendliness she encountered along the way.  More on People of the Ancient Silk Road.

1.  What does visual peacemaking mean to you?

To me, visual peacemaking means showing the beauty of cultures and peoples who would usually be portrayed in a very different (often negative way in mainstream Western media.  Showing our common humanity).

2.  What motivates you to be a peacemaker?

My experiences around the world.  I have been privileged to live in and travel to many different places around the world, and through these travels, have come to see the beauty of people everywhere.  We all have uniqueness, beauty to share...we have so many things in common.  Unfortunately, we often only see each other through common stereotypes.  I want to show that humanity, those commonalities...the beauty of people around the world.

3.  Have you every felt stereotyped?

Yes.  It is not a fun place to be...you lose your uniqueness and get lumped in with what everyone thinks you should be - whatever label you have come under.  You then feel like you lose the ability to be whoever you are...the good and the bad - because they have already decided who you are and are only searching to fit you into their mold.

4.  How does your camera get you to reflect on your world and your life?

It helps me to search for beauty.  Even in difficult places, it helps me to look beyond the surface, and find something beautiful.  And there is always something!  I also realize what is important to me (or not!) by what I choose to photograph.

5.  What do you like to photograph best?

People.  For sure.  I find that my favourite photos, the ones I always gravitate towards, are the ones with people in them.  They really do capture, for me, the spirit of a place.  So an empty landscape may be beautiful, but, for me, if it doesn't have people in it, it's not as interesting or powerful.

6.  What technical aspect of photography do you find the most challenging?

Flash work.  I don't like using flash, cause I'm not really crazy about how it looks, and yet, I know it can be used well, subtly, but I am not confident enough in my usage of it (and I just don't have enough knowledge!) to get those results.  I much prefer working with natural light...I love moodiness in a photo...the contrast of light and shadow...drama from great light.

7.  Is there a particular group you feel is misunderstood or stereotyped that you'd like to document common humanity amongst?

Yes, but it's complicated.

8.  Do you have an idea worth sharing?

Hmmm...lots of ideas, but not sure how to make a lot of them happen! 

 

 

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Disclaimer: While IGVP strives for unity and clarity of vision, each blog author is responsible for his or her own words, links, and references. They do not necessarily represent the many voices and opinions of individuals within the visual peacemakers movement, the Guild, or the IGVP Founders.

Right click to download audio

About the Project:

A Peace of My Mind began out of the belief that if a single voice can make a small difference, then together, many voices can make a tremendous impact.

In early 2009, photographer John Noltner began interviewing people about their thoughts on peace.  The interviews were recorded digitally and combined with a B&W portrait.

The goal is to create a collection of thoughts on peace from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and to use that collection of interviews to foster a larger public conversation on the subject.

The project is based on the premise that we all have important thoughts to share.  We all have a view of peace that is very personal...whether that means political peace, spiritual peace, inner peace or something entirely unexpected.  And the belief is that at the core, we are all the same...we all long for and dream for the same things.

More than 50 people have been interviewed for A Peace of My Mind.  I am currently in the process of producing an exhibit that can be used by school and community groups to help foster dialogue about issues such as conflict resolution, tolerance, diversity and civic responsibility. 

So the hope is that through conversation, we will begin to understand each other a little better.  By sharing, we will create a sense of community, and in our own way , make a stand for peace...in our own lives, in our communities, and in the world that we share.

It’s that simple...join us...and share A Peace of Your Mind.

Subcribe to this blog

Subscribe to our Buzz blog, too!

Disclaimer: While IGVP strives for unity and clarity of vision, each blog author is responsible for his or her own words, links, and references. They do not necessarily represent the many voices and opinions of individuals within the visual peacemakers movement, the Guild, or the IGVP Founders.

Guild member and renowned photojournalist, Ami Vitale will be hosting several uniquely diverse workshops, rich in cultural and environmental immersion.  During each workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to glean the insight of an experienced photographer in an atmosphere which fosters creativity and growth. Her workshops will provide a space to absorb the surrounding culture and filter it through the lens of your camera into a coherent story composed of still images.  Ami's work has been widely exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and published in international magazines, including National Geographic, Adventure, Geo, Newsweek, Time, and the Smithsonian.  On March 25 of this year, she will judge in National Geographic's original series, "Mission Cover Shot", where participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the cover of National Geographic magazine.  Samples of Ami's work can be seen below. 

A Big Sky Photo Expedition

The first workshop we are highlighting takes place in the beautiful Centennial Valley of Southwest Montana.  As only four applicants will be accepted, this workshop allows for a much more intimate experience.  Attendees are more than spectators of the rich western culture in Montana, as they will actually participate in horseback riding, interact with working cowboys and cowgirls, and explore the untouched natural landscape and local wildlife.  As an active participant in western life, you will learn how to manage landscapes through visual media and to build compeling stories from strong still images.  In the afternoons, attendees can participate in practical discussion during classroom hours held by Ami, discussing grant-writing, working and collaborating with NGOs, creating multimedia slideshows and producing gallery exhibits.

This workshop will be held at J Bar L Ranch in Lima, Montana from Sunday, June 23rd through Sunday, Sune 30th.  Pricing is based on double occupancy at $6000 per person with a $500 single supplement.  For more information, call J Bar L Ranch at 406-596-0600 or visit the ranch website.  

Sri Lanka Workshop

Ami will also be hosting an exotic phototour with Photo Quest Adventures through the exquisite, diverse landscape of Sri Lanka. As with the above workshop, this is a great opportunity to learn compelling storytelling by saturating yourself in the vibrant, ancient culture of the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean", preserved and cherished for generations.  Photographers from any background of experience are welcome and will receive daily critiques and feedback from Ami.  As a photographer, you will have exclusive access to the Kandy Festival, where over 400 dancers gather to elegantly celebrate Buddhist tradition.  Explore the Pinnewala elephant orphanage, a shelter for orphaned and injured elephants and take a game safari through Yala National Park, where leopard sightings are almost guaranteed.  Finally, explore the centuries-old architecture of the Dutch Galle Fort and capture iconic stilt fishing in Galle, Sri Lanka.

This workshop takes place Friday, August 9 through Saturday, August 17, 2013.  Pricing is also based on double occupancy at $4900 with a single supplement of $1400.  For more information, visit the Photo Quest Adventures website.

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Disclaimer: While IGVP strives for unity and clarity of vision, each blog author is responsible for his or her own words, links, and references. They do not necessarily represent the many voices and opinions of individuals within the visual peacemakers movement, the Guild, or the IGVP Founders.

Right click to download audio

About the Project:

A Peace of My Mind began out of the belief that if a single voice can make a small difference, then together, many voices can make a tremendous impact.

In early 2009, photographer John Noltner began interviewing people about their thoughts on peace.  The interviews were recorded digitally and combined with a B&W portrait.

The goal is to create a collection of thoughts on peace from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and to use that collection of interviews to foster a larger public conversation on the subject.

The project is based on the premise that we all have important thoughts to share.  We all have a view of peace that is very personal...whether that means political peace, spiritual peace, inner peace or something entirely unexpected.  And the belief is that at the core, we are all the same...we all long for and dream for the same things.

More than 50 people have been interviewed for A Peace of My Mind.  I am currently in the process of producing an exhibit that can be used by school and community groups to help foster dialogue about issues such as conflict resolution, tolerance, diversity and civic responsibility. 

So the hope is that through conversation, we will begin to understand each other a little better.  By sharing, we will create a sense of community, and in our own way , make a stand for peace...in our own lives, in our communities, and in the world that we share.

It’s that simple...join us...and share A Peace of Your Mind.

Subcribe to this blog

Subscribe to our Buzz blog, too!

Disclaimer: While IGVP strives for unity and clarity of vision, each blog author is responsible for his or her own words, links, and references. They do not necessarily represent the many voices and opinions of individuals within the visual peacemakers movement, the Guild, or the IGVP Founders.

Krishna Gurung is a Nepali Peacemaker who works to promote community development and ecological practices in a country where garbage collection is an abnormality.  In December of 2008, a tragic accident claimed the life of his seven year old son, Kevin.  Wanting to leave something in memory of his son that was positive and would benefit people, Krishna started the Kevin Rohan Memorial Eco Foundation.  He left everything from his previous work, and decided to "work very quietly in service of the planet and the people".  He has come to believe that ecological development is the only way for the future, and even though the environment is badly damaged there are many opportunities to make yourself sustainable.

One of the amazing qualities about Krishna is how committed he is to his vision for ecological practices to gain momentum in Nepal.  A true optimist, he sees the need, and the problems, but therein sees an equal number of possibilities.  Many of the nation's brightest minds leave to seek out more lucrative pursuits in other countries, but Krishna has chosen to stay, stating, "This is a country where they need innovative and creative people".

With the aim to create a sustainable community and implement sustainable agricultural solutions, Krishna began by listening to the needs of the people in his community.  His foundation has started a community centre, a small clinic, a day care facility, is building an orphanage, provides employment and opportunities for leprosy survivors, and also conducts seminars teaching farmers simple ecological practices that can have a powerful effect on their harvest.  They've developed techniques for alternative fuel sources using cow dung, and recycled paper, and a construction method for using recycled liquor bottles instead of bricks.  He's using his community as a test bed to see what's possible and what can be replicated in other less developed regions of Nepal.  So far his ideas have begun sprouting up in two communities in other parts of the country.

Krishna has taken a personal tragedy and channeled it into something life giving for his local community, and eventually many others around his country.

For more information on Krishna Gurung's work, visit http://krmecofoundation.org/ .

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Disclaimer: While IGVP strives for unity and clarity of vision, each blog author is responsible for his or her own words, links, and references. They do not necessarily represent the many voices and opinions of individuals within the visual peacemakers movement, the Guild, or the IGVP Founders.

Right click to download audio

About the Project:

A Peace of My Mind began out of the belief that if a single voice can make a small difference, then together, many voices can make a tremendous impact.

In early 2009, photographer John Noltner began interviewing people about their thoughts on peace.  The interviews were recorded digitally and combined with a B&W portrait.

The goal is to create a collection of thoughts on peace from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and to use that collection of interviews to foster a larger public conversation on the subject.

The project is based on the premise that we all have important thoughts to share.  We all have a view of peace that is very personal...whether that means political peace, spiritual peace, inner peace or something entirely unexpected.  And the belief is that at the core, we are all the same...we all long for and dream for the same things.

More than 50 people have been interviewed for A Peace of My Mind.  I am currently in the process of producing an exhibit that can be used by school and community groups to help foster dialogue about issues such as conflict resolution, tolerance, diversity and civic responsibility. 

So the hope is that through conversation, we will begin to understand each other a little better.  By sharing, we will create a sense of community, and in our own way , make a stand for peace...in our own lives, in our communities, and in the world that we share.

It’s that simple...join us...and share A Peace of Your Mind.

Subcribe to this blog

Subscribe to our Buzz blog, too!

Disclaimer: While IGVP strives for unity and clarity of vision, each blog author is responsible for his or her own words, links, and references. They do not necessarily represent the many voices and opinions of individuals within the visual peacemakers movement, the Guild, or the IGVP Founders.

 Laura Cook is a travel photographer from the United Kingdom and a member of the IGVP community. Winner of the Guardian Been There Photographer of the Year in 2011 and finalist for the 2011 Wanderlust Travel Photographer of the Year in 2010, Laura passionately believes that her photography is a window through which powerful stories can be told. Although an accomplished photographer, acting as a catalyst for change motivates her to pursue such stories. Personal faith and ethics encourage her to use photography as a medium in which to promote stories of love and hope.

1.  What does visual peacemaking mean to you?

I truly believe this is a world worth loving and yet our lives have become saturated with images of pain, fear and despair.  Fear breeds fear.  A visual peacemaker is someone who plays to the light in our world rather than the dark and spreads hope instead of that fear.

2.  What motivates you to be a peacemaker?

My faith more than anything else.  i believe as a Christian, I am called to speak words of peace into the world and I think those words can be through images.  Being a Christian influences me, but I enjoy learning about people fram all faiths (or none!) and I think that element of discovery and learning is also a key motivator for me.  We have so much to gain from conversation with each other.  

3.  Have you ever felt stereotyped?

Definetely!  I come from a county in the UK called Essex, Essex girls have many unfavorable sterotypes thrown around about them.  i think we all stereotype, it is an unfortunate part of human nature.  It is something I dislike but also sometimes play to -- it is fun to surprise people!

4.  How does your camera get you to reflect on your world and your life?

It helps me slow things down.  I sometimes charge through life a bit too quickly and my camera slows me down and helps me focus in all the small things both in my own life and in the lives of others.

5.  What do you like to photograph best?

People.  I do not see myself as a photographer but as a visual storyteller because my first passion is collecting these stories...I think the tradition of storytelling defines us as human beings.  We define who we are through what we see in others.  it is really special when you capture that glint in someone's eye as they share their story.

6.  What technical aspect of photography do you find the most challenging?

Without a doubt using flash!!! I am not a technical photographer or a gadget geek, although I am trying hard to become a bit more like one.  I favour natural light but I also think this has something to do with the fact I really need to work on my understanding of flash photography. 

7.  Is there a particular group you feel is misunderstood or stereotyped that you'd like to document common humanity amongst?

The poorest of the poor - women...women make up 50% of humanity and yet in so many societies do not have much of a voice.  We miss out on so many stories because women are silenced.

8.  Do you have an idea worth sharing?

A simple idea - share, share, share!  Photography should not be a competition, it should be a conversation.       

Some of Laura's most recent work, the result of time spent in Pudicherry, India, illustrates positive efforts put forth by the Artyzan Vocational Academy.  The Academy was developed in 2005 in order to provide long-term vocational training for marginalized sections in the tsunami-ravaged region.  

More on Weaving a New Future.

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I've spent most of the past two years in Nepal.  My initial reasons for coming here are a separate story in itself, but the longer I stay, the more my heart has settled here.  I've become attached to the people, the moutains, the culture, the mixture of order and chaos, and my large surrogate family comprised of both nationals and foreigners.  This place is becoming my home.  As a photographer when I first came here, there seemed to be interesting things to photograph everywhere, and indeed from a purely visual stance there is.  My house is surrounded by hundred year old traditional buildings, tall hills, terraced rice fields, and on clear days, the surreal, awesome, Himalayas.  While these things still stir me and inspre me, as time went on, I began to see past the visual stimuli and search for images with more depth and resonance, something that transcends light, texture, and colour.  I began seeking images that tried to express my heart for this place, and while this did help me to create some stronger images, I found that when I showed them to people back in Canada, they would like the image but miss the story.  There was something that was being missed.  I wanted to have a visual means to communicate my love for this place.

In that mindset, through an unforeseen connection, I came into contact with the IGVP and something resonated.  I didn't, and truthfully still don't know exactly how it connects, but the notion of Visual Peacemaking points in the same diretion my heart was roaming, it was something more tangible than just a nice picture.  Its motive is to find the essence of a people and place and document it with love.  At first, I thought that connecting Visual peacemaking with Nepal would be relatively straight forward, but the more time I've spent pursing the idea, the less direct it becomes.  

A large part of the IGVP's mission is to help build bridges between people groups who have, to some degree, become opposed to each other through negative media and past hurts.  However, in my experience, many in the west have no idea where Nepal is geographically.  Some will mention Mt. Everest in uncertain terms, but most have no idea about its culture, people, or history.  If my suspicions are true, and there is a near vacuum of information about Nepal in the minds of the average westerner, then how do I dismantle negative stereotypes that don't exist?  Is there even a need for visual peacemaking here?

Like many developing nations, Nepal is quickly changing.  On one hand, it is a country steeped in tradition, filled with villages that carry on the same way they did one hundred years ago.  On the other hand, the need (both perceived and actual) for modernization is quickly sending this country in many new directions.  Western media is invading in various forms, and those who have the resources seem to be whole-heartedly embracing western culture, with its various status symbols as something viewed entirely superior.  I'm beginning to believe that this broad spectrum of traditions and change defines the boundaries in which Nepal must be seen.  If you look only at the traditions and the historic beauty, you miss the new world of opportunity being forged by the younger generation.  If you look only at modernization, you miss the foundations that make this people distinctly Nepali amongst the throws of change in the developing world.

I wonder, with the economic, political, and cultural future of this country being so uncertain, if accurately displaying the truth and beauty of a culture, people, and place is in a way a form of preemptive visual peacemaking.  I don't yet possess the verbal or visual means to articulate what defines this place, but I know it's there to be found, and it's beautiful.  

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Disclaimer: While IGVP strives for unity and clarity of vision, each blog author is responsible for his or her own words, links, and references. They do not necessarily represent the many voices and opinions of individuals within the visual peacemakers movement, the Guild, or the IGVP Founders.