Peacemaker Interview
- What does visual peacemaking mean to you?
It means using my craft to bring about reconciliation between the peoples and cultures of the world that leads to love and appreciation for how everyone bears the image of God.
- What motivates you to be a peacemaker?
I am motivated to be a peacemaker because I believe as a follower of Jesus it is a core part of who I am. Additionally, I long to use my life and craft to facilitate peace because I cannot simply stand by while hate, violence, stereotypes and biases destroy not only individuals but whole societies.
- Have you ever felt stereotyped?
I have felt stereotyped at a various times in my life and in various ways.
- How does your camera get you to reflect on your world and your life?
My camera and my love for photography has and does cause me to slow down, explore the world more intentionally and seek to understand things I may have other-wised missed. As I do this my life is put in proper perspective and I can have a greater appreciation not only for the blessings I have but how I can use these to bless others.
- What do you like to photograph best?
The cultures and peoples of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
- What technical aspect of photography do you find most challenging?
There is not one thing that I find more challenging than others. What I would say though is most challenging is staying committed to growing as a photographer so my vision is not limited by lack of technical ability.
- Is there a particular group you feel is misunderstood or stereotyped that you’d like to document common humanity amongst?
Muslims of India, they are the largest religious minority in the world. Also I think the Royingha muslims of Burma.
- Do you have an idea worth sharing?
I am not sure if I am in place to say whether or not what I have to say is worth sharing. I would love for others to let me know if what I am sharing on my blog and in my images resonates with them on a human level.
My Biography
Joe Murray is an Atlanta-based photographer with a vision and passion for creating and sharing compelling images and stories of the peoples of Middle East, Africa, and Asia and teaching and training others to do the same.
Regardless of whether he is pursuing personal projects or shooting for a client, Joe always approaches every subject with the goal of creating images and stories that highlight their innate worth, beauty and value as someone made in the image of their Creator.
In addition to being an accomplished photographer, Joe is an experienced public speaker and recruiter, which feeds well into his passion to mobilize people through his images and stories to become personally involved in blessing the peoples of the world who are in the greatest holistic need.
Joe is privileged to be a member of The International Guild of Visual Peacemakers and be sponsored by leaders in the photographic community such as Thinktank Photo and Black Rapid.
Contact information:
Email:thevisualadvocate@gmail.com
Skype:Joe.p.murray
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thevisualadvocate
Twitter: http://twitter.com/visual_advocate
My Recent Activity
- I added: Environmental Portraits
to Galleries on June 26, 2012 - I added: Portraits
to Galleries on May 15, 2012 - I added: Oregon Mosque Arson
to Photo Stories on February 10, 2011 - I added: Rice, Roti and Reconciliation: A “Peace Feast” between Muslims and Christians
to Photo Stories on February 10, 2011
My Availability
I specialize in international assignments with international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) who are working to serve and bless the peoples and cultures in the greatest holistic need.
In addition to this I enjoy leading photography tours and helping other discover the joy of using their craft to communicate their vision.
For more information contact me directly at thevisualadvocate@gmai.com
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