Using Photography to Raise Social Consciousness

The January 2007 issue of Popular Photography and Imaging magazine contains a wonderful article entitled "Saving the World... One Photo at a Time." It describes how three photographers are using their artistic skills to raise awareness and support for socially important issues.

Like most of us, Stephen Wilkes was shocked by the disaster of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in August 2005. However, unlike most of us, he has not allowed the devastation and suffering to move to the back of his mind as the months passed. He has travelled back to the area, listened to the stories of the survivors -- stories that are intertwined with incredible loss and hope -- and photographed the real people that are still trying to restore their lives. Wilkes goal is to muster continued support for rebuilding... and to ensure that these people, whose lifestyles have been changed so dramatically, will not be forgotten.

Shannon Eckstein's involvement with "socially conscious" volunteerism began with a simple request to photograph a benefit for Operation Rainbow Canada. After speaking with the people in ORC and doing some personal reflection, she volunteered to go on a mission for the purpose of documenting and publicizing the organization's work. She raised the money for her passage on her own, and travelled to northern India for several weeks, photographing the children and their families as they received much-needed medical aid from Operation Rainbow.

Robert Glenn Ketchum, based in Los Angeles, seems to have a love affair with environmental causes, and especially the Alaskan wild. For the past 20 years, he has been photographing the Tongass and other areas of Alaska for the purpose of raising awareness and preservation of the disappearing wilderness. Ketchum is involved with several environmental organizations and has been honored by Audubon for his dedication and assistance in getting critical Federal legislation passed.

The article finishes with a section called, "What You Can Do." It offers ideas for anyone who would like to donate his/her photographic talent to help a worthy cause. And since such endeavors usually include travel, it gives specific things to consider about financing expenses.

Give this article a read; it may give you the motivation to make your own difference in the world.

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Tags: Digital Cameras, Photography, Social Consciousness, Social Responsibility, Photographers, Non-profit Organizations