a little piece of space

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

USA | Monday, January 14, 2013 | 4 photos

When I was little, I flipped through National Geographic, admiring the pictures. They gave me glimpses of a wide, beautiful world. I loved every image I saw and dreamed of one day creating them.
As I got older, I learned how limited my town was. The kids grouped together based on looks and money. My friends’ parents had met few Jews before me. Even fewer of them would have let a black person in their front door, whether a stranger or not. They were afraid of and angered by the unknown.
And even with the Internet today, lack of face-to-face contact or actual connection propagates that same small-mindedness worldwide.
I still dream of photographing the world, but for different reasons. I have this idea that by immersing myself in cultures around the world I can learn, educate, and preserve. Photograph all different types and ways of life, and spread their knowledge across the globe. Maybe it is naïve, but I believe that pictures can affect change. I believe that through photographs and the act of photographing the world can become more united through mutual awe and respect.
I believe the world's eyes can be opened. Just like mine were by those thin glossy pages, all those years ago.