My South Africa

My South Africa

South Africa | Monday, October 4, 2010 | 5 photos

I have always been enraptured by the millions of diverse faces that make up Brooklyn NY; My home.Train rides were always eventful as a kid; I would listen to The Smith's on my CD player and observe people as they spoke to one another or themselves, collected change, read, slept, and thought.I have always been deeply moved by their efforts to live as best they could.Eventually my fascination with the world around me led me to photography.My camera enables me to document and convey the world through my eyes,and how we as human beings interact within it.With all the sprightliness New York City has to offer you’d think one would never get bored,nonetheless I soon felt trapped within the confines of my hometown and yearned to experience the beauty of a place outside Brooklyn.My experience in South Africa shaped who I am as a photographer and will remain in my mind, and thanks to my Canon Rebel XTi, my photo albums, forever.The breathtaking natural landscapes and amazing wildlife had me in awe but as blown away as I was by the scenery, I was even more blown away by the people.For all the beauty this land encompassed, there was an equal amount of hardship and disease.Living in the United States, I had really lost track of my priorities in life, but after spending a few minutes in a humble South African village, I found them.Despite poor living conditions and zero luxuries, these children were smiling, laughing and dancing.I quickly reached for my camera so that I could document the true essence of beauty, which I had ironically encountered in the malodorous and dirty homes of some of the poorest people in the world.This way whenever somebody needs a slap in the face full of reality or just a quick reminder to keep his priorities in check they, would only be a photo album away.