My Photo scholarship 2011 entry
Worldwide | Tuesday, November 8, 2011 | 5 photos
What these images tell is the story of a fleeting and brief encounter – but one that has imprinted in me a love for travel, spontaneity and photography.
Upon being approached, these young Muslim girls from the tourist invaded town of Nungwi in the north of Zanzibar were extremely hesitant to interact with me, let alone allow me to take their photo. However, soon broken attempts of Swahili and singing the first lines to the African song "Jambo Bwana" got them dancing.
The many tourists that flood these beautiful crystal cleared shores come with a huge lack of respect for the local muslim culture; Europeans often wear bikinis and sarongs walking through conservative Muslim villages. The tension between the local community is as evident as the definite line between the German owned five star resorts and humble thatched huts by a small dirt road.
One of the most memorable few minutes of my life played out as I snapped away wanting to capture every moment of their energetic swirls in bright Kangas, the gleaming smiles and the ebony and ivory contrast of their dark skin to the awe inspiring white sand of the Swahili coast.
These photographs are a testament to the raw, beautiful and unplanned moments that take your breath away for years to come. The type of moments that can only be experienced when completely unexpected – the type of moments the tourists who confined themselves to their pool chairs in the resort next door would never experience.
My dream is to one day become a travel photo journalist, and tell stories with my images. I want my images to inspire and to challenge people. I know I have a long way to go, and that is why the opportunity to be mentored by one of National Geographic's finest photographers would be an unforgettable and invaluable experience.
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