wherewewokeup

My Scholarship entry - Pho Kham Village

Laos | Sunday, November 23, 2014 | 5 photos

For me, my camera has always been a passport into worlds that I might never have gotten a chance to visit otherwise. Being welcomed into a community, allowed to photograph what makes their world special to them, felt like the most precious privilege I could be afforded in my life. I want my photographs to bring joy, and inspiration to people. To explore cultures and communities that people may not have access to normally. To help us, as humans, relate to one another. In the same way a good book can transport you to a time or place you have never dreamed of, good documentary photography allows you a glimpse into a world that may have been completely closed off to you previously. I got my start documenting my friends in the punk scene of New Zealand. I learned the ropes photographing people who already trusted me inherently and I have been striving to recreate that intimacy with every community I photograph subsequently. This opportunity to be mentored by Jason Edwards is so incredibly valuable, a chance to learn from someone who is so accomplished and skilled in the area you are passionate about is so rare. I would treasure every second of this expedition to Peru if given the chance