What I See

INDIA

njrussell — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:56:00 GMT

I chose to travel on my own to India before commencing a degree in photography so that I might really put myself to the test. It truly is a land of contradictions, especially as an humanitarian! A stunningly beautiful country with amazing people but also so shocking all at the same time.

I was on a partial scholarship whilst undertaking a BA Photography at RMIT and I haven't had the means to travel as I would have liked. Whilst at uni, my lecturers recommended I major in Fashion photography as it is the most 'financially viable' and whilst I appreciate it as an art form, it probably was not the best advice given as Iit doesn't fulfill me emotionally like photo-journalism and capturing something real does.

Whilst I have a degree, I realise I still have a lot to learn. Coming from a background of limited means financially has taught me to both work hard and drives me in all my work...to make the most of every opportunity presented to me.

To travel to Oman as a female, a country I might never be able to visit otherwise, taking photos for World Nomads and learning so much whilst I work would be a dream come true.

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

njrussell — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 19:28:08 GMT

My name is Natalie. I was on a partial scholarship whilst undertaking a photography degree and I haven't had the financial means to travel the world as I would love. I majored in Fashion Photography, as I was told it was the most financially viable. This was not the best advice from my lecturers, as whilst I appreciate it as an art form, it does not fulfill me emotionally like photo-journalism does. I am an humanitarian and an activist and and am driven to show through my photos, the human condition, both the good and bad. I am willing to put myself on the line and challenge myself emotionally, physically and morally, especially as a female in a part of the world such as Oman, that may pose extra challenges. My included photos were shot on my only trip, prior to completing my photography degree. I travelled on my own to India, a true place of contradiction. I put myself on the line until a bombing had me come home prematurely. I know I am the right person for the World Nomads Scholarship and that my best work getting amongst the people and capturing them at their core is yet to come.