Life after the conflict

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Worldwide | Tuesday, November 8, 2011 | 5 photos

I have just completed my degree in photography at the Canberra Institute of Technology.

It is my dream to become a National Geographic Photographer so I can live my vision, at the highest level, which is: To share my experiences with others, through my photography, in order to promote and protect the world’s natural resources.

Some of my most recent work has been included in the David Suzuki 75th Birthday Special in the Force of Nature DVD.

My other achievements include:

• Winning the Ocean Geographic, Conservation Award, 2011.

• High Commendation, Ocean Geographic, Most Influential Underwater Photographer, 2011.

• Overall Portfolio Winner, United Nations, Biodiversity Competition, 2010.

These photographs are part of a series shot in Timor-Leste in January this year, while working as a United Nations Photography Intern.

I was interested in documenting the beautiful Timorese people and their very real struggle to survive, after forty years of conflict.

The first image in the series depicts the gravesite of Sebastiao Gomes a Timorese Freedom Fighter who feel in the Dilli Massacre.

The second image chosen shows a mother caring for her baby, while she is treated in the Dilli Hospital for dehydration, still one of the main causes of infant deaths in the region.

The third image shows a young boy carrying water bottles to collect fresh water for his village; he does this instead of going to school, so his family can survive.

The forth image shows a woman weaving rugs to sell in the market place while the village children look on. Her lips are stained with Beatle Nut, an appetite suppressant, so she doesn't get hungry if there is no food left to eat, after feeding the children.

The fifth and final image depicts an old woman ravage by time, who has witnessed unspeakable crimes against her people and left to grow old alone.