Living to survive, living in hope in Morocco

Surviving and living in hope in Morocco

Morocco | Monday, November 7, 2011 | 5 photos

I have been able to travel a lot, and in doing so, meet and learn from people from all over the world, and work as a biologist, something I love. I know that I am very fortunate- but I don't take this for granted and I make every effort to learn as much as possible from everyone of my experiences and try to convey this to the rest of the people in my life. I love that photography enables me to do this in a creative way. For me, it has proven to be the most fun and expressive manner to achieve this... and challenging! Taking a photo that captures a mood or emotion or energy employing natural elements is a true challenge, which is why I'd relish the opportunity to endure long days learning and improving my photography with the best in the field- always with a smile on my face and the energy to keep learning more (not to mention I'm a biologist itching to explore what South African safari has to offer).

Traveling in Morocco was a feast for the senses and full of extremes. The colors, smells, noises, chaos- it was exhausting and invigorating all at once! It seemed a photographer's paradise however it's citizens, whose faces, activities, and gestures expressed survival, hope, sorrow, and beyond, mostly shied away from the camera. Encountering a beautiful moment and not being able to photograph it to not offend the key character was frustrating but also part of what made me grow and force myself to become more creative as a photographer. To me, my photos show Morocco's citizens living to survive, but living in hope, even if often it seemed like neither existed.

I'm always excited to participate when it allows me to grow as a person and as a photographer. Thank you for the opportunity- I can promise passion and to continue to view the world with my eyes wide open.