6 Responses to “Egypt: Loving people”

1. nathan golden says:

   March 2, 2009 at 8:48 pm

   Gary, I also wrestle with the question of really loving and caring for those I photograph. I think we need the reassurance that our work is doing what we set out for it to do. That is, we need to know our work is effecting change, educating and prompting people to action, and truly helping those in need. Unfortunately, photography often yields slow answers to these desires.

   The best I can come up with is that we have a part to play and we better do it with all our might. The only way we cease to love and care for others, is if we stop fighting for them. As photographers, we express our love by creating impressive images, and I think it’s important to remember that not every subject/story has to evoke the same emotion in us as another. As long as you photograph a subject(s) with all your ability and use your connections and resources to get help to the people you’ve met, you’ve already done more than most can hope to. And doing so means you are not exploiting your subjects or simply striving for personal gain.

   Makes me think of James Nachtwey. He won the TED award because he creates amazing photographs in the world’s toughest places. It’s a direct result of his style and unflinching desire to help people that he got his wish to concentrate on his current TB campaign–a campaign that is bringing about real awareness and change. His project is possible because of the images he’s created.

   Which brings me to your image. Seeing the above photo instantly created a reaction in me and a need to know more about the person/story. Cool photos of fascinating people are necessities in our world. If you don’t make outstanding photos, there won’t be as much interest in the stories being told. Important stories need the kind of images that will get them recognized. And I believe you’ve done that here.
2. gsc says:

   March 3, 2009 at 9:16 am

   Nathan,

   Well put. Thanks for the wisdom and encouraging words. Blessings.

   gary
3. Rosane Walker says:

   March 12, 2009 at 11:16 am

   I got here through Matt Brandon’s blog. Your photos are incredible! It’s been a while since I’ve seen something that impacted me so much. They have so much passion in them.

   I have wondered many times about the question you posed. I think it’s healthy to put our motives in check every once in a while. Not that we don’t love the people but it’s very easy to get wrapped up in getting great photographs and forget about the real person behind it.
4. gsc says:

   March 12, 2009 at 11:28 am

   Rosane,

   Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I constantly have to guard myself from getting too “wrapped up” as you say. I want to care about others more than myself, but that is a difficult position to maintain.
5. Juan-Carlos Hernandez says:

   July 17, 2009 at 2:54 pm

   Thanks so much to share your thoughts and emotions across your images

   We, photographers, are blessed people, no ?

   Greetings from Geneva

   ps : discovered you thanks to a follower in Twitter
6. gsc says:

   July 17, 2009 at 4:47 pm

   Si, es verdad. Somos bendecidos. Thanks for reading the blog and commenting!