Travel & Humanitarian Photos
It’s the final day of the year and, perhaps inevitably, time to reflect.
Like me, you might have experienced the trials and tribulations, frustrations and disappointments that must form a part of every year. These are unavoidable, inescapable and no year can pass without bringing us its challenges and potential obstacles.
However, the greater the challenges, the greater the potential rewards – so I’m told. This is the yin and the yang, the sense of balance, of fairness, of symmetry and equilibrium that the universe will conspire to offer us. The trick, I guess, is knowing how to face the challenges without letting them paralyse us whilst being able to see past them to the opportunities that also exist.
Looking back through my photographs for 2011, I have been reminded of so many wonderful opportunities and memorable experiences that I thought you might like to share a few. Perhaps it’s no surprise to see that it is the people I have spent time with who provided the most uplifting and inspiring moments.
This year has found me photographing on assignment for the United Nations in China, for NGOs in Thailand, India, Cambodia, Nepal, Bali and Ethiopia, working for magazines across South-East Asia, India and Nepal and enjoying the challenges of capturing the energetic celebrations at the colourful Holi festival in India and Rajasthan’s annual Camel Fair in Pushkar.
Frequently, my photographic work has required me to spend time with people who are, in many senses, a great deal less fortunate than me. I met a man in China who had lost both arms in an industrial accident but who has raised a family and manages to run a successful business. In a small, unlit tent in Africa, I watched another man’s life fall apart as he learned that his HIV test was positive. I have witnessed just a few of the life-changing events that happen a million times across the globe every day but which never make the news headlines.
I have spent time with children who exhibit boundless energy despite suffering the results of poverty, disability or crippling illness – sometimes all three. I have seen the miracle of cataract sufferers having their sight restored in the confines of a cramped, mobile surgery in Indonesia. There have been too many experiences to list here, all of them memorable in their own right.
I took over 30,000 photographs this year in 12 different countries and, more importantly, I had the good fortune to meet some of the most charming, generous and hospitable people in my travels. Indeed, it is this that brings me the greatest satisfaction as the year draws to a close.
When I began travelling and taking photographs on my travels, I was enchanted by the discovery of the common humanity which people share. No matter where we live, what our creed or belief, no matter what our cultural hinterland, there is a strong link which binds us all. I’ve always seen my job description as trying to capture some evidence of that common humanity, doing my best to convey the reassuring sense of fellowship that exists throughout the world. It’s a job description that precludes cynicism and distrust, which leaves no room for negativity or pessimism.
So, here are just a few of the images taken at moments that made me smile in the last twelve months. Some photographs are of the dozens of workshop participants that I’ve been able to share my time and knowledge with. Some images show students during classes at the Bangkok Photo School, a constant source of entertainment and enjoyment for me. Other photographs show just a small selection of the people I have met on my travels this year.
The common theme? Laughter. The one thing that we all love to do, the one thing that can break barriers and build trust, the one thing that, perhaps above all others, reminds us that we are all in this strange and challenging world together.
Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection.
– Yakov Smirnoff
The music comes from Haile Roots, an Ethiopian reggae artist, which brings back recent memories of driving around Addis Ababa on the way to various NGO projects.
So, do I have a New Year resolution? Actually, yes, this year I do. Looking back at the images from 2011 and remembering the opportunities that have come my way, I’ve resolved to make every effort to not allow unproductive distractions to deflect my energy this year. We probably all do it. We’re all tempted by the superfluous nonsense on Facebook and Twitter, for example. We’re probably all guilty of allowing the superficial and inconsequential to cloud our judgement and to dilute our true intentions to varying degrees. Hence my resolution to make the most of every opportunity without allowing the unproductive elements in my life to deflect me from the things that really matter.
And, for you, dear reader, I wish you the energy to pursue those things that are important to you without being distracted. I wish you the clear-sight to identify opportunities and distractions and the ability to see the difference between them.
Whatever you aspire to in the year ahead, I wish you the tenacity and resolve, the downright stubbornness and clarity of perspective to pursue your goals with vigour and optimism whilst maintaining a childlike sense of wonder.
Happy New Year!
Thanks for starting my year off with smiles; they’re contagious!
Gavin, wishing you the best in your blessed journey. Thank you for all the pictures and I think you can be proud that you are doing a great job. Please let me know if you are ever in Tokyo.
Great slideshow! – I defy anyone to watch and not smile. Thanks Gavin, and all the best for 2012.
As always, your words and photos inspire and refresh! Thank you for this! I hope our paths cross again in 2012.
Gavin,
Thank you for the wonderful slideshow, and also for your words. Each element is powerful in its own right, but when combined, they become extremely inspiring and motivational. This is such a perfect way to start 2012. Thank you!
Best wishes to you for a happy and healthy year, filled with great productivity, and few distractions.
Happy new year, Gavin. Very nice slide show and background music.
Thanks for sharing your smiles. Wishing loads of them more for the coming year(s) Gavin.
Great post Gavin, and that slideshow is just perfect for starting the new year off on the right foot, with a smile and a positive attitude. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us. Cheers, Karl
Sweet and beautiful! And inspiring.
Happy New Year….keep shooting!!