1. I agree that photographers walk a fine line and must examine themselves always, and as the host of this website (and as a photographer myself) the same goes for me. I’m pretty sensitive about what images I post here, and I think carefully about photos that show people in poverty. I think about who took them, why, and what they communicate. I happily include stories with them if the photographers provide stories. Keep in mind that these are photographers, not writers. Writing (esp. journalistic writing) is a serious discipline. If every photographer has to research and record the stories of his or her subjects, or work with a writer, then we’d limit the field to professionals and people with lots of spare time and money.

2. I never ask for photos of people suffering or in poverty. People seem to assume that I want those kinds of pictures because of the title of the website. Now the website is taking a turn toward showing images of marginalized people, which may be inevitable, so I need to reconsider how to go forward. People have strong opinions about showing the plight of marginalized people. Google “Sebastiao Salgado” and you’ll get some idea of how people react to a very good pure photographer who has no hesitation about taking any photo with or without the story (stories are in the images). There are a lot of photos that do nothing but induce guilt for the sake of donations that I hold in very low regard compared with honest pictures taken by someone who is authentically there.

3. People have different (always strong) opinions about showing images of people who are in poverty, suffering, etc. I don’t think there is a formulaic answer. Photos really reflect both the character of the photographer AND the character of the viewer. Viewers tend to approach photographs as consumers, and they are also responsible to consider whether they are crossing lines. This applies, in my opinion, whether they are looking at images of poor children or Angelina Jolie’s new twins (or Angelina Jolie). On this page, the images above were taken by someone, like yourself, working compassionately among the subjects. I don’t have stories, but there are links for people who want to learn more. I suspect people who strongly connect with these photos will contact the photographer.

4. About stories…aren’t those potentially exploitative? Aren’t stories a form of entertainment? People read the newspaper both for information and entertainment, casually skimming tales of ruined lives while sipping coffee at Starbucks. Actually, people who really want to learn will connect and engage; people seeking passive entertainment will do that. I think both writers and photographers put there work out before angels and pigs, so to speak. Also, your “zoo” metaphor sounds serious but doesn’t really apply; these are pictures not people. As for the photos above, it takes a lot of time out for her to prepare and post photographs online. She is obviously putting time into her work with children as well. If she doesn’t have time to write the stories, then I know she is living in the midst of them and that’s why. Anyone who really wants to know more will find a way to learn more.

5. Finally, I also have some knee jerk reactions about NGO’s that I could tell you about another time. Exploitation takes many forms. I’m sure if you have been in that work for awhile then you’ll know what I mean.

I’ll keep this comment in mind, and thanks for raising the points. I agree there are lines that must not be crossed, and I’ll work on staying on the right side of them. Since few people agree about where the lines are located, it’s essential that visitors here make their opinions known.

I just saw your emails in regards to LOVE’s photo exhibition through your site…thank you so much Andy from the bottom of my heart for sharing my passion with the rest of the online community. Your support for my work and the children that LOVE works with is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
samantha