Karl Grobl Photo Essays
Based on the belief that everyone has a responsibility to use their talents
to help those less fortunate than themselves, I am compelled to use my photographic
skills to shine a light upon global humanitarian issues; to tell the story of
people in need, and those working to help them. My goal is to create high-impact
images which not only inform, but also stir one's emotions... images that cause
a viewer to reflect upon and empathize with another human being's struggle.
When successful, my photos reveal a common humanity, allowing viewers to see
a bit of themselves in other human beings, half a world away. I hope that people
connect with my photos and that the connection provides an impetus for change...
If that occurs, then my work is successful.
In September of 2002, I talked with Claire Thomas, Freedom from Hunger's Director
of Public Outreach, about a documentary project highlighting the organization's
work and the impact of its Credit with Education program. Our overall goal was
to create honest, straightforward images that demonstrated the dignity, resourcefulness
and resiliency of women who struggle daily against seemingly insurmountable
difficulties.
We agreed that the photographs couldn't be voyeuristic or exploitive in nature,
nor could they portray suffering or poverty for sheer shock value. Furthermore,
it was important that the images not suggest a subject's dependency upon Freedom
from Hunger's help, but rather, that women participating in Credit with Education
programs be portrayed as what they were: empowered to help themselves.
So far I have visited Freedom from Hunger programs in Bolivia, Burkina Faso,
Haiti and Ghana. Soon I am headed to India and the Philippines to continue this
documentation. In each and every situation, the coordination and communication
between Freedom from Hunger's U.S. headquarters and their local partners has
been a key element in the project's success. With everyone working together,
we have been able to create some truly fantastic images which demonstrate the
important work being accomplished.
I often reflect upon my experiences documenting the stories of the women Freedom
from Hunger serves. I'm still in awe of the commitment and dedication of the
Freedom from Hunger staff, as well as the staff of Freedom from Hunger’s
partners whose work day-in and day-out improves the lives of people around the
world.
I can only hope that some of the images from this project result in increased
awareness, volunteerism and donations. If so, then I have succeeded in reflecting,
some of the light which shines so brightly from those at Freedom from Hunger
and its partners who are doing the real work in Haiti, Ghana, India and other
program areas around the world.
- Karl Grobl
Karl generously provides his services to Freedom from Hunger at a deeply
discounted rate.
|
