I was able to capture most of the people in the village, when we were in Cote d’Ivoire. One of my favorite days we had a slow afternoon. I decided to go around and take pictures throughout the village. Once I brought my camera out, I was instantly followed by a pack of wild children wanting me to take several photos of them. I could’ve easily stopped and stayed with the kids, but I decided to venture off into deeper parts of the village. Everyone got word that I was taking pictures, adults would ask me to take their picture. As they ask me they are smiling, but when I face the camera to them, they become stone faced, it happens to be a habit, because all the kids did the same thing.
My favorite part about taking pictures was showing them their own picture. Digital is a beautiful thing, especially when you are in a village. When I showed them their picture, laughters and joy came from them and it brought my pure joy! It is hard to capture raw authentic photos when people saw my camera and started to pose for me, or dressed their naked babies.
I was able to capture more than I thought, but this is through a lens, where I am behind, I am a visible white girl. I wanted to show what it was like to live in the village, but also share the connection I had with these people. I did not just show up for a week and instantly take their pictures. I brought my camera out after I established a trust where I could just walk around freely, taking pictures. Through taking pictures, I began to build relationships.
Pictures in link, and more to be uploaded once wifi allows it.
https://faithfowlerphotography.pixieset.com/cotedivoire-assafouvillage/
Enjoy snippets of Assafou!
