I love photography. This shouldn't surprise many of you. It is the one thing, aside from my family that I am passionate about. Passionate.
The thing is, while I shoot a lot of pretty things, a lot of lovely things, a lot of esthetically pleasing things, they don't drive me. I dream of more. A lot more. Scary more.
You see, the thing that drives me, the thing that makes me want to be daring, to do things that scare me is the idea of shooting people. Foreign people. Different people. But mostly women people. With my backpack and some seriously comfortable shoes, probably more dust and less showers that I am accustomed, and Ruby at my side. (I just realized I don't believe I have introduced you to Ruby since she came to live with me on my birthday...)
Another thing that won't surprise many of you is that I too am a woman. I love women. I am proud of women. I truly deep down in my heart believe that women should support each other.
Now please don't misunderstand. While I love women, I love my husband. In a different way. Get it? Are we on the same page here? Boy, I really hope so...
So, back to women, and to Oprah~
I want to do something. Something big. And sometimes big starts small. So right now, small for me is using money I have made, as a woman, from my Etsy shop to provide microloans through Kiva. That seems to be my thing right now. Finding women around the world who want to stand up and do something for themselves and their families and simply need a little help. That is something I can do, for now. Until something bigger comes along.
And you MUST watch this - The Girl Effect - it is two and a half minutes of your life that, I believe, is worth every second. (and it makes me cry every time I watch it)
And finally, I found this incredible fantastically inspiring photographer of people. I honestly could spend hours on his web site looking at the people he has met in the most extraordinary places around this magnificent plant of ours. And he lives in France. And you know how I feel about France... Toulouse to be exact. What is it about Toulouse these days...??
bises~
23 comments:
Those pictures are amazing
THIS POST IS AMAZING......as is The Girl Effect video.....well done my friend.
I can so see you in Africa or India one day taking equally fabulous photographs.
And should you need someone to hold your bags....or your cameras....or just pour you a little cup of water....you have my number....
xo
You are absolutely right these photos are very inspirational. These women tell a lot of tales just by looking at their photographs.
Volunteer India
Good luck on pursuing your passion. I’m sure you will enjoy it.
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yes...amazing my friend.
my one dream is to travel to Africa...and see first hand the devestation there is.
one day.
I can be your camera girl..i'm good at holding things;-0
xo
wonderful photos. That would be a fantastic journey - to go to a foreign land and photograph women.
I have always beleived that our thoughts and our imagination are the only real limits to our possibilities...go girl !!!
The whole microloan concept is so great. You can find them on so many websites, including (I think) Heifer International, where you can also give the gift of livestock to help families and villages, who must then pay it forward. Love that. Kim, thank you for this post, and for expressing yourself so beautifully, not just through your lens. hugs, susan
I so agree with you. When my husband and I adopted kids from China we got to go to a few factories...it was horrifying. I realized that people around the world (mostly in developing or poor nations) are being hurt so that Americans can have loads of cheap "stuff." I started my shop with the idea of carrying things that are fair-trade, artisan made, made in America. I think everything we buy should have a tag with not just the price, but a picture of the person making the item on it. In most cases we would put the item down rather than support the abuse of the workers. It's tough-sometimes I'm tempted to buy things that are cheaply made-I could make a LOT more money! Sometimes I feel like I am trying to empty the ocean with a thimble...I will certainly support your effort! jackie, bliss farm antiques
YOU are COMING WITH ME as my personal photographer!!! I worked for 6 years in womens and girls education in UNESCO and am starting the plans for a fair trade project with the Positive planks to get back into working with these women! YES, saving the world, IT DOES STARTS WITH GIRLS!! Good on you girlie for getting that one out there... Say you'll come PLEASEEEEEE!!
Kimberly, I am truly blown away by that video...because it is all so easy and so true!! I really hope, have my fingers crossed that one day you will be able to follow your passion...the world needs more people like you.
I have goose bumps the size of Everest, and tears running down my face! Can't read you when I'm working anymore! :) The woman from Kenya has the most amazing eyes...I wish I could hear their stories...keep working towards your goal! It will be an amazing journey.
Mikal
Powerful stuff that video! Amamzing. I know your dreams will come true...because they are to help bring good to the world and those dreams should always come true!
If anyone could do an spectacular job it would be you Mimi.....get packing and get going. A wonderful and meaningful post. XO
Very powerful, my dear. It amazes me how powerful one small contribution can be. You inspire me.
Barbara
P.S. I would love to take powerful portraits like the ones you have shown.
Kim, that was beautiful, thank you for sharing.
So beautiful to see you found such a passion, and I just bet you will succeed. :) I am a member/and or/ contributor for the Women for Women.org, ironically I found through Oprah. Your sponsorship help women from different countries. It's cool! :)
Smiles,
Teresa
xo
www.teresaksheeley.typepad.com
Kim-I found Kiva about a year ago and had forgotten it until I read your blog. This is the first I've heard about The Girl Effect. Because of your post I will be going back to Kiva and making a couple micro loans.
I hope that others that posted comments here will do the same. They were very encouraging about you persuing your dreams but for $20 they can help a "girl"--not unlike you--to realize her dream. Which often is basic survival.
Thank you ever so much for posting on this subject. Already, you have made an important difference.
Best,
Cheri
A beautiful & personal post. Every little bit helps.
I love these pictures. It always amazes me how societies that don't focus as much on looks like we do are so expressive through one photograph.
You're right! Toulouse is an amazing place!!! His photos are amazing. Would a meeting be in order? ;-)
what a wonderful post Kim ~ I can actually see you with your backpack and your camera. I have not yet watched that episode of Oprah but will get to it on the week-end. I am off to watch that video now..... xo
I think this is an amazing post, and that you are wonderful for supporting women around the world through micro-loans.
I also think it is important for women to support women, on every level, especially in our society where we are brainwashed into wanting to tear each other down.
Thank you for the eye opener.
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