We are experiencing a paradigm shift in storytelling, and one image is not enough. Contemporary storytelling demands that we look at the prefabricated structures of our predecessors and challenge them. My work aims to empower other Indigenous peoples to reclaim our narrative and break stereotypes. It is going to require thousands of images to recalibrate our representation in mainstream consciousness, and we are ready to do the work. Like John Trudell said, “Every human being is a raindrop. And when enough of the raindrops become clear and coherent they then become the power of the storm.” We are Standing Strong.
I believe that photography as a medium enables us to connect and share stories that matter to us. A single image might not change the whole world, but it surely will touch someone’s heart out there and this, if done today and tomorrow, will impact larger numbers. Change, then, is achieved one image at a time through documenting stories that matter to us and having this mutual feeling shared with the world.
I am currently working on a project where I am aiming to uplift and change the way the elderly in my country, Uganda, are seen and presented, and in my approach, I collaborate with the people I am photographing to present them as they feel they should truly be shown. They dress up, sit and go to places they’d like to be photographed in, to let the audience learn something about them and share their life with the world out there—to stop being excluded from society and being labelled negatively.
For me, the most important thing is to believe in what I am doing and have a strong connection with people and theme. If you really do care about social justice, are frank and dedicated to your work, and are responsible and ethical towards the people you make photographs of and your viewers, I sincerely believe that you can make change. All these feelings can be transmitted to the public through a photograph or series of photographs. It doesn’t matter whether your photograph will change the world or a small community. Even if you encourage one person to condemn social injustice, it’s significant.
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