Travel photography has taken us to never-before-seen places, allowing us to see the world through the eyes of photographers and Instagrammers. But have we truly seen what it means to practice ethical travel photography among some of the planet’s most remote cultures? AdoramaTV’s latest series, “My Travel Diary: Kenya” seeks to explore that exact idea.
With executive producer Sal D’Alia (@timbuz), and featuring Erin Sullivan (@erinoutdoors), the multi-episode series takes us to Kenya, where we meet the mothers and children of the nonprofit Ubuntu Life, implement clean drinking water with the Maasai tribe, and capture the beauty of the people, nature, and wildlife throughout the journey.
“Combining storytelling, nonprofit work, cultural interest, and making good for change, it’s everything a filmmaker looks forward to,” says D’Alia. “Every country has its own subject and mood — a different soul — and this show gives a look at what a photographer can encounter in these locations.”
Sullivan, an experienced trip guide (she has previously led trips throughout Costa Rica, New Zealand, Alaska, and more), has also partnered with Ubuntu Life, a nonprofit with the mission to create social impact for moms and kinds in Kenya.
“As non-profit and missionary work can sometimes do more harm than good from outside influences, it was great to hear about a nonprofit business that is able to empower women and support kids with special needs in their community,” Sullivan says. “I have done work with Ubuntu Life for a couple of years as a photographer and have amplified their work and products through my social media channels.”
Following a Kickstarter to support the Afridrille (the African Espadrille, created by the moms of Ubuntu Life), the backers all had an opportunity to visit the community and witness the change-makers in action.
“The goal [of the trip] was to introduce the backers to everything Ubuntu Life does (it’s a lot!), for them to see where the products are made, and to provide and opportunity for folks to open their eyes to Kenya, particularly beyond whatever stereotypes they had been exposed to previously,” Sullivan continues. “Adorama came on board to sponsor the trip, which allowed for the installation of eight water tanks for Maasai women that work for Ubuntu Life.”
And with an additional mission to show what it means to photograph cultures and communities around the world — and do it respectfully and ethically — the series explores the ideas of power within photography.
“Photography creates a power dynamic,” Sullivan adds. “If you have the camera, I would argue that you are in the position of power. So how do you acknowledge and work with that? How do you make sure you are operating with respect, and creating something with your subject, not objectifying whoever or whatever you are shooting? We need to consider history, culture, social concerns, and be open to learning. Is the safest bet to leave your camera at home? I actually think that, sometimes, it is. But there can also be huge benefits to telling a story through imagery.”
“We should be polite, courteous, and respectful, and with any activity, if we wouldn’t do it in our hometowns, we shouldn’t do it there.”
“Speaking for myself, I know that I don’t get it right all the time,” she continues. “I’m not sure how to do it perfectly, but I think the concept of ethical travel photography takes into account that we are just visitors to someone else’s home. We should be polite, courteous, and respectful, and with any activity, if we wouldn’t do it in our hometowns, we shouldn’t do it there.”
“Ethical travel photography is meant to be more conscious about what we photograph and how that can affect people’s lives,” adds D’Alia. “Asking those questions like, ‘How can my shot affect someone else’s life?’ will definitely improve the way we experience our travel journey and our photography, as well.”
Join AdoramaTV, D’Alia, and Sullivan on YouTube every Friday for a new episode of the series.
“I hope the series encourages travelers to listen more and center themselves less,” Sullivan says. “I hope people don’t just make their goal ‘doing good,’ but challenge themselves to do better instead — myself included.”
Check out the premiere episode of “My Travel Lens: Kenya” below:
