In the summer of 2008, I gave myself an assignment. I would go to The Levant (Jordan, Syria, Lebanon) and document the situation of Iraqi refugees. I researched what I could on the internet. I read articles, listened to Democracy Now, and Al Jazeera, wrote down key the districts of Damascus, Amman and Beirut where the refugees seemed living. I had no real contacts, I had no contract from Time or a newspaper, I didn’t even have a Syrian visa. Foolish perhaps but what I lacked in practical terms I more than made up with in determination, concern, and above all else curiosity. The overwhelming desire to hear for myself their stories, their experiences, their problems their solutions and their situation.
I heard many stories, heart wrenching stories, diabolical stories, war on a people stories, war crime stories. I saw people with hope that they would be able to settle in the very country that brought the destruction to their own homes. I learned that the Iraqi refugees are afraid of each other, of who knows what, who knows who and who is spying on them. A neighbor in Amman could be the very same person who drove your brother out of his home, your other neighbor could be the person who under orders from Uday or Saddam took your son and you never saw him again. Such is the situation in Amman, Damascus and Beirut for most of the refugees.
While in Amman, Jordan I heard from my hotel reception clerk about the hotel that many Iraqi war wounded are staying in. I went there, but was not able to speak with the “guests” of the hotel. I was given a name and number to call. Enass Abu-Khalaf, the public relations person from MSF. I called her immediately and I had an appointment with her the next day.
Enass told me that because it is so dangerous for MSF employees or doctors to work in Iraq, MSF with the co-operation of the Jordanian government has sponsored the war wounded for medical treatment in Amman. They come to Amman for reconstructive surgery, and may stay up to one year or more for their treatment.
To make a long story short, through the chance discussion with my hotel reception clerk (he began by telling me about the many Iraqi businessmen who visit Amman, which come to think of it could be another self assigned assignment all on its own) I had the direction needed in my quest to find the war wounded Iraqi refugees. That’s how it goes in any assignment! You are the one who makes it work, you go out, do the footwork, talk to people, meet people, listen, use your common sense, use your intuition, be aware, be open and the story will fall on your lap!
Through my contact Enass and follow up meetings I was able to take some of my best photographic work at the hotel. Though I was only given very very limited time I made the most of it, took the shots and was amazed at the results, which are now on display at Main Gallery hall of the King Hussein Cultural Center
Ras El-Ein, Amman, Jordan. My photos have been included in the exhibition ACROSS BORDERS which was held to show the work MSF is doing in Amman.
I am doubly honored that my photo of a young girl with her father was chosen as the promotional poster.
For more on my self assigned assignment please visit the blog.
This assignment has also been featured on TV in Taiwan, exhibitions have been held and money raised for the education of Iraqi refugees in the Levant. The project has taken on more energy as many have become involved and many friends have been made.
A self-assigned project is an excellent way to get you to places where you can start to make a difference. Why not begin your journey now!
Professional photographer and filmmaker Kloie Picot teaches an online and interactive course on how to plan and complete a self-assignment, at The Compelling Image.
Tags: a_self_ assigned_ assignment, camera, Compelling Image, documentary photography, Iraqi refugees, Medecin Sans Frontiere, online, photograph, photographer, photography, photography exhibition, photojournalism, picture
February 7, 2010 at 9:42 pm |
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