World Press photography Expo in Sydney, Australia

World Press photography Expo

Posted on June 5th, 2008

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Thanks Kel for organising the World Press photography Expo rendezvous! Despite rain and pouring conditions and the constant five day down pour that Sydney seems to be engulfed in we braved it alright. Today was the last day of the exhibition. A bit crowded to start with but still very good. Really glad we went. There were some very graphic images of our happening and evolving world. Some of which we might not even know about. As I went through from one photo to the other it kept reminding me how lucky we all are to be living in the world of plenty and peace and choice. Probably two thrids of our human population doesn’t get to make the choices we do, nor the luxury we have or command. There is much bloodshed and disagreement. Where are the ideas and beliefs and convictions of sharing caring and love.

I do realised I have been talking off at a tangent but the reason I do is: going through the exhibition it reminded me of a few things… It stirred up emotions and ideas of how short-sighted we as human race can be. We are killing and traumatically torturing each other for more of land, more of power, or money or both! I take my hats of to these brave valiant photographers who risk their lives to take photos in uncharted territories walking the path few have, and for some — sadly, never to return. The sheer tales of horror, devastation, terrorism, sexual assault, forced labour, drug run, political injustice… would run a shiver down your spine too if you were to witness the photos we did in the World Press Photography Expo last night.

Some may even ask why go to see something that will gross you out or make one uncomfortable. The reason is clear as day. I honour these zealous daring photographers in absolute adoration. It takes A LOT of courage to answer a call this strong and usher out of ones comfort zone. It is through the eyes of these altruistic self-giving photographers you & I get a taste of whats really going on in the world. And it is in their photography you & I see how blessed we are. Thank your lucky stars if you are in a place of peace and plenty, by choice or by birth.

We choose our friends, our meals, our toiletteries, we choose our job, our holidays, most probably two-third of our human population don’t. They haven’t the luxury you and I do. Count your blessing. Be grateful and humble you have a better life. For not everyone out there has even one tenth of the choices you and I do. And there is no one, absolutely no one who hears their cries of pain and hunger and injustice.

Sorry if this sounds a bit down and low but that isn’t the point I am making, instead, I’m asking you to count your blessing in life. Be generous. Care for the less fortunate.

Kelly Potten

Amit, I don’t think you could have said this better. I know this is a some what morbid exhibition but this is my 3rd year running and I believe its a slap across the face for me to wake up to myself and realise how damn lucky I am!

News footage is cut, edited and released onto our screens for our benefit to prevent mass histerior and fear. This Expo shows the raw and true happenings of our planet. So much is hidden from us, we need to know what is happening out there, to stand up, give pity and send hope to those who are unfairly treated, and thrown into disarry by no fault of there own.

The most striking thing in this exhibition is that a peaceful nation is a rare thing, we are a minority and only handful of countries stand alone in this category. There is too much war and not enough peace, religion, greed and power are the main causes and history just keeps repeating itself. When are we going to get the message, when as humans can we rightfully say enough is enough?

Its a sad thing to see, that even journalists are risking there lives to reach out to us with the truth and even then we are probably not seeing the whole picture..

We are blessed being in such a safe country, my prayers go out to those who are not so fortunate and be thankful for the things I have.
http://www.mmsonlinenow.com Nancy

That is exactly why I love Rotary so much. We are trying in our small ways to make a difference and help those who can’t help themselves. Having seen these things first hand (as you have too), if you don’t feel that a change in mindset is needed then I am not sure what would make one wake up to these realities.

Wish I could have seen this exhibition. I can only imagine.
http://www.mozzeenet.com Ruth

Had a look at some of the photos on the website and I agree – those photographers are to be absolutely admired for putting their lives at risk to bring the truth in pictures to the rest of us. That old cliche “a picture speaks 1000 words” is so true.