Cultural magazine and website Vice recently released a series of refugee photography to try and better connect with refugees at a time when the crisis is at its peak. Six disposable cameras were handed out to refugees living in Berlin and each were asked to take 27 pictures documenting their everyday lives.
The collection that emerged from these disposable camera photographs reveal a drastically different image of refugees than the mass media typically portrays. In many instances, they are no different from most people. The touching pictures taken show kids playing with dolls and soccer balls, people listening to music on their headphones and people casually strolling the streets. This photo series does a tremendous job of humanizing the refugee crisis and highlights each individual involved, rather than treating them as a collective.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Humanizing Refugee Crisis
- Opportunity for organizations and brands to showcase the individuality and humanity of refugees through various forms of media.
- Disposable Camera Photography
- Opportunity for camera and tech companies to create affordable and accessible disposable cameras for refugees and other marginalized communities to document their everyday lives.
- Refugee Storytelling
- Opportunity for media outlets and organizations to provide a platform for refugees to share their stories through various mediums and promote empathy and understanding.
Where This Applies
- Photography
- Opportunity for photography companies to partner with organizations and provide resources and education for refugees and other marginalized communities to learn photography skills and showcase their perspectives.
- Media
- Opportunity for media outlets to feature and promote refugee storytelling in various formats such as photo essays, articles, and videos.
- Social Impact
- Opportunity for social impact organizations and brands to invest in empowering marginalized communities through storytelling and media projects.
