Refugee Finds a Future in Photography | Nat Geo Live

TL;DR

Aquat, a refugee from South Sudan, uses photography to capture the stories of hardship and hope in refugee camps.

Transcript

[Applause] all right hi aquat hi hi hi I think it's important you know we as photographers we work from who we are from our past from our our life experience and so I would like you to understand a little bit about uh how aquat grew up and it might help you understand his images that's a great question um I I myself I was not growing up in South Su... Read More

Key Insights

• 💠 Aquat's personal experience as a refugee shapes his perspective and approach to photography.
• 💁 Forming genuine connections and building trust with the people he photographs is crucial to Aquat's photography process.
• 🤨 Aquat believes that photography can serve as a universal language to raise awareness about the experiences of refugees worldwide.
• 😀 One of Aquat's most important photographs represents resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
• ✊ Aquat's journey as a refugee and a photographer reflects the transformative power of storytelling through images.
• 💨 Photography is not just a profession for Aquat but an integral part of his life and the way he connects with the world.
• 🫒 Through his photographs, Aquat aims to capture the human experience and convey the emotions and stories of those living in refugee camps.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Aquat's personal experience as a refugee influence his approach to photography?

Aquat's own experience of living in refugee camps gives him a unique perspective and empathy that shapes his approach to photography. He sees himself as part of the community and aims to build trust and genuine connections with the people he photographs.

Q: Why does Aquat believe in forming friendships with the people he photographs?

Aquat believes that building friendships and trust with the people he photographs allows for a more authentic and meaningful portrayal of their lives. He sees them as more than just subjects but as fellow human beings deserving of compassion and understanding.

Q: How does Aquat believe photography can bridge the gap between different cultures and societies?

Aquat believes that photography, as a universal language, can transcend cultural and societal boundaries. He aims to capture images that tell a story and raise awareness about the experiences of refugees, not just for the people in South Sudan but for the rest of the world.

Q: Why does Aquat consider one of his photographs to be one of his most important?

One particular photograph holds great significance for Aquat because it represents the resilience and hope that he himself has experienced in his own life. It serves as a reminder of the power of determination and how, with support, anyone can overcome challenging circumstances.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Aquat, a refugee himself, feels compelled to capture his own story and the stories of others living in refugee camps through photography.

• He believes in forming genuine connections and trust with the people he photographs, approaching them as a friend rather than just a photographer.

• Aquat's photographs aim to communicate the universal language of humanity and raise awareness about the experiences of refugees worldwide.