Advocacy

Advocacy for organizations, causes, and issues around the world are seen in the media often these days. A big part of this advocacy is photography! As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words," and when it comes to advocacy, it couldn't be more true. Something as simple as a single photograph is enough to spark talks and debates from people around the world. Here are a few examples of photographs that advocate a cause or purpose, or have sparked international debate:


This picture was taken anonymously during the Vancouver riots last year. It sparked an international debate about peace and love being essential to overcoming human nature's draw toward violence.


This image was taken by Eddie Adams during the Vietnam War. It is one of the most iconic and controversial images of the 20th century. It speaks of human nature and sparked international debate about the atrocities committed during war time.

This photograph was taken by Nick Ut during the Vietnam War Napalm bombings in the village of Trang Bang, Vietnam. The image speaks of the horrors of war, and caused international controversy. The picture is said to have "ended the Vietnam War," and became one of the icons of the 1970s Peace Movement.

This final image was taken by Mike Wells in Uganda. It speaks as a reminder of the huge wealth gap that separates developed and 3rd world countries. It also shows the extent of the poverty and starvation that plagues most of Africa's population. It created international controversy about the need for food and aid in Africa.

As you can see, 1 picture is enough to advocate anything you stand for. This doesn't mean that with one photograph you are guaranteed to start a revolution, change national policy or completely change the world, but it does mean that you are capable of speaking to a large audience of people and impacting someone by harnessing your talents and using them for good!