Take a Photo / Give a Photo
I dream of giving.
I want to take photos of people who don't have a photo of themselves, or of people they love. I would like the opportunity to give these people a copy of their photo as a keepsake, as a memory of their existence.
There are millions of people in the world, and there are millions of photos of people. Beyond those millions, there are also people who have never had their photo taken before, who have never owned a photo of themselves or their loved ones, or who have lost their photos.
I believe photos are important and powerful objects that embrace memory and a moment in time that cannot be repeated.
My dream is to travel throughout certain parts of the world and take photos of people who don't have a photo of themselves, or who don't have a photo of people they love. I would like the opportunity to give these people a copy of their photo(s) as a keepsake, as documentation of their existence.
I believe a photograph can act as a catalyst to building relationships, and I also believe photographs can serve as a vehicle for sharing and passing on memories.
I envision myself (and a good travel partner), traveling to certain countries and setting up a booth or portable photo studio/backdrop. Not only would I photograph them or their families, but I would provide these people with a copy of their photo as a keepsake. I would also conduct short interviews, asking why they would like their photo to be taken. If there are people who cannot physically come to the photo booth, we would also be open to taking requests to travel to the person's home (ie. if they are disabled and cannot travel to the booth). The main goal would be to provide these people with a photo of themselves, as a gift and as a memory that can be frozen in time.
Places I am considering: Morocco, South Africa, Peru, Philippines, Indonesia, China, Argentina, New Zealand, parts of the United States (ie. Mississippi, Lousiana), Iceland, Portugal, Marshall Islands, Okinawa
25 Comments
I think the idea would be more effective if she had an immediate output; Mari could take a shot of their expression holding the photo as well. I bet it would add value to see peoples reactions. If their isn't electricity she could certainly use affordances of her locations.
you go girl!
I think the idea would be more effective if she had an immediate output; Mari could take a shot of their expression holding the photo as well. I bet it would add value to see peoples reactions. If their isn't electricity she could certainly use affordances of her locations.
you go girl!
What a great idea. You definitely got my pic.
Great dream. You have my pic to make it reality.
nice!
it would be great if u take a photo of me, too! haha
here is a good travel partner...
Mari's got my vote
Hey, Mari...
Of course you have my vote.
...What will you do with the collection of photographs and stories when you are finished?
Hi Mari! Great idea! Good luck and great to hear from you!
Mogmiso, I was also thinking about Polaroids. Most likely there will be several cameras, but any ideas would be a great help.
Christianeh, yes! I think photographing the person with their photo would be a great idea!
My hope is that I can turn this into an exhibit and/or book!
love it. pic'd.
fabulous idea! i voted for you. will you take me to okinawa with you? :)
hope everything is well!
love,
carly
good luck mari :]
love your idea!
i would totally go with you if you win!!
I like your idea!
I voted for you; will you vote for me? Let's do this and see how it turns out. Let's help each other!
Good luck!
there are so much to tell in a single photography, time, date, coincidence....etc. It's a fragile memory device that hold a mixture of feeling. "I dream of giving" is a great topic. Great proposal & good luck!
such a generous dream, with goodwill and sincerity all over it! i love this, mari, and wish you all the best with it!!!
HEY EVERYONE. Please go to the revised proposal: http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/marinakano/memories-of-existence-revision-to-take-a-photo-give-a-photo/
It's basically the same but in more detail!. Thanks!
- mari
Good ideas like yours that are not in the Top 100 are nearly impossible to find. This is unfair as many great ideas are hidden. Those of us in the “Sub-100” should work together to promote the best projects of the Sub-100 so that they can be in the Top 100 and be seen. Please vote for best Sub-100s!
I love this idea! check out mine and Pic it if youd like! Congo here I come...
Hey! you want to take pictures in China!... I give you a pick!
Mine is also in China, return the vote if you like it!
Good luck!
I'm voting for you -- feel free to return the favor and vote for my project on land seizures, political upheaval and the overall struggles of daily life in Zimbabwe.
voted for this one too, good luck.
Submitted by
marinakano
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Nice idea. would you travel w/ a portable inkjet printer, or ship to them? I think the second is better, you can send them the picture w/ archival paper in a "packet", but you will not get photos to any destitute you find, which is the downside.
I'm pic'ing you.