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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

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18 Comments

mogmismo

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.

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christianeh

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!

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christianeh

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!

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pauline42355

What a great idea. You definitely got my pic.

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lindaf520

Great dream. You have my pic to make it reality.

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kys

nice!
it would be great if u take a photo of me, too! haha

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kys

here is a good travel partner...

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revnorito

Mari's got my vote

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Yakacia

Hey, Mari...
Of course you have my vote.

...What will you do with the collection of photographs and stories when you are finished?

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ikiyomura

Hi Mari! Great idea! Good luck and great to hear from you!

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marinakano

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!

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psalmonefifty

love it. pic'd.

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carlysdreams

fabulous idea! i voted for you. will you take me to okinawa with you? :)
hope everything is well!
love,
carly

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cyee248

good luck mari :]
love your idea!

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bigjust

Go Mari!!!!!

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kabahead

i would totally go with you if you win!!

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FatherJohn

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!

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sliao

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!

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