SHINE A LIGHT
“When I was working in the field I’d bring candles with me. And with the help of my translator I told the people I was photographing that I would illuminate their stories and their plight.
When it was safe for them—and for me—I made portraits with these candles. They knew their images would be seen by you—out in the world. I wanted them to know that we will be bearing witness to them. And that we will do what we can to make a difference in their lives.
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of the many beautiful, mistreated people I’ve met.
I hope these images will awaken a force in people who view them. People like you. I hope that force will ignite a fire and that fire will shine a light on slavery. For without that light, the beast of bondage will continue to live in the shadows.”
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”