Peru

Last year I photographed a community in the highlands of Peru, who live on land that is literally a goldmine. The relationship they share with their land, which is unique to their culture is one of respect, duty and honour. Census shows that 80% lives in poverty and 51% in extreme poverty. These communities are consistently caught between deciding who to trust and continue to live in an area with a state government that rarely provides the basic medical needs for survival and mining companies who do more damage than aid.

The girl in the photograph titled ‘My House’ grew attached to me during my visit, and asked me to photograph her in front of her house. She stood proudly in front of it, and the photograph came out beautiful. Following this many parents wanted photographs of their families and children and it was a warming experience. I have sent them back all prints of the photographs I took of them, to keep as memoirs of their families for generations to come.

Those wanting further information on the communities of Cuzco region and beyond, and ways in which to assist them please feel free to contact me.