Freedom

Photography has always been an extraordinary form of expression. A single shot can tell a story, decry an injustice, express a feeling, give voice to those who have none. 

In this sense, freedom of expression and photography are inextricably linked: without the former, the latter would be emptied of its deepest meaning.

Robert A. Dahl, in his book 'On Democracy', wrote words that echo with particular force today: 

“Finally, without freedom of expression citizens would soon lose their capacity to influence the agenda of government decisions. Silent citizens may be perfect subjects for an authoritarian ruler; they would be a disaster for a democracy”.

Photo dated 2024-08-11

This got me thinking about how photography, in its own small way, is a tool for breaking the silence. Every time we press the shutter, we choose what to show the world. A photograph is never just an image: it is a point of view, an act of awareness, a way of saying “I see, I witness”.

Today, at a time in history when freedom of expression is threatened in many parts of the world, our perspective becomes even more important. Taking photographs is also an act of resistance, of memory, of decrying. It is a way of not being silent.

Every image we share - be it a portrait, a landscape, a scene from everyday life - is a small declaration of freedom. Because telling the world through photography means affirming our right to express ourselves, to see, to be seen.

And so let us continue to photograph. For ourselves, for others, to never stop telling reality with our free gaze.