LEAD Uganda students Okello Ronald (blue shirt) and Ongom James are guarded by soldiers as they ride through rebel territory on the way home from school during school vacation.” © Stephen Shames
“Childhood and youth, fatherhood and family have been the central concerns of mine since I started photographing in 1967. I had a rough childhood due to an abusive relationship with my parents. I search through photography for what I didn’t have as a kid with my own dad and mom; love, support, encouragement, etc. In my early work, I explored abuse and neglect. In my later work, I create a world, a family I could not have as a child. My work is a healing process for me.
My photography is about the human condition, about finding solutions, ending the suffering, healing and redemption. Let’s not just cover the suffering. Let’s stop it.In 2004 I started a foundation, LEAD Uganda (www.leaduganda.org), to put orphans and child soldiers into the best schools so they can become leaders. This closes the circle.”
Stephen Shames
Stephen Shames is represented by Polaris Images
Stephen very strong statement and image as well. I did not know this about your growing up. Makes your work all the more meaningful for me. Never give up the hope of changing the world for the better.
Laurence Salzmann
Laurence Salzmann — April 17, 2009
Thanks Laurence. Steve is doing a workshop in Uganda next Spring– its going to be a comoletely new concept, please help us spread the word about it…..
Andy — April 17, 2009
This is really great. The war and poverty in Uganda needs to stop, and it’s so great to have such talented people like yourself expose these beautiful disasters and promote action that needs to be taken. I am extremely passionate about photography, and have been studying Uganda for the past few years, so you are a true inspiration to me. My dream is to go to Uganda and work with the children, as well as photograph there and bring back what I hope will create more attention to the great country of Uganda. Something needs to be done, and I want nothing more than to be an active part in the revolution.
Andy- when is the workshop and how can I find out more information about it? Thanks so much.
stephanie — May 4, 2009