Esther Havens Feature x Gap Inc Do More Initiative

ESTHER HAVENS FEATURE

Humanitarian photography encompasses work that is dedicated to helping improve the welfare and well- being of the global population. This style of photography has the incredible ability to expose international crises and mobilize people into action on a large scale. From the civil rights movement of the 1960s, to the massive genocide in Rwanda, to the devastating tsunami in Japan, photography has historically played an integral role in shedding light and perspective on countless complicated issues.

Those who work in this field have the responsibility of sharing sometimes challenging truths through their lens, documenting anything from warfare and protests to natural disasters and disease. These photographers can choose whether their images tell of difficulty and pain, or if they resonate with a resilience of spirit. Esther Havens, a self-described nomad and humanitarian photographer, has continued to focus on the positive aspects of who and what she photographs.

Over the years, Esther’s work has allowed her to explore much of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where she has invested in education programs, health clinics, well projects, and much more. As a result, Esther has directly influenced countless individual’s stories and circumstances. She remains committed to making people her priority, taking photographs that reveal their inherent strength and dignity.

“I try to think about how each person would want to be photographed,” she said. “If I lived in a village and my photo was going to be in a magazine or online, how would I want to be shown to the world? I have found that in every situation I’ve encountered there is always hope, so that is what I try to focus on.”

Because she doesn’t see the value in broadcasting the extremes of poverty, Esther highlights moments that express love and connection. She has found many simple, intentional ways to help dignify those she photographs, from asking their names and permission to take their picture, to connecting with the person so they feel comfortable to come alive in front of her camera. “If we take the time to get to know people, we can capture a whole different side of them.”

Her photographs are truly visual stories, as beautiful as they are inspiring. “People always come first, and my camera is second,” Esther said. “The whole idea of humanitarian photography is that it benefits the person in the photograph. I don’t photograph to create a portfolio for myself; I photograph to benefit the person in my images, to better their lives.”

Esther has made notable contributions in providing opportunities and resources to the global community, having partnered with a number of organizations and social good brands including: charity:water, Warby Parker, TOMS, Malaria No More, and The Adventure Project. She especially likes working on campaigns centered around helping bring people out of hardship, and is dedicated to seeing that every person has access to education, employment, and clean drinking water.

Esther has visited more than 50 countries in the past decade alone, but when not traveling, she resides in Dallas, Texas. There, she is a member of WELD, a collaborative workspace for creatives. “People flourish when they work and create together,” she said. “I’ve been at WELD for two years now, and I am challenged every day, continually pushed to pursue excellence in my craft.”

For more information on Esther, check out her website, or follow along with her travels on Instagram.