Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2025 i Lens Magazine

Sacred forests, ancestral dances, priestesses, and shamans, but above all, the people whose hospitality knows no limits. Our footprints were left imprinted in the reddish, bloody, living earth of the paths that led us to the sacred tree in Bongouanou. We walked absorbed, abducted by the presence of the "Komien," the "Agni" priestesses who have watched over their people since the dawn of time. But this was not the only ceremony in which we participated; the most shocking one for me was the snake girls. Faces furrowed by lines that emulate the path of Life. Mouths are sealed by blackened lips to prevent any impurities from coming off them. They are girls whose gift was glimpsed at their most tender age by the town’s priests. From that moment on, they…

Outside the small town of Mahabalipuram in India’s southernmost state of Tamil Nadu, the settlement of Poonjeri is home to around 40 Narikuravar families. The Narikuravar are a semi-nomadic community of around 30,000 people that are spread in small groups across the state. Historically, their main source of livelihood was hunting, but this has become almost impossible since laws were tightened to protect wild animals. Today, the Narikurava make a living primarily from making bead necklaces and other jewelry which they sell on the streets, in front of temples and at festivals. The Narikuravar people have experienced discrimination ever since ancient times and were long considered "untouchables." During British rule in India, they were placed under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 and, as a result, were stigmatized for a…

Mumbai’s culture and people are a vibrant tapestry, rich with diversity and energy, mirroring the city itself. Known as Mumbaikars, the residents embody a remarkable blend of resilience, ambition, and warmth throughout this bustling metropolis. Despite the city’s relentless pace and constant hustle, Mumbaikars are generally characterized by their friendly demeanor and welcoming spirit. Each day, the people of Mumbai confront various adversities—ranging from the sweltering heat and overcrowded streets to economic hurdles—but they navigate these challenges with an unwavering sense of optimism, a strong sense of community, and an enduring belief that anything is possible. This tenacity captures the essence of Mumbai, a city that represents the true spirit of India—dynamic, diverse, chaotic, and profoundly alive. Often dubbed the "City of Dreams," Mumbai’s culture flourishes through the convergence of…

"THE NATURAL WORLD MIRRORS WHAT WE SEE IN OURSELVES… OUR BEAUTY, SIMPLICITY, COMPLICATIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES. NATURE IS A PART OF US AND REFLECTS WHO WE ARE. AS A VISUAL STORYTELLER, MY MISSION IS TO EDUCATE, INSPIRE, AND IMMERSE MY VIEWERS IN THE BEAUTY AND WONDER OF PLANET EARTH."-MICHELLE VALBERG. The North has been an endless source of inspiration for me—a place of profound beauty, resilience, and connection. Having traveled to Canada’s Arctic more than 60 times, I am continually humbled by the incredible people I have had the privilege to photograph. Their stories, traditions, and deep connection to the land are woven into every portrait I create. My approach is always one of respect and authenticity. I strive to capture my subjects within their environment, highlighting the richness of Inuit…

While I often limit my pre-assignment research to be completely open to everything that comes before my lens—you can’t pour anything into a full cup—there are times when there are too many subtleties to be missed without doing my due diligence. Such is the case with documenting the Japanese tea ceremony known as “chado” or “sado.” For me, it conveys the essence of Japan, so I often start my photography workshops in Tokyo, including those for Nobechi Creative, with this experience. Tea master Mika Soka Haneishi, owner of the Shizu-Kokoro Chado School, is our guide into this world that evokes mindfulness and a feeling of timeless Japan. We observe elegant movements with our eyes and our cameras that are subtle yet full of meaning. These meanings could easily be lost…

One of my keen interests is exploring the role of women within various religious communities. During my exploration, I stumbled upon a fascinating aspect of Buddhism in Burma (Myanmar). Surprisingly, I observed that many themes often associated with monotheistic religions also manifest vividly within this predominantly Buddhist culture. Walking through the bustling streets and vibrant markets of Burma, it’s impossible not to notice the groups of Buddhist nuns clad in their distinctive pink robes, their heads shaved in adherence to their spiritual vows. These nuns, engaged in various acts of devotion such as praying, meditating, and making alms rounds, command a unique presence that is mostly met with respect and reverence from the local populace. They have established their own nunneries, communities, and schools that educate and nurture the next…

Over 300 families live in Phnom Penh’s "Kilometer 6" commune, which is located alongside railway tracks that stretch from the districts of Tuol Kork to Daun Penh and Russey Keo (hence their name, the Railway Community). The families live in self-built shacks, usually consisting of a single room. The people here—some of the poorest people in the city—often run small businesses in the form of mini-kiosks in their community. They arrange individual products on cloth in front of their houses. Because of the lack of space, the residents spread out over the train tracks during the day. Whenever they hear the train horns, they quickly gather their cooking utensils, chairs, sunshades, and children to clear the track. Just seconds after the freight trains have passed, the railway track becomes the…

India is a land of amazing contrasts, where ancient traditions and modern life coexist. Our eighteen-day tour in December 2024 took us from Nagaland, in the easternmost corner of the country, down to Kerala in the far southwest. In the hills of Nagaland, we spent two days at the annual Hornbill Festival, where 18 Indigenous tribes exhibited their culture through abundant food, singing, and dancing. Several dozen members represented each tribe, making each available to the public to relay stories and legends from their history. We next marveled at Agra’s architectural wonders, where the Taj Mahal’s ethereal beauty left us in awe. The Taj’s delicate marble inlay work and perfect symmetry are a testament to the artistry of its builders, and we learned a great deal about the manner of…

The central dogma of Voodoo is animism, which states that all beings have a spirit. This belief permeates every aspect of life for its followers. For voodoo followers, believing in the power of nature and the natural forces that course through everything is a source of comfort and reassurance. Voodoo originates in the kingdom of Dahomey, now Benin, and is a vibrant religion deeply intertwined with the region’s culture. It is the most prominent religion of Benin, with over 50 million believers in West Africa, parts of the Caribbean, South America, and the southern parts of the United States. The term 'Voodoo' itself, meaning 'god,' 'soul, "strength, "spirit, 'or 'power' in the Fon language, reflects the depth of its cultural significance. Voodoo was originally called Vodun in Benin and Togo,…

Documentary photography is the art of telling a story through images. It involves creating a connection between the photograph’s subject and the viewer; in a way, the photograph conveys its message. These images of homeless individuals are expressing something to you. How you interpret their message is entirely your own decision."-JM Simpson My documentary photography is not about perfection but about connection to and emotion about homeless individuals. In photographing the homeless in downtown Olympia, Washington, my connection to them begins by treating them with respect. I sit, talk, walk, and learn about and from many of these fellow human beings. Once I have established a connection, I will ask their permission to take several photographs. Given my personal—and sometimes fleeting—connection with the homeless, I intend to deepen this connection…

The Jyie tribe resides in the arid, flat lowlands of the southeast corner of South Sudan, specifically in Eastern Equatoria State. Reaching this remote area from Juba, the capital city, takes at least 2 to 3 days by car. However, the small town of Kapotea can be reached on foot in approximately three days and serves as a true crossroads of cultures, where individuals from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Somalia might stop for a few hours or even choose to stay and live. In the small market, Chinese products coexist alongside local crafts. The Jyie people originally migrated from the Karamoja region of Uganda and are closely related to the Toposa of South Sudan. Until recently, the administration in Sudan did not recognize the Jyie as a distinct tribe; instead,…