Comments on: Behind the Scenes: James Mollison Shoots Portraits at a Kenyan Refugee Camp

By: tombarkerphoto

tombarkerphoto — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:51:00 +0000

Joey L has a similar series but all taken in the subjects environment, those images are fantastic but I still feel these offer something different. Seeing their environment makes me feel ….. Lucky

By: Adam Cross

Adam Cross — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 09:40:00 +0000

you’re quite right – I just don’t like it :) just my personal opinion

By: Jason Ljunggren

Jason Ljunggren — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 07:55:00 +0000

I feel there is a closer bond to the subject by creating the simple portrait on white,raising the subject in the viewers eyes,and having the subject’s situation in the same frame allows us to relate more to the subject humanizing them further than if they were simply shot within their surroundings. The poses themselves are necessary for this illusion, but make no mistake the hardship in their expressions!

By: Blake Hessel

Blake Hessel — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 01:45:00 +0000

I think that is somewhat the intention. He removes the subjects from their environments so the viewer can more easily digest and consider them; looking only at bodies, faces, clothes, expressions, etc. When combined with photos of their dwellings, the viewers perhaps have a different perspective after looking at the refugees separated from context.

By: Adam Cross

Adam Cross — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 22:30:00 +0000

great reply…

By: Michel Steeze

Michel Steeze — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 22:19:00 +0000

great critique….

By: ChristophZiegenhardt

ChristophZiegenhardt — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 01:58:00 +0000

I wrote about James’ work last in October ’11.I Also talk about the privileges and responsibilities that come this humanitarian photography work http://www.czed.com/blog/2011/10/19/james-mollison-work-thoughts-humanitarian-photography . Check it out (and much more on the topic)

By: Adam Cross

Adam Cross — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 00:18:00 +0000

The people would be much better un-posed and in their normal environment – white background just doesn’t cut it whether it’s for a series or not. It’s posed, fake, too westernised and boring.