Whether photography is your hobby or your profession, the importance of documenting what is going on around you is – perhaps now more than ever - essential. Over the last two weeks, we have all seen the harrowing images coming out of Ukraine, as well as the many pictures from around the world showing support. The bravery of photo journalists remaining in a war zone to document the reality of what is taking place is humbling. But, perhaps more so are the many thousands of images and videos – of the everyday, the remarkable, the powerful and the shocking – that are being taken by Ukrainian citizens on their smartphones.
Kyiv, Ukraine : 3 March, 2022- Elderly woman in the waiting room, at the railway station — Photo by Fotoreserg (Copyright © Depositphotos, 2022)
The power of this tool in documenting and communicating reality in the face of fake images and propaganda is astonishing. But the everyday smartphone is also now the main way in which those affected can keep connected with the outside world.
KYIV, UKRAINE - Feb. 28, 2022: War of Russia against Ukraine. Empty shelves in Kiev grocery stores — Photo by palinchak (Copyright © Depositphotos, 2022)
Sites like Vista’s Deposit Photos have created a free to access platform to document the real life of people in Ukraine, and the protests from around the world in support, all taken by everyday people. This conflict will be the most documented in history and while the images and videos can be challenging to engage with, they are also heart-warming, powerful and give a voice to those left vulnerable.
Couple kissing with Russian and Ukraine flags painted on cheeks. Demonstration against the war. Taranto, Puglia, Italy 26.02.2022 — Photo by Maxtod (Copyright © Depositphotos, 2022)
What this time is showing is how important documenting what is happening around you can be. This is something we can all engage with (which is why we love smartphone photography so much – anyone can do it!). So, whether you are taking to social media to share an image of your support, capturing pictures of the most precious things in your life, or photographing the war raging around you… take the shot, share the shot and appreciate the shot.
Sending our support, love and thoughts to all those affected by the war in Ukraine. Jet & Becky