Trauma Informed Photography

My work as a photographer is deeply rooted in a trauma-informed approach, shaped by years of documenting the lives of human trafficking survivors across the globe. From Uganda to the Philippines, Tanzania to the United States, I’ve captured stories of individuals who have endured profound hardship, bearing witness to their resilience and courage. My long-term documentary work centers on portraits and testimonials from survivors of conflict, organ trafficking, sex trafficking, cybersex trafficking, forced domestic labor, forced marriage, and child labor. These experiences have taken me across diverse regions and brought me face-to-face with the complex realities of trafficking.

Human trafficking impacts every aspect of a survivor's life, often resulting in severe and lasting consequences. Trafficking is distinct from other violent crimes in that it involves prolonged and repeated trauma. Survivors may face physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, torture, forced substance use, and manipulation, leading to serious psychological effects like PTSD, depression, anxiety, memory loss, and feelings of guilt, shame, and fear.

Given that many of the individuals I document suffer from post-traumatic stress, I am extremely mindful of how I gather and share their stories. I see my role as providing a space for survivors to share their experiences in a way that fosters connection and results in meaningful, respectful portraiture. My trauma-informed approach is not about healing or changing the individual but about minimizing the risk of re-traumatization. Photography can be a vulnerable experience, and it is my responsibility to apply trauma-informed care principles to ensure the safety and dignity of those I document.

I use five guiding principles: safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. 

Safety

•       Communicating with the person regularly before the session to ensure all of their questions are answered
•       Providing a welcoming and safe space for sharing their story
•       Practicing consent before making physical contact with a subject

Trust and building relationships 

•       Explaining how and where images will be used
•       Practicing consent
•       Taking the time to deeply listen
•       Exercising patience in waiting for subjects to present themselves and open up

During the session there is open conversation about their past experiences, where they see themselves at present, and about their future aspirations.

 Choice

•        Exercising the importance of agency

Collaboration 

•        Explaining to the subject that they are part of the creative process and that it is a partnership between us
•        Before capturing images, exploring ideas and goals for the photography session, and the obstacles to achieving those goals
•        Working collaboratively to capture images by inviting the subject to view the images that are being taken

 Empowerment 

•        Providing a platform to tell their story so they can take control of their own narrative

Participatory photography involves two key elements. First, it adopts a trauma-informed approach, recognizing the survivor’s trauma while respecting their autonomy. Consent is not a one-time event; it is continuously sought throughout the entire process, without imposing consequences on the survivor. For the process to be truly participatory, this ongoing consent is crucial. Second, while the content creator may be the expert in creative aspects, the survivor remains the expert in their own story, guiding its depiction and telling.

For survivors of trafficking, photography and videography can often feel objectifying if not handled with care. Any photographer or filmmaker must work closely with the primary consultant from the victims’ department, as well as the psychologist and shelter manager. This management team is equipped to guide the photographer in capturing moments that promote healing. The goal is to avoid making the survivors feel insecure or re-traumatized.

Guided by trauma-informed care principles, my work with survivors of human trafficking has been an eye-opening journey. As I continue to deepen my understanding of trauma-sensitive practices, I am reminded that while photography is a powerful tool for raising awareness, it must be approached with great care to avoid causing harm. My goal is to empower survivors by harnessing the therapeutic potential of photography to aid in their recovery. For some, it fosters confidence; for others, it instills a sense of worth and value. The focus is on shifting away from narratives of pity and disempowerment, instead highlighting courage, honesty, beauty, and strength. Occasionally, I receive emails from survivors expressing gratitude for being heard, sharing that they had never told their story before being given the chance. This is what fuels my work.