Photographer Of The Week – Szymon Barylski

Photographer of the week for this week is Szymon  Barylski

girl in refugee camp in Idomeni on the Greek-Macedonian border
Syrian girl holding her younger sibling.

This picture was taken in refugee camp in Idomeni on the Greek-Macedonian border and it’s part of an series called „ Fleeing death“. Camp is occupied by people from different social strata. They are all found there fleeing the war, death and starvation. They continue their journey through Macedonia to the north and west of Europe.
Photo taken with Nikon D810, Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8

woman nurses child in Belen a district of Iquitos a town in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon
woman nurses child in Belen a district of Iquitos a town in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon

This picture belong to series about Belen. Belen is a district of Iquitos a town in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Photo taken with Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8

The district of misery lies on the river Itaya and for six months is flooded with water, which is why locals call it the “Peruvian Venice”. It is estimated that in the “floating district” there live 65,000 inhabitants, although the number is much higher.

The society lives in makeshift homes on platforms and high stilts protecting them against flooding during the rainy season. Due to overcrowding, in homes, there live from two to five families with children, often in two rooms. The majority of the population lives in extreme poverty – without electricity, sewerage and drinking water.

Defecation, bathing, washing and cooking in the dirty river full of garbage is commonplace for most people.

Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon, to which there is no land route. One can get to the city only by boat or plane. One of the attractions of Iquitos is Belen district. It is here where at a huge market people can purchase everything – from Chinese trinkets to illegal wild animals. Belen is not only the largest bazaar in the Amazon but also huge slums – slums in the heart of the jungle.

The district of misery lies on the river Itaya and for six months is flooded with water, which is why locals call it the “Peruvian Venice”. It is estimated that in the “floating district” there live 65,000 inhabitants, although the number is much higher. The society lives in makeshift homes on platforms and high stilts protecting them against flooding during the rainy season. Due to overcrowding, in homes, there live from two to five families with children, often in two rooms.

The majority of the population lives in extreme poverty – without electricity, sewerage and drinking water. Defecation, bathing, washing and cooking in the dirty river full of garbage is commonplace for most people. Only “richer families,” that is, those whose father has a stable job, have access to electricity and clean water transported from the city. In the life-giving water float piranhas, snakes, plastic bottles, feces and other filth.

The situation does not improve during the dry season, the waste and the remains of garbage wait until the next tide takes them, the dirt is everywhere! The low standard of living has led to an increase in unemployment, crime and alcoholism. Often, the only source of income is the money from illegal drug trafficking, prostitution and illegal poaching animals from the jungle. Another problem is the very low level of education or lack thereof.

For half a year, schools are flooded with water, which causes their shutting down. Even when they are open, few children attend them. Firstly, it is too expensive. Buying a pen and notebook is often almost impossible.

Young people on the streets of Casablanca, Morocco
Young people on the streets of Casablanca, Morocco

This photo was taken in Casablanca during my trip to Morocco where I documented the life of local people.
Photo taken with Nikon D300, Nikkor 50mm 1.4

About Szymon  Barylski 

I am a Polish photographer, born in 1984. I am a freelancer based in Ireland, Galway. Photography is my passion, which I continually develop. I am involved in documentary photography and photo essays. For me, photographing is a tool for exploring and learning about the world. I try to tell a story and show it directly.

In my opinion, people are an inexhaustible topic and a source of inspiration. When travelling, I meet people; as a result I create the image of my relation with them. The exploration of the environment where I take photos allows me to create emotional and convincing scenes. I think you cannot photograph the things you do not know well.

That is why I prepare myself for each project individually, accurately, going into detail in the newspapers and on the Internet. Next I look for an inspiration in other photographer’s photos and conversations, as a result I can create real pictures. My own narrative presented in my photos is at the same time very personal and common. I think that a lot of people can identify themselves with my works.

I wish my photos could increase individual and collective awareness about the social, political and economic need and urge people to act, be part of positive changes.

www.szymonbarylski.com

 

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