Much Appreciated

Hola,

My name is Carlo Bravo. I’m an independent photojournalist who needs financial support to continue my work as a voice for social justice. My job takes me around the world to document humanitarian missions, social injustice, and the people who are just trying to survive amid a multitude of circumstances outside their control. Currently, my focus is to give voice to the many people touched by the war in Ukraine.

I attribute a lot of my intense drive to document the human side of war and the humanitarian aid efforts to my childhood experiences. I grew up in Peru during the 80’s and 90’s in a period of intense social unrest. I lived through terrorists and then under a dictatorship. All through my childhood and adolescence, I saw firsthand how violence and conflict affected the lives of the people caught up in it. These experiences changed me, but they also inspired me to become a photojournalist, which has become my lifelong passion and vocation

I think I first found my voice through my camera lens; ever since I have been captivated by the power of photos to speak volumes about the moments, they capture. So, even though my work is visual, I see myself as a listener. My photos capture the stories I hear behind each face.

When the war in Ukraine broke out, I had a calling to go. I just took out my savings and left. Even though I wasn’t sure exactly what would happen, I knew that I needed to be there and document my experience.

I began my journey in Poland, documenting the refugee crisis and the many people fleeing their homes. I then crossed the border into Ukraine and volunteered alongside relief workers from all over the world. These amazing people have created vast networks to supply humanitarian aid to those remaining in Ukraine, unable to flee the war.

The images I took while in Ukraine aim to shed light on the lives of the unseen victims and heroes who have been forever touched by this conflict. Time and again, I was left speechless by their bravery, their joy, their grief and their determination. I learned so much from all of the people I met during my time in Ukraine but unfortunately had to leave before I had finished my work there. The relief effort really needs press to help them fund their efforts, and I am impatient to get back to helping them!

Since I do not work for a media outlet, I must fund all resources on my own. Your donations will make it possible for me to go back to Ukraine for a 3-month stay. It will be used for travel and living expenses and, as the war intensifies, protective gear to wear at the front line. Please help me to continue my work to shed light on the lives of everyday people in Ukraine and to assist the relief effort by bringing their work into focus for a wider audience. Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Any contribution large or small, will get me closer to my goal and is greatly appreciated.

Agradezco de antemano toda la ayuda que pueda recibir estaré eternamente agradecido.

Carlo Bravo