Photograph by Whitney Justesen
Do you ever look back at your life and wonder how you came to be at the very spot you are standing in? I’m the type of person that is very practical about such things. I trace my steps and make sure that I have control over the situations I put myself in. But today is different, in a good way. Today I am going to India. Today I am doing something that I never thought I would ever do. I am visiting Kolkata to teach photography to survivors of human trafficking. I am going to let the whole experience wash over me like a wave.
I went out shopping a couple of days ago for vegan food so that I would have the comforts of home with me, and that was when it all seemed real. I started tearing up in the canned food isle. I couldn’t believe I was really about to pack a bag, hop a plane, travel for 35 hours, explore Hong Kong, and then arrive in India. My friend Amy Parrish is traveling with me (never has a more loving and caring soul been born). My friend Laura Price is the head of Blossomy, a non-profit organization that invites various teachers to share their craft with the people who the charity helps.
“Between” – A girl in between worlds, much like this journey I am embarking on.
As I sit here typing this, I feel like I am in a dream. How did I end up here? How was it that of all the people in the world, of all the photographers out there, Laura chose me to come along and share my story? Because she is putting her faith in me I get to not only teach photography to these women, but also hear their stories and let them express themselves through the lens. I also get to photograph them, an honor which I do not take lightly.
There are some loose ends that I wanted to tie up. This blog post is hardly more than me venting about how exciting I am, and how humbled, to be traveling to India…as well as some other thoughts that I wanted to leave you with.
- I’ve got several images backed up ready to share,
which I will be doing when I return home.
I’m not sure how great my communication will be while I am there,
so in my absence I wanted to say that I will miss typing at you all
and I hope everyone has an inspired week ahead.
- I have a behind the scenes video coming soon,
so to those who have been asking about it
I assure you I will deliver it when I return home,
along with new pictures from my new series (and a bloated blog post).
- I will be letting email pile up a bit while I am away.
I want to devote all of my time to this project.
I know I will learn more than I can teach.
I hope you will understand, and I will be back at it after the jet lag has left my body upon my return.
- As of right now, I return home on February 2nd, unless I extend the flight a bit. We shall see!
I will be sending positive thoughts to all, even if I can’t type it out on the internet!
{ 3 } Comments
Is it possible to be re-inspired? Because when I “chose” Brooke, I was already inspired. Working with these brave survivors is awe inspiring. And Brooke, we were not friends when I asked you to come to India. I was introduced to your work through a friend who had attended one of your workshops and it was through the impact of your images and my friend’s enthusiasm after having spent a weekend with you, that I decided to invite you to come and share your incredible talent. I could only imagine the possibilities.
I am honored and grateful that you “chose” me to trust and to share your gifts, not only as a photographer, but as the kind, loving and inspirational young woman that you are. And I am so happy that you have referred to me as your friend, because I think of you now as my friend. I too will allow the waves to wash over me in the following weeks. I trust your heart and your eyes and your sensitive perspective in helping these resilient young women to tell their stories. Difficult stories. Empowering stories. Personal stories. Stories that need to be told. Yes, this will be a workshop about inspiration but for me, it will be a workshop about re-inspiration. To be inspired again and again is the challenge and the beauty of life.
You are such an inspiration! At such a young age, you are an incredible visionary. Thank you for sharing your talents. You are a fantastic role model! Even to us ‘old folks’. :) Many blessings to you on your journey! What an amazing experience!
Your photos are so beautiful, Brooke, and your post is equally beautiful and inspiring. I’m so delighted that you are doing this project with my lifetime best friend Laura. Safe travels. Can’t wait to see the results!
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