Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Zousmer.
Michele, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a humanitarian and fine art photographer. I give voice to marginalized communities and witness the human experience. My work celebrates each individual’s strength and beauty, as well as their vulnerability and spirit, going beyond how one presents oneself to the world. A photograph can create a lasting impression of emotion, curiosity, love, and ultimately, hope of mankind. It can help people heal, give them dignity, and feel empowered. My photographs reveal insights into the lives of people we wouldn’t otherwise meet.
Through my world travels, I have met people from different walks of life, listening to their stories and sharing intimate moments with them. The permission they grant and openness they offer by inviting her into their world never ceases to move me. The soulfulness of my images comes from developing relationships with the people I engage with. I truly believe that even though we may have differences on the outside, inside we are all the same.
“My mind, my eyes, and my heart have been opened by my experiences. My life has been forever changed. I hope my work inspires others to feel we all matter and to care more profoundly. Engaging in the world and becoming open to different cultures and traditions allows for more conversation on diversity and equality. Photographs hold the power to connect people and create understanding. This is why I do what I do.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has been smooth and continues to open up to wonderful opportunities. I am self-taught and after shooting for travel and personal use, I realized I only want to use my images to bring awareness of social issues to others. I think of myself as a visual advocate. From my experiences with Child Labor in CostaRica to documenting survivors of the Rwandan genocide, holocaust survivors, nomads in Ladakh, Gypsies in Ireland, abandoned elderly in Romania and Bulgaria, women in prison, survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, a homeless choir, the way I view the world has changed. I treat people with kindness and respect and never pass judgment. I allow them to share with me and I believe we are all more the same than different.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I use my talent to get close to those who are less fortunate than I am. I use my images to bring awareness of social issues to others. I am a visual advocate. I want to put out images that make others curious, emotional. That creates conversation. I advocate for women and children. It is all I want to do. It is who I am.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I was just interviewed live last night and it is posted on my FB page. Fb is my name. Please check out my website www.michelezousmer.com and @humanityisart Interview: Bela Vista Social Club and Cafe.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3510 Front Street #2E SD, CA 92103
- Website: https://www.michelezousmer.com
- Phone: 8583544353
- Email: michele@michelezousmer.com
- Instagram: @humanityisart
- Facebook: MicheleZousmer
Image Credit:
M Pearson
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
