Documentary Photography

Marcus's work across diverse cultures, often in environments of suffering and conflict, has given him the experience and confidence to tackle most types of assignments, almost anywhere in the world.

A keen awareness of religious and cultural sensitivities along with a responsible approach to saftey in all areas of a commission reduces any risk to all involved and helps keep difficult assignments on track.

Teamwork

While a photographer's skill and experience is paramoumt, his abilty to work well in a team is vital to the success of any humanitarian project.

Among other professionals in the field Marcus has been fortunate to have worked with the following people who were involved with the projects illustrated on this page.

Jonathan Spencer (Zimbabwe); Abby King (Uganda); Keith Ewing (Congo, Afghanistan/Pakistan);
Catherine Thomas (Thailand).

Below left: Ben Sibanda on a lonely journey to bury his only son, Vincent (9 months), who died of TB and malnutrition. Ben's wife died a few months earlier. The situation for the poor and the weak in Zimbabwe remains grim as the country continues to deteriorate.

Right: Her father dead, and her mother disappeared, Thandolwenkosi (6) is now cared for by her grandmother. The acute lack of food in parts of Zimbabwe has resulted in Thandolwenkosi showing signs of oedema and pigment changes due to chronic malnutrition.

Oedema: Although this type of swelling is known to be due to protein deficiency, doctors remain uncertain as to why some children develop this appearance (which is known as Kwashiorkor), rather than the familiar emaciated appearance of Marasmus. Despite the 'healthier' outward appearance of Kwashiorkor, fat loss and muscle wastage is just as severe.

Below left: Families flee murderous raids perpetrated by the LRA. This continuing violence (since 1987) is one of Africa’s longest running conflicts. Northern Uganda.

Top right: A pygmy elder in Eringeti, North East Congo. The gentle, peace-loving pygmies, believed to be the original inhabitants of the Congo, are being forced out of their traditional hunting areas because of the constant conflict over the country's vast natural resources.

Above left: A young girl receives counselling from a specialist child welfare worker. The Asian Tsunami may be history, but many children are still traumatised by the event. Khao Lak, Thailand.

Above right: Blighted by famine and war, Afghan men with no jobs and no homes wait aimlessly in the dust for anything that might improve their lives and the lives of their families. Afghanistan/Pakistan border areas.

Work in Progress

Marcus is currently working on an eight-month project with Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), to highlight numerous different aspects of the plight of Dalit people, once called 'untouchables'. This will take the form of an exhibition to be displayed to key decision-makers in government and business across several countries. The project is due to be completed in November 2008.

CSW is an internationally-respected human rights organisation promoting religious freedom for all.

Marcus Perkins - May 2008
Humanitarian and Documentary Photographer
London UK. Telephone: +44 (0)7824 340 310