Photography As a Tool for Change

The supreme happiness of life is knowing that you are loved (looked at) by yourself or, more exactly, in spite of yourself.

Víctor Hugo

We are firmly convinced that photography can bring about significant change. So, when psychologist Concha Sánchez invited us to collaborate on integration and inclusion activities for minors, we didn’t hesitate—despite it being August, we knew it would be worth it.

The Fundación Diagrama Intervención Psicosocial foundation is a non-profit organization that has been working since 1991 to address the needs of vulnerable individuals or those facing social difficulties, always advocating for and promoting Human Rights. One of its objectives is to promote the development and management of services and programs aimed at preventing, treating, and reintegrating individuals at risk or facing social exclusion, particularly minors under the care of the judicial system.

We fully recognize that photography fosters autonomy and social reintegration. It is a powerful therapeutic tool—an opportunity to view the world differently, to see ourselves clearly and authentically, because only from that place can we truly love ourselves.

In a short time, our group of children discovered that Instagram is a great tool, that photography allows us to express ourselves without words, and that we can communicate what we feel from the heart. They discovered that there isn’t just one way of looking at things and that looking leads to thinking. We have witnessed their authentic photography projects drawn from their own lives and realities—photographs that resonate deeply with us regardless of technical quality.

We can discover a new gaze through photography, much like in a game. By being present and aware of ourselves, we can step out of our limited, dark world, opening our eyes like windows to discover a new way of looking: a new approach to thought, emotion, contemplation, speech, chaos, art, and expression.

That’s why photography is a way of connecting with both ourselves and the world. It tells the experience of a journey, a process, a personal evolution. Once completed, photography offers a new way of looking at things.

Change only happens through emotion, and we are certain we stirred some emotions as the farewell was filled with words like joy, learning, discovery, reflection, gratitude, and happiness…

Thank you to the Fundación Diagrama for its commitment and trust, to Concha Sánchez for her support and care, and above all, to our group of brave individuals who shared their time with us. We hope we have touched their hearts, but we are certain they have touched ours.

We leave the doors of ANDANAfoto open for your learning and collaboration as we continue to explore how photography and image creation offer the opportunity to look within by directing our gaze outward: discovering, loving, embracing, expressing, and being ourselves through all that we have lived and experienced.

If you want to learn more about us, explore our Courses and Workshops