Australia’s name derives from the Latin word australis, meaning “southern”. Considering the commonwealth island’s location, the name is reasonably suitable. For photographers like Rebecca Geddes, Australia has been her home, her heritage, and her muse. Driven by her passion, the Melbourne-based photographer captures several breathtaking landscapes with her camera. With her recent work in Kenya, Ethiopia and India, Geddes’ inspiring vision is a revelation of the humans and the humanity she has witnessed. Her work on her home soil is driven by the same inspiration. IMAGE: REBECCA GEDDES In the summer months of 2016, Geddes created one of her most impactful projects abroad documenting aboriginal tribes in Ethiopia and Kenya. Titled The Abeni Project, Geddes’ documentary followed girls and women living in remote tribal villages. The project aimed to represent women who would not otherwise garner attention. IMAGE: REBECCA GEDDES Geddes’ work has also brought her to countries neighbouring Australia. In India, she experienced Kumbh Mela, and found the spectacle particularly moving. “The Kumbh Mela pilgrimage is the largest gathering of mankind, with around 120 million pilgrims participating over the course of two-months,” explains Geddes, “this project tested my resilience, my strength, and my vulnerability equally. It was a once in a lifetime project; the absolute mecca of humanity and still leaves me in awe.” IMAGE: REBECCA GEDDES While Geddes’ work is an undoubtedly moving representation of her subjects and her experiences, her camera isn't a tool she can always use. “During my time in Mumbai. I crossed paths with a local family, of one brother and two sisters, all in their late eighties. Two of the sisters had been wheelchair-bound for over fifty years.” “The property they resided in, on the second floor, was condemned with only a ladder for access to the living areas. The women had not been outside in over fifty years. Their brother would bring their groceries, medicine, and prepare their meals.” Geddes recounts on the touching moment. One of the sisters’ she had met disapproved being photographed. This was more important to her than capturing a story, despite its potential success. “It was one of those incredible moments where everything just came together. The lighting, the composition, the subjects, it would have been a beautiful photo essay. Unfortunately one of the sisters decided it was not how she wanted to be remembered. I did try and talk her around, however at the end of the day, respect for their decision is paramount.” IMAGE: REBECCA GEDDES Geddes plans on continuing her ventures following women in nomadic families in Mongolia this summer. Her interest is found in the way women in these communities live and how these communities shape their way into the modern society. Although her next project abroad isn’t until June, Geddes’ keeps busy by photographing the rest of her beautiful homeland. Her next immediate shoot will be documenting drought related issues in the Australian outback. You can follow Rebecca Geddes and her work here.
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