Guest Post: The Inspiration of Thirst Relief by Kenny Kim

Three years ago I was on the road doing a series of workshops with Jeff Jochum, now of Smug Mug and Mike Colon.  I can’t deny for a second it was terrific to hang out with these two guys – all cutting edge, great ideas and a lot of inspiration.  At our program in Cleveland I met a photographer, Kenny Kim, who drove over from Chicago to attend.  Little did I know how much Kenny’s reputation and his skills as a photographer would grow over the next few years, not to mention my respect for him and the friendship.

I don’t think there’s a single convention I’ve attended in the last three years that some time during the trip I didn’t bump into Kenny. He attends everything he possibly can find the time to be at and has photographed virtually every major photographer in our industry for various projects, including GraphiStudio’s Day in the Life of WPPI. 

As his network has grown, so have his photographic skills and his non-stop energy and reputation for giving back.  When I heard Kenny had just returned from Tanzania, working on a project for Thirst Relief, it was no surprise.  Giving back, whether in support of a major project like this or just helping another photographer out of jam has become Kenny’s signature.

There are so many opportunities for photographers to give back and Kenny was nice enough to whip up a few hundred words and share some of his recent images from the trip for this guest post.  Even better, if you’re looking for some great workshops check out his schedule for next year and you’ll have a chance to work with Kenny directly.   His portfolio workshop is being conducted together with Ray Santana in late January and should be an excellent opportunity to build your images and experience.  He’s also got a pretty amazing trip  (PhotoVenture)coming up in Italy with room for just 15 photographers.

Nov. 2-11, 2009: Two weeks ago, Jim Davis-Hicks, Bob Davis, Anton Lorimer & I traveled half way across the world to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with one purpose in mind - to document the work of Thirst Relief International  and show how Big-Sand Water Filters and wells can save lives. Our purpose was to capture that message through photography, what we do best. All of us believe very strongly in Thirst Relief as an organization, but we also wanted to witness the impact, first hand, they were having in countries like Tanzania, where obtaining clean water was obviously a major crisis.  This journey not only did that, but it impacted my life in a way that will forever be changed. 

We got to visit a workshop where these filters were being made by the locals, visit a pastor whose life has been directly benefitted by the efforts of Thirst Relief, spend time with  local ministries that Thirst Relief partners with,  as well as witness the shocking condition of various parts of that country.

I personally went there hoping I could make a difference, but Africa also changed me. It has helped me to open my eyes to see the world as it is. It has helped me to get out of my comfort zone and start getting more involved helping others around us and live for causes greater than my own.

Africa left an indelible mark not only on me, but on our team members. We returned home eager to share our experience with everyone and to help spread awareness that the water crisis is a major issue in this important part of the world . For as little as $5, you can change someone’s life.

Think about that – If everyone gave just a little, so much could be achieved. We hope we can convey this message through our video/photo project.

To see more of the images from the Thirst Relief benefit project visit Kenny’s blog.  There’s a story behind every image!