We had the privilege of assisting the two children shown in the picture. One of them was born with a cleft lip, while the other had clubfoot. Regrettably, they were unable to pursue further education beyond the local primary school in their village.
Mission Statement
Over the last two decades, my top priority has been to offer aid to those in need. This calling emerged after I departed from my teaching role at the Brooks Institute of Photography. Although I cannot provide assistance single-handedly, I am able to aid the organizations that are doing so. Through my photography, I can make a difference by fostering a sense of purpose and solidarity, establishing trustworthiness, and demonstrating the accomplishments and victories of these organizations to potential contributors. My pictures strive to elicit empathy by underscoring the sentiments of those who require assistance, in essence, making it harder to overlook their predicament.
We moved to a small village in the Lao PDR in 2004 and oversaw the construction of a school building, and created a Children’s Development Center. We ensured that patients in the community had access to medical care, both locally and internationally. Currently, we carefully select and provide support to deserving scholarship students. We remain committed to providing ongoing support to this community.
Naturally, my aspiration is that my photographs will inspire global awareness and cooperation to address the disparities that exist in society and prompt a humanitarian response to assist those who are less fortunate. However, I find immense gratification in the knowledge that if my pictures can make a positive impact on even one person's life, it is a worthwhile endeavor. Ultimately, it is the act of aiding individuals that brings me the most satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.
If I find your organization's mission and purpose compelling, I would be happy to partner with you to further your objectives. I am eager to document the inspiring stories of your team and the people they are helping and provide any assistance needed.
I and my wife, Leila Srour, have had an incredible journey so far. We lived in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) from 2002 to 2013, where Leila supported the training of Lao pediatricians. Now, we've adopted a nomadic lifestyle, and we don't have a permanent residence. Our experiences have been truly inspiring, and we hope to encourage others to explore the world and live life to the fullest.
Education
Bryan earned a BA and MS in photography from Brooks Institute, achieving honor roll status and recognition on the President’s list.
Clients & publications
Humanitarian Photography clients and publications have included Amade Foundation, American Anthropological Association Anthropology News, American Academy of Pediatrics, American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, American Lung Association, Balian's Outdoor and Nature Photography, BD Medical - Pharmaceutical Systems, Big Brother Mouse, British Medical Journal, Bwalo Street Children project Malawi, Care Australia, Chiedza Center Zimbabwe, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Columbia Union College Maryland, Direct Relief International, Euromoney, Facing Africa, Goleta Valley Voice, Handihams, Health Frontiers, Health in Harmony, Health Volunteers Overseas, HitchingsPharma - A division of GlaxoSmithKline, Interplast Australia, Research Institute on Contemporary Southeast Asia (IRASEC), Montecito Journal Newspaper, Peterson's Photographic Magazine, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Santa Barbara Independent Newspaper, Santa Barbara News-Press, SEE International, Silkworm Press, Society of Adolescent Health in Uganda, South East Asian Mountain Peoples' for Culture and Development, Special Olympics, The Humanity Initiative, The Lake Clinic Cambodia, The Royal Geographic Society, This Month in Santa Barbara Magazine, Tumaini Street Children Project Kenya, University Hospital Health System.
Press & Awards
PDN World in Focus Ultimate Travel Photography Competition SELECT WINNER 2015. Information on my blog page.
American Academy of Pediatrics Section on International Child Health Best Photo 2015 Information on my blog page.
Our humanitarian photography work in the Lao PDR was recognized by the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). The March 2005 issue of News Photographer Magazine featured a story titled “Bryan Watt” that highlights our efforts. We aim to inspire readers to make a difference in their communities and continue to help those in need. You can read the article at www.bryanwatt.com/nppa. www.nppa.org
The Photo Imaging Education Association (PIEA) featured an article titled “Making an Impact with Photography” that highlights our contributions in Laos. It was published in their Photo Imaging Newsletter Issue 1, March 2011, and can be downloaded from their website at www.pmai.org/piea.
Our volunteer activities in the Lao PDR were acknowledged by Former President Bill Clinton. We were also privileged to receive visits from the US Ambassador to Laos and distinguished members of the Lao Parliament.
Gallery Exhibitions
The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, the world's largest private holding of important original documents and manuscripts hosted a solo exhibition of my Akha and Mlabri gelatin silver prints.
Grâce à la participation d'artistes internationaux, à l'image du photographe Bryan Watt, auteur des photographies exposées, les événements organi sés par Vlh Season sont un premier pont culturel créé entre Akha et occidentaux.Au Centre culturel Mathis Exposition photographique Akha du mardi 29 mars au samedi 9 avril 2005 Paris France
Photographic exposition of my photographs of the Akha people of Thailand; Institut pour la Promotion des Arts Présente Declics Exposition Photographique 4-12 June 2005 Centre Culturel De Bois. Colombes
Visions of the Sacred online gallery
Bryan Watt was recognized as "one of the world's most talented photojournalists" in 2002 and was invited to contribute to a unique website. The website uses documentary photojournalism and the theme "the sacred" to raise funds for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen of Detroit, which provides meals to homeless individuals and families, and Jefferson House, a residential recovery home for addicts. You can view the online gallery at www.visionsacred.org