Viña del Mar. Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
I didn't realize the impact this portrait had on me until I began to review the material a few hours later with some calmness on my computer.
That's when I came across this look for the second time. The first time, while taking the photograph I looked directly into his eyes for a second or two, however the task of recording a series of moments took away the attention that the same snapshot returned to me hours later.
During this recording I had the opportunity to portray a series of animals and rescue and aid delivery contexts in 2 field hospitals and a series of places in Viña del Mar and its surroundings. All this in the context of a documentary record in photography and video for HSI International (The Humane Society), an organization that is concerned with the well-being of different types of animals in various contexts and geographic areas of the planet. From rescues and aid in natural disaster areas, to responsible ownership programs and veterinary operations, through wild animal programs and endless tasks throughout the world.
Knowing the SOLIDARITY MODE of Chileans, I was not surprised to see the tremendous number of volunteers, veterinarians, municipal coordinators, organizations, companies and ordinary citizens, all united in the same cause; help the animals rescued and found after the fires of the months of January and February 2024 in Viña del Mar and surrounding areas.
I was impressed by the amount of help received, the professionalism of the different agents involved and, above all, the commitment and respect with which they treat the animals under their care. Chile (and the world) has changed a lot regarding awareness regarding responsible animal ownership.
As a person and as a photographer (I can no longer abstract myself from either of the two) I am often impressed by the situations that I must witness and record. It's not like taking social photos or anything like that... It's not even about pressing the "click". It goes beyond everything; That's why I take my job very seriously and try to cover stories with as much respect as possible. Anyway... I hope that after all these processes, we can all be better people and understand the impact that our actions have on the planet. Clearly not everyone has such a constructive spirit, however we cannot allow darkness to win.
Thanks for reading me.
Claudio.