African Tribal Photo

16 year old Aija visited Zimbabwe four years ago, a trip from which she returned home with many beautiful photographs, and behind each photo, an amazing story.

Story Behind the Shot

Photographer: Aija Mayrock

Age: 16

Location: California

Photo Location: Zimbabwe

One of these photos in particular caught my attention while I was reviewing Aija’s submissions.  A smiling woman with her baby, both wrapped in brightly colored textiles fill the frame, with what is clearly an African landscape behind them, slightly out of focus, giving prominence to the two subjects, but not so blurred that it loses meaning.  A beautiful photograph.  The story behind this image, however, seems to be completely at contrast with what appears to be a simple depiction of a happy mother and child.

Aija and her family found this woman walking in the wilderness, alone with her young baby.  They stopped to talk to her, and discovered that the child was sick.  This young mother had walked for miles to find a doctor – days in fact – without success.  Her desperate search had caused her to get lost, and she couldn’t find her way back to her village.

Aija’s family gave her a ride home, back to her village, saving her from more days of lonely trekking.  She describes the woman as “one of the sweetest, kindest people”.  As a gift for the ride, the woman gave Aija a beautiful necklace that she had hand beaded herself, a gift that Aija still has, 4 years later, which will, along with this photo, always be a reminder of her amazing story.

If you have an amazing photograph with an equally amazing story behind it, then please email eloiseadler@teenagephotographer.com.