Robert vanWaarden Photography Journal

Youth Climate Photographer Shows at Barcelona Negotiations

2009-11-05T05:10:00.004-05:00

If you are a youth climate activist, if you have been to a Powershift conference, and/or if you read this blog, you have seen some of these amazing images that are on display, right now, in front of delegates at the Barcelona intercessional meetings –only one month before Copenhagen.

I wanted to take a moment and share this work, and also a message from my amazing co-worker, Robert van Waarden:

“Youth have been documenting the movement on the front lines of the global climate crisis and now, we are bringing our message to negotiators at Barcelona.

For years now, the global youth climate movement has been organizing, building momentum and strength, and influencing the debate through our actions, documentation, and networking from the front lines of the climate crisis. Actions by individuals have inspired groups and movements across Earth to fight for a dependable, stable climate. It is the issue that defines our generation.

I have had the pleasure of documenting and photographing this movement across the globe. From the halls of Powershifts to the high level segments of the Conference of Parties, from the G20 to the High Arctic, I have been honored to lend my skills as a photographer, and help give the international youth movement a voice and image. Now, we at Fired UP! Media and Project Survival Media are seizing the opportunity to place large, professional, compelling images directly in front of the negotiators and delegates in Barcelona RIGHT NOW.

This last intercessional meeting will be instrumental in crafting the outcome of Copenhagen and it is absolutely essential, and wonderful that our story is being shown. But we need your help to support the display. All of this photographic coverage has been undertaken on a volunteer basis and because of this, we need to seek financial support to cover the shipment of these images to Barcelona. If you feel that displaying your voice at the UN is important, then please consider donating to Project Survival Media so we can continue to sound our voices loud and clear at the meeting before the most important meeting in the world. Survival is Not Negotiable. The youth of the world are here.” – Robert van Waarden

Help us support the photographers that so greatly amplify our voice, and influence our decision makers.

Thank you for your inspiration and dedication.

Photographs of the Barcelona Climate Talks - UNFCCC Negotiations

2009-11-02T11:09:00.001-05:00

Photographing live from the Barcelona Climate Talks......

For the collection of photographs from the United Nations Climate Change Talks in Barcelona, Click

I am here in Barcelona for two reasons:

An exhibit of my images of youth action around the world for climate change is displayed on the wall here at the center. One of the greatest challenges of communicating climate change is putting a human face on an intangible issue. This photography exhibit re-examines the methods of communication by highlighting the inspirational work that young people are undertaking across the globe in the face of the growing climate crisis.
To cover the amazing youth that are here once again. The story continues and we will be pushing for an agreement in Copenhagen that pushes for the Survival of All Nations and Peoples.

Prior to this conference the head of the IPCC, Rajendra Pachauri, has "accused countries of pushing science aside in favour of self-serving "political myopia" ahead of the vital Copenhagen summit". I wonder if his words will help move the governments of the world away from their political posturing and into a world of negotiations that reflect the scientific demands of our need to cut Carbon? I hope so.

288 ppm Amsterdam, a 350.org action and aerial photo

2009-10-24T15:08:00.001-04:00

"It isn't 350, but 288ppm is better. "

Video: Ellard Vasen

As the rain fell on downtown Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we reached 288 People Per Museumplein dancing the Charleston in the shape of '350 NU'. Translated as '350 Now' it was a fun, electric action that joined over 5000 actions across the globe for the 350.org international day of action. MOVE YOUR FEET for CLIMATE ACTION! - voor een BETER KLIMAAT! was followed by a march through the downtown of Amsterdam calling for 350ppm.

Young and old danced the Charleston, a 1920s swing dance, to communicate their desire for a treaty that commits the countries of the world to a target of 350parts per million CO2.

350.org Amsterdam Foto - Museumplein - Aerial Photograph

2009-10-23T07:21:00.003-04:00

De foto van de demonstratie in Amsterdam op Museumplein voor 350.org kan hier gedownload worden.
Het wachtwoord voor de gratis download voor redactioneel gebruik: 350

The photograph from the Amsterdam event of 350.org can be downloaded here. This image is provided free for editorial usage and the Password is: 350

Please spread it far and wide.

Below is a gallery of the day of action from Amsterdam

350 Foto Amsterdam Museumplein - Climate Aerial and March - Images by Robert vanWaarden

Less Talk More Action - Video and Photography at the UN Summit

2009-10-21T13:04:00.000-04:00

At the recent High Level UN summit in New York on climate change, several students narrated a film that was shown to all delegates calling on them to act now. It is a well produced film that pulls on the heartstrings, but you can't help wonder how many of these will we need to produce before our political decision makers will start to make the right decisions?

Watch it and keep your eyes open for my images.

International League of Conservation Photographers - Emerging Photographer

2009-10-21T09:10:00.000-04:00

The International League of Conservation Photographers is an incredible organization of the top environmental and conservation photographers in the world. Its' ranks include National Geographic photographers Paul Nicklen and Michael 'Nick' Nichols, Dutch photographer Frans Lanting, Gary Braasch, etc. etc. The list goes on.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that this organization is a great idea. Combine the power and skills of the top photographers in the world to focus on conservation and the environment. Our mission is to further environmental and cultural conservation through ethical photography.

I am pleased to announce that I have accepted into this League as an Emerging Photographer. This organization is one that I admire and whose photographers are people that I look to for their hardwork, passion, dedication and skill. It will be a pleasure to learn from them, work with them and together contribute to conserving and improving our planet.

Blog Action Day - Climate Change Blogging

2009-10-15T06:08:00.000-04:00

Across the blogosphere today, over 7000 blogs will be writing about Climate Change. It is called the Blog Action Day and has set out to mobilize the entire blog world around the single most important issue of our time and generation, climate change.

The whole climate world is entering the final stretch of the race for a climate just world and it is going to be a hectic 6 weeks. My path begins next weekend in Amsterdam on October 24th with 350.org. There are over 2000 actions happening in 150 countries and in Amsterdam we will have 350 swing dancers dancing for the climate. In attendance will be James Hansen, chief NASA scientist and hundreds of climate activists. Sign up to join us if you are in Amsterdam. Or for more information on the event, go here

A week later I will be in Barcelona to cover the last stage of negotiations before Copenhagen. We will also be displaying the same show that I displayed in Bonn.

In November, I will be working with Project Survival Media to draw attention to climate change in Europe and then we are into Copenhagen. Copenhagen will be the most important meeting ever and we need everyone across the globe to hold their leaders accountable for a strong and just agreement. The only thing that is missing is the political will and it is time to change that. You can help by getting involved next weekend with 350.org

Photography of PowerShift UK - Reporting by Project Survival Media

2009-10-11T11:40:00.000-04:00

Crossposted from Itsgettinghotinhere
More Photography and Gallery Here.

By: Adaeze Umolu

Young men and women at the reception and registration desk are in high spirits as UK Powershift 09 has brought hundreds together to tackle our climate future here in London. Irrespective of physical, cultural or social differences, the determination of these young men and woman begs one to wonder if United Kingdom or world leaders can ignore such a movement.

Powershift UK is not just another campaign event to gather young people. It is a conference where workshops have been organized to teach skills to the young people in attendance with the end result of taking a meaningful action. It is “not just swapping to low energy light bulbs, but how to campaign and communicate effectively within their local communities.” It aims to inspire and educate drawing from the vast experience of the speakers lined up for the conference such as Ian Katz, Deputy editor of The Guardian and Emily Cummings, a 22 year old inventor using her designs to tackle climate change issues within Southern African countries.

Organized by the UKYCC, and modeled after the Powershift conferences held in the USA and Australia. The passion and focus of this conference is a serious one. It is about climate change, our planet and our future. Yet, these young people have set out to tell a more positive story and get people involved. The future and our planet’s future looks bright here today and I am more optimistic as the events of the day continue that our voice will be heard. I intend to remain here for the full duration of the conference and more articles are on the way.

Writer Adaeze Umolu reports for the Project Survival Media team in Europe.

Why she got Climate Justice Tattooed on her Neck

2009-10-02T10:44:00.000-04:00

C rossposted from It's Getting Hot in Here.

Three reasons:

1. The principle
2. The permanence
3. I like tattoos

From the least important to the most important, these three reasons explained…

Reason 3 – “I like tattoos”

Continue reading "Why I got "Climate Justice" tattooed on my neck.

Irish Moss Photography - Canadian Geographic Photographer

2009-09-28T06:02:00.020-04:00

My photography essay on the Irish Moss Industry on Prince Edward Island, Canada, appears this month in Canadian Geographic.

The story behind these photographs begins one blustery morning when the rain was pelting my tent whilst camping with family and friends. The dawn brought with it a slew of men and horses, crawling the North Cape beach and collecting the 'blessing from the sea'. The photography that day was moody and dramatic as exhausted horses and jubilant men played in the stormy waves. The seawater dripped off their backs, no damper to the joy brought by the bounty the sea had bestowed upon them.

This led me to investigate further. I met Carl Doucette, a brick of a man who has spent over 50 years raking the moss off the sea bed. His arms are testament to the physical labour that has defined his life and his spirit is calming. Having spent so much time on the water, Carl's is a man comfortable with his place in the world. We sat in his kitchen drinking coffee and tears filled his eyes as he recounted his story about the decline of his industry and his uncertain future.

Heading out on the water with Carl that afternoon will remain one of those memorable experiences as a photographer. The sun glinted off the waves and the moss raked from the sea quickly piled up in the boat. I tried my own hand at raking in the moss and was quickly reminded why Carl's arms were small trees. It was an honour to spend time with Carl and I am indebted to his story and time for making this essay possible.

My thanks also goes out to the folks at Shea's Irish Moss Plant in Anglo Tignish. They were kind enough to allow me to work with them for a few hours and photograph their dusty, cavernous operation. They bale the moss into packages that weigh over 120 lbs, (as eagerly demonstrated to me by Rodney, the strong man in the operation).

It was a pleasure to put this essay together. Now go out to your nearest newsstand (in Canada) and buy the issue to see the images.

Kiboko bag and Norway - a success?

2009-09-21T16:41:00.006-04:00

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take my new Kiboko camera bag from Gura Gear on an assignment for Canadian Geogarphic in Norway. For years I have been using a trusty, Lowepro Nature Trekker. However, it is now suffering from acute zipper disorder and since the Lowepro hospital doesn't cover zipper disorder, I went looking for a new bag.

I came across the Kiboko bag and the weight of the bag convinced me that it was the bag that would fill my needs. I travel and I want a camera bag that balances weight, durability, weather proofing and ease of use. The Kiboko bag appeared to do this, it will easily hold two pro canon bodies with any lens and is surprisingly comfortable on my 200cm frame.

Where did it go wrong? As I unpacked the box, I found the neat little rain cover and an 'oh oh' escaped my lips. I had a bad feeling that the elastic band would not hold the cover in a strong storm. Sure enough, on a ridge in Norway, horizontal rain and gale force winds, ripped the cover from my pack. The image below is the moment my subjects are watching it float away on the winds....

Fortunately, I was able to retrieve the cover on the slope below before my gear was compromised, but the design is a serious issue if it won't hold in a storm situation. I will be forced to create a leash for the cover to hold it to the pack. If Gura adopted an integrated rain-cover approach, the cover would be attached to the pack and won't get lost or blown away, a real problem when you need to access your gear in the wind and the rain. Perhaps they will consider this in the next line...

Despite the near escape, I found the pack worked well in all situations and I look forward to my new travel companion for many trips to come.

Train Vs. Airplane, the moral economics of an Assignment

2009-08-26T11:24:00.006-04:00

Airplane 0.19 tonnes of CO2	Train 0.02 tonnes of CO2
Ticket Cost = €160 Taxi to Airport = €100 Carbon Offset = €5 Cost to future generations = Unfathomable Total = Huge	Ticket Cost = €320 Taxi to Station/Back = €20 Good feeling and Respect from Girlfriend = Priceless Total = Priceless

In less then one hour I will embark on a 24 hour train ride for my next assignment in Norway. I am off to Norway to work on a climate change story for Canadian Geographic. For the last couple of years I have been focusing on climate change and particularly the youth movements across the globe. Whether at the United Nations Conference or a grassroots events, I have been documenting the young change makers of today.

Needless to say, I move around a lot and I am acutely aware of my personal carbon footprint on the planet. So when the opportunity came up for an assignment where it wasn't necessary to take a plane, I jumped at the possibility.

Why spend 24 hours getting to a destination when I could simply go to Schiphol airport and get on a plane for 2 hours?

It isn't actually all that hard to explain, air travel has for long been cited as one of the main causes of carbon dioxide and one the major contributors (between 4 - 9%) of global warming. Not only that, but aircraft emissions are special. Because they are produced at cruising altitudes high up, the emissions are more harmful. In fact, the IPCC estimages that the impact of aircraft emissions is 2 - 4 times high then the direct effect of the CO2 alone. See the David Suzuki website for more information.

By taking the train to Norway, I am responsible for 10 - 25% of the CO2 that I would if I were to take the plane. This makes me happy, this makes my client happy, it makes future generations happy and most importantly it makes my girlfriend happy. (ED. Note, upon consultation, said girlfriend has declared that she is not more important then future generations.)

Announcing Project Survival Media

2009-08-18T11:55:00.003-04:00

Imagine on all seven continents, there are young people equipped to globally broadcast pivotal stories on impacts, struggles, and solutions. Imagine that you had one minute to tell negotiators how you wanted them to represent you. What would you say?

Announcing PROJECT SURVIVAL MEDIA. The brainchild of Journalist and Activist Shadia Fayne Wood, Project Survival Media is a project of Fired UP! Media and launched on August 11th in San Fransisco, California (read the launch update)

'We are a global network of youth journalists reporting from the frontlines of the climate crisis in the lead up to COP 15. Our seven new media teams, one for each continent, will report on the most compelling climate stories from around the world, amplify voices underrepresented by traditional media, and launch “Survival” to the forefront of the political debate.'

This is an incredible project that has the potential to help shift our world. It has great leadership, great ideas and a youth network second to none behind it. Expect to hear more from it in the future.

vanwaardenphoto.com connection with Photoshelter

2009-08-17T11:11:00.003-04:00

For quite some time now I have held a Photoshelter account. It has been used primarily in the background and for specific client requests. However, in an effort to make my stock images more available and it easier to search for images, it has now been integrated into vanwaardenphoto.com.

When you enter vanwaardenphoto.com you will be given the option of 'Images', this will take you to my Photoshelter webpage.

Over the next few weeks I will be updating this webpage and making many more images available.

In Bonn - Inter-Intersessional

2009-08-14T05:24:00.005-04:00

In Bonn - again....

United Nations Inter-Intersessional Climate talks.

The latest feedback from some friends that have been here all week....

The draft text for Copenhagen is too long so the negotiators are arguing about how to cut it down. We can't confuse this with cutting it down, that would be moving too quickly, first they need to argue about how to cut it down.

Till next time, from Bonn with Love.

Oman for National Geographic Traveler - Photography Assignment

2009-08-14T04:52:00.002-04:00

I am back from my assignment for the Netherlands version of National Geographic Traveler.

I must admit, the climate in the Netherlands is much more conducive to clear thinking. From the moment we stepped onto the tarmac in Oman, it was about heat and humidity. Please note, I have become accustomed to stepping out of airplanes and being greeted with a different climate, but stepping out of the plane in Muscat was like walking in to a brick wall of fire and water. It was +45 and humid. To survive in the Capital, Omanis travel between air conditioned atmospheres as quickly as possible. When one taxi driver was asked what they did before air conditioning and he simply responded, 'It was bad'.

The interesting thing about Oman was the layer of modern paint applied over a multi-thousand year history. It has been modernized in 30 years and once you break through that layer of paint, it shows. However, I think that I will let Thijs Joosten, the writer and editor of NG Traveler tell us more when his article is published.

On another note, I have never been to such a harsh climate for photography gear. Even the Arctic was nicer. Oman has some serious heat and some serious humidity. Stepping outside during the day with your cameras, is like stepping into a swimming pool atmosphere, the lenses fog right up. And Oman has sand so fine a simple gust of wind blows it everywhere.

A tip for future travelers, don't wear 'flip flops' in the desert, the sand that gets kicked up when you 'flop' is at a perfect angle to cover your camera on your shoulder.

National Geographic Photography Competition - Judging

2009-08-12T18:30:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I received an email from the web editor at National Geographic here in the Netherlands informing me that every month they run a competition for amateur and semi-professional photographers.

Initially I was a little confused, I was set to head to Oman for the magazine and was wondering why I was being informed about this competition. However, when I read the second paragraph and realised they were asking me to judge the entries. I enthusiastically agreed. Judging that month's images, (they narrowed it down to 12) and choosing the 3 that I felt were the strongest was quite interesting.

It was a unique experience to look at another person's images critically, judging them against each other for composition, mood, emotion and technicality. There were some great images in the 12 that were sent to me and it was a tough decision to make. But, you can see the results of my choices here, take a look.

On Assignment - Oman

2009-08-03T11:42:00.003-04:00

I haven't been posting for a bit because I was in Prince Edward Island taking a break. I just wanted to say that I am back in the game, at least I will be when I return from this trip in Oman. I am on assignment for National Geographic Traveler and will be back in the Netherlands on the 8th. Till then.....

Getty Grants for Good - Finalist

2009-06-30T04:53:00.003-04:00

Getty Grants for Good is a program that Getty images has recently started to acknowledge and support the work that photographers and non-profit organizations are doing to work together to create a better world. It is a unique grant program and this year saw over 400 proposals from over 26 different countries. Together with the Global Youth Action Network and Fired UP! Media, I put together a proposal to continue the work that I have been doing covering youth movements and climate change. Sadly, we were not chosen as the winner of this project but we were chosen as one of the outstanding finalists.

Read more about it on PDN Pulse or Earth Times.

Photographing the Aerial in Bonn

2009-06-07T11:56:00.006-04:00

(Credit: Robert vanWaarden / Spectral Q)

The clock is ticking on the climate negotiations. Even whilst the talks are stalling, civil society is coming together in a powerful and impactful way.

John Quigley from Spectral Q created this phenomenal aerial image here in Bonn, Germany. An incredible coalition of NGOs came together to create this event and they engaged me to to capture it all. 45M in the air and trying to protect three cameras from the rain were the joys of this little job. It was phenomenal the way over 500 people in the rain and cold lay down on the grass to form this powerful aerial message.

Paraphrasing Obama we told leaders 'YES YOU CAN' reach a good deal in Copenhagen, You can see some photos here or here. Please download these images from the first address and share widely. (Be sure to credit Robert van Waarden / Spectral Q.)

The number 350 relates to parts per million. It is the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. But 350 is more than a number--it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet. I encourage you strongly to check out 350.org and consider hosting an event on October 24.

Opening United Nations Climate Change Talks in Bonn - Photography

2009-06-01T08:44:00.002-04:00

crossposted from itsgettinghotinhere.org

Inspirational banners, music, drums and polar bears welcomed delegates to the thirtieth sessions of the UNFCCC Convention subsidiary bodies - SBSTA and SBI, sixth session of the AWG-LCA and the eighth session of the AWG-KP this morning at the Maritim Hotel in Bonn. Delegates in Bonn will be hammering out the draft text for the Conference of Parties (COP 15) in Copenhagen in December, 2009.

This important meeting will see an unprecedented level of youth engagement for an intercessional. Following on the successful participation at Bonn I, the international youth have descended on Bonn. Action factories, negotiator trackers, 350.org, a day of action and regular actions throughout the conference will remind the delegates that we are watching.

See more images from the first day in Bonn here. (©Robert van Waarden)

United Nations Climate Conference Negotiations - Photography Exhibit

2009-05-25T17:39:00.002-04:00

(Thousands of youth from across the United States Rally on Capitol Hill demanding a green future.)

When the leaders and negotiators of the world converge on Bonn, Germany next week to draft the text for COP 15 in Copenhagen, the halls of the conference center will be decorated with images of the International Youth Climate Movement. I have been super busy with 15 images that will tell a variety of stories and reflect the commitement of the thousands of youth around the world that are fight to ensure their future. More to come on this shortly.

Cape Farewell Exhibit - Trafalgar Square extended

2009-05-25T17:37:00.004-04:00

The Cape Farewell exhibit at Canada House in Trafalgar Square has been extended to run all summer long. It will be on display at the Canadian Embassy Gallery until September 2009. In London? Check it out.

Photography Exhibition and Reception - Parliament Hill - Ottawa

2009-05-25T17:25:00.002-04:00

Below is the official information for the one time event of the Cape Farewell Photography images being hosted on Parliament hill in an event for the Cape Farewell Voyagers. Unfortunately I won't be in attendance, but my father and grandmother will be. Also, best of luck to Jennifer Thompson who has the wonderful opportunity to speak to the leaders of Canada from a youth perspective about the climate crisis.

The Honourable Peter Milliken, M.P. Speaker of the House of Commons Canada in collaboration with The British Council is hosting a photography exhibition and reception in honour of the Cape Farewell Arctic Youth Expedition 2008 participants
and the 2008-2009 International Climate Champions.

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Room 216-N, Centre Block
Parliament Hill

L’honorable Peter Milliken, député Président de la Chambre des communes
en collaboration avec le « British Council » tenir une exposition photographique et réception en l`honneur des participants du « Cape Farewell Arctic Youth Expedition 2008 » et les Champions Internationaux du Climat 2008-2009

le mardi 26 mai 2009
17h à 19h
Pièce 216-N, édifice du Centre
Colline du Parlement

On assignment for National Geographic Traveler

2009-05-17T15:16:00.003-04:00

A couple of images from my recent assignment for National Geographic Traveler - the Netherlands Editie.

I just got back from a trip in the Austrian Alps with a writer to create a story for the magazine about a specific region. Up before the crack of dawn, we were running all day then downloading and backing up long after the sunset. But that doesn't mean that we didn't have fun in the mean time. More to come when the story is published. (Images by Hein van Beek)