Ethnic Photography: a form of visual anthropology

Documentary photography is really an umbrella term for most diversified captures of moments of reality.
It can be distinguished form other forms of photography by it's typical characteristic of telling a story about what is happening in the world by means of images.
Photojournalism and street photography can often be considered as documentary photography if they focus on issues or stories related to the photographs.

But there is one more important style that can be classified under documentary photography, and that is Ethnic Photography. A term that doesn't have a precise definition. Ethnic photography evolved from an almost anthropological approach to cultures that seemed foreign from the Euro-American cultural standpoint. It is a form of visual anthropology, intending to portrait indigenous cultures or ethnic cultures. It draws immediately from the traditions that may appear foreign to the viewer. It is especially used to look at tribal societies to expose the onlooker to a world that is not like their own.

"The Ansai Waist Drum Dance" by BJ Yang

In this context, ethnic photography does not necessarily need technical features. It needs to be captured as it is and should prohibit the use of any photo editing programs.

Ethnic photography is a most popular form of photography that can be seen in publications such as National Geographic.

Some photographers however believe that ethnic photography also means a vision for the future and can empower us to make a positive change in our world by respecting, keeping alive and enriching ancient cultures and traditions.

The 1x community is very proud to have several intensely involved photographers to reach this admirable purpose.

“Tradition” by Sergio Pandolfini

“Karo People” by Jose Beut

“Old Warrior” by Izidor Gasperlin

“Preparations for the bull jumping” by Piet Flour

“Our new home” by Andre du Plessis

“I follow my shadow” by Norbert Becke

“Young Sheperd” by Marc Apers

“The boys” by Trevor Cole

“Dots and feathers” by Norbert Becke

“Real Hops” by Jeffrey C. Sink

"Untitled" by Joxe Inaxio Kuesta Garmendia

“Lighting the Fire” by Francesco Fratto

“Omo Boy Look” by Mohammed Al Sulaili

“Different Face” by Sayed Baqer Alkamel

“Hunting Time” by awiek

"Four padaung girls (Myanmar)

“Granny and me” by Nicolas Marino

“My Kids” by Manish Lakhani

“Tea” by Amir Hossein Kamali

“Colorful” by Mohammadreza Momeni

"The last hunter-gatherers of the Himalaya" by Jan Moller Hansen

“Rohingya Refugees – Kathmandu Nepal” by Jan Moller Hansen

“Schooltime” by John Moulds

"Friendly Villagers" by BJ Yang

Write

awiek

Thank you so much Yvette, I am truly honored to be part of this great article.

Manish Lakhani

Thanks for sharing amazing images, its beautiful article i must say

Jose Beut

Great article Yvette I am very honored to be a part of it. Thank you very much!!

Sergio Pandolfini PRO

A beautiful collection of photos of great emotional impact and of high technical quality. My compliments to all authors. PS.: Thank you, Yvette! Sergio

John Moulds

Thank you Yvette, a privilege to be featured amongst the greats, kind regards, John...

Sayed Baqer Alkamel

nice, and thanks for selected my photo .

Ajay Pant

Insightful article and beautiful selection of photos.

Trevor Cole PRO

Thanks again Yvette! Some truly superb images and a great platform to see them.

Joxe Inazio Kuesta Garmendia PRO

Great article Yvette. I am honored to be part of the selection of pictures. Thank you very much Yvette for all your work. Have a great day.

Yvette Depaepe CREW

My pleasure, Joxe! Cheers, Yvette

Luc Vangindertael (laGrange) CREW

A fine selection of images from great 1X photographers ... I admire this genre and realise I will never be part of this community of explorers. One little regret ... I miss the work of Joxe Inazio Kuesta Garmendia ... and probably many others, you can't show them all. Thanks for your fine article Yvette :-))

Yvette Depaepe CREW

Thanks for your appreciation, Luc! I had a hard time to select images between the many excellent photographs on 1x. But you're right, Joxe is missing just as many other ones! Cheers, Yvette

Luc Vangindertael (laGrange) CREW

Thank you very much for completing the selection dear Yvette, truly appreciated!

Joxe Inazio Kuesta Garmendia PRO

Thank you very very much Yvette and Luc for thinking of me for the selection of pictures for this great article. Much appreciated. I am always grateful dear friends.

Graham Daly

Interesting collection of images.

Yvette Depaepe CREW

Thank you, Graham!