Humanitarian Work

Jonathan Banks is a globally recognised humanitarian photographer who has worked in over seventy different countries across five different continents, documenting subjects as diverse as mask dancing festivals in Burkina Faso, the effects of the Chernobyl disaster in the Ukraine and the aftermath of 9/11 in New York. His international experience includes working in security impaired areas, where his communication skills and sensitivity allow him to capture subjects in the most challenging situations. He has produced work in support of the Red Cross, International Alert and TASSC International, that has gone on to be recognised in a number of awards and exhibited in various venues.

Regardless of the location, subject material or culture, Banks always respects the idea that we are all equal and approaches every person with a compassion to empower them in his photographs. He is looking for an individual beauty and optimism that will inspire action and an acknowledgement for the beauty of humanity, in all those that see his work.

Jonathan Banks worked with DelAgua at the beginning of their carbon credit project called Tubeho Neza (“Live Well”), travelling in Rwanda to photograph the distribution days, community health worker visits and how the program is improving the lives of those involved.

Education and ongoing support is central to the project. Every family is visited by a Community Health Worker who explains the dangers of cooking on a traditional fire and household air pollution and the health advantages of cooking on the stove and they also make sure the family know how to use it. Behaviour change is immediate and lasting.

The photography went on to form a major part of DelAgua’s marketing awareness campaign being published in the “Tubeho Neza” book and featuring in a number of magazines. Jonathan Banks went on to be a winner with the photography at the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards.