Documentary Photography for Humanitarian Organizations
I’m working with humanitarian organizations as a documentary photographer and filmmaker. Together with my clients, we tell the stories of the people behind humanitarian programs, helping others understand why this work matters.
Still Here
Since 2013, I have been returning to Jewish communities across the former Soviet Union, documenting lives that continue far from the headlines. Decades after the major waves of emigration, hundreds of thousands of Jews still live throughout the region. Many are elderly, isolated, or in need of support. Through repeated visits, I have documented not only hardship, but also family, routine, and the quiet dignity of everyday life.
I worked as a photojournalist before having found my passion in humanitarian photography.
For me, humanitarian photography is one of the few remaining fields where visual impressions translate into tangible actions.
What the clients are saying
“Arik Shraga's photography is powerful and visceral. With a single image, he can capture the entire inner life of a subject. His photos of children and elderly across the former Soviet Union have garnered wide acclaim from audiences in Israel and the United States.
Arik's talent for capturing the richness of Jewish life in the Diaspora is reminiscent of Roman Vishniac.
Arik is a pleasure to work with, and his photography elicits pride and excitement from all who are fortunate enough to view his work.”
— Davida Kutscher, Senior Partnership Manager at The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Israel
Documenting humanitarian efforts in Israel
On October 7, 2023 I woke up to the realization that war had come to our home. As a humanitarian photographer, I decided to take action and document the situation as it was evolving, as well as the response of the society and aid organizations.
A Beam of Hope. An installation raising awareness on the issue of abducted Israelis held in Gaza. Israel, Jerusalem
What the clients are saying
“It’s been an honor to work alongside humanitarian photographer, Arik Shraga, in the former Soviet Union. He’s a unique storyteller, gathering each piece of someone’s experience in the most respectful and dignified way. I have long admired his work, but now I admire his character”
— Kim Bersin, Sr. Director of Integrated Fundraising & Marketing at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. USA
Wild Walks
Wild Walks is a grass-roots project born in Jerusalem in 2022. It helps teenagers forced by the war out of Ukraine and Russia find their place in Israel.
In 2022-2023 I worked as a team member of the Wild Walks. I was involved in fundraising, marketing, communications, and filming the project.
Documenting the humanitarian situation in the Former Soviet Union
Sheiva. Moldova, 2017
Statistics
Up to now, I have supplied humanitarian organizations with 47,000 images
I have conducted about 1000 interviews with the beneficiaries of the humanitarian programs. Most of these interviews resulted in written essays supplied along with photographs and video footage to my clients
I have been on 53 photography trips abroad on humanitarian photography assignments covering 17 countries of the former USSR, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East
If your organization, too, needs strong visuals for your next fundraising campaign, I will be happy to help.
Drop a message: shragarik@gmail.com