/ State of the World / State of the World / Social documentary

Hidden In Plain View

  • Prize
    Winner in State of the World/Social documentary
  • Photographer
    michele zousmer, United States
  • Category
    Social documentary
  • Studio
    Michele Zousmer Photography
  • Website
  • Instagram

The Irish Travellers are the marginalized community in Ireland, also known as Gypsies. In the recent presidential election, the whole country witnessed highly controversial and borderline racist depictions of the Travelling community. I met the Travellers in 2018. I find them a beautiful group of people who are traditional, gender-based, with strong feelings on family, lifelong bonds and God. With research showing 81% domestic violence and high rates of suicide, I have decided to use my images to advocate for them. I am a visual activist!

I am a humanitarian and fine art photographer. My camera gives voice to people and marginalized communities around the world. My work expresses quiet moments of life, love and loss. I search for elusive moments of grace and beauty that exist in the most challenging times, emotional connections not seen by many. celebrates each individual’s strength and beauty, as well as vulnerability and spirit, going beyond how one presents oneself to the others.

Awards 2022- Shadow and Light Magazine - Color Red Series Exhibit

2022- PhotoPlace Exhibit - TRACES - Middlebury, Vermon Zeke and Bridge Gallery Exhibit - Cambridge, Mass.

2021 - Humanitarian Award for 'Sounds Of The Sidelwalk, A Journey Of Goodbye'- New York City International Film Festival

Emerald Award from Coronado Island Film Festival for 'Sounds of The Sidewalk, A Journey of Goodbye'

'Article in All About Jazz online magazine "Can You hear me?"

'Honorable Mention' for 'Documentary and Reportage' from the 16th Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographers

Sounds Of The Sidewalk, A Journey Of Goodbye - Best Documentary & Humanitarian Award - New York Film Festival 2021

Budapest International Foto Awards 2020 - Gold Editorial Series on Abandoned Elderly, 2nd place in Editorial image

15th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards - winner of Documentary and Reportage Series

Photo Annual 2020 - Winner of photo journalism series - Abandoned Elderly

Photo FOCUS LA 2020 Summer

AAP Photo Magazine Award for photographic series

Photo FOCUS LA 2020 Spring

‘State Of The World’ photographic series (2019)

Zeke Magazine – Global Documentary Work: ‘Irish Travellers in Cashel and Tipperary’ (2019)

Chelsea 34th International Fine Art Exhibit – Certificate of Excellence (2019)

Open Show Los Angeles 52 – Fabrik Project Gallery (2019)

The Curated Fridge – Spring Show (2019)

Huff Post – ‘How Singing In A Choir Helped Homeless People In San Diego Find Their Voice’ (2019)

So Cal Photography Exchange Magazine – ‘Irish Travellers – Social Landscape’ (2019)

Getty “Spotlight” Reportage (2019)

BloodySundayMarch (2019)

American Photographic Artist – San Diego Untitled Contest – 1st Place (2018)

12th Pollux Awards – Children Series – 1st Place (2018)

12th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards for Women Photographers – Honorable Mention (2018)

Lensculture Art Photography Awards Competition Gallery (2018)

Photo Place Gallery – ‘Environmental’ Exhibit (2018)

11th Julia Margaret Cam