Tony Cece: Humanitarian Photographer

Photography by Tony Cece www.tonycece.com

Tony Cece, Humanitarian Photographer & Video Producer

TONY'S MISSION
While I do love creating videos and taking pictures, it is the story and meaning behind the images that intrigue me. I believe that my heart aligns with the word humanitarian more then it does photographer or video producer. It is an honor for me to be able to tell stories that bring hope to those that suffer. I want my pictures to speak the love and hope I have for these individuals and compel us to take action on their behalf.

As a humanitarian photographer and video producer, I’ve been able to travel the globe telling stories of hope in adverse circumstances. My goal is to preserve the dignity of the people I meet, while simultaneously documenting their needs. I believe that photographs say much about the person who took them and that they are a glimpse into their world through the photographer’s eye. There are many tools at our disposal that help us tell great stories – starting with our choice of what is in the frame, what is left out, what is in focus, the lens we use, the type of lighting and the amount time we spend getting to know what is important to our subject. The decisions I make about these choices reflect what I want to say about the people I meet and the stories they tell.

For me, photographs are a glimpse into the many different areas of our life here on earth. I hear a story and it starts a collage of images in my mind as I try to understand the people, time, and place that surrounded it. It is this collage that I hope to create when I capture moments of everyday life. It is truly an honor for me to tell these stories as we work together to end cycles of suffering around the world.  
                                        ~Tony Cece

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"Eye-catching" photograph that caught my attention. "Waiting for customers at the open-air market in Bhaktapur" By Tony Cece

Former classmate and Regent University Alumni embarks on a journey to tell the story of the human condition. While scrolling down Facebook's mini feed, my eyes were immediatly drawn to  the rarest form of photography; rich in color, raw in culture, presenting man at his or her most natural and human state, the beauty in its simplicity, the heart-wrenching awareness of causes, and true sincerity are all the characteristics that describe my interpretation of his amazing work.  

Viewing his photography was indeed another reminder of how we as Americans take life for granted; the minute problems we face are nothing compared to the sufferings that plague other countries. Cece's photography resonates their ignored adversities. It's these individuals that I admire the most; despite of the adversities, their perspective on life is so hopeful and optimistic, loaded with wisdom, loyalty, persistence,  humility, brotherhood, and faith. Their internal world outshines the external  circumstances.  One of Cece's portfolios that truly spoke  to me the most, was "Weathered Wisdom". With age and every wrinkle gained, comes wisdom. I indeed enjoy sitting at the feet of elders and listening to the stories they share and their nuggets of wisdom. As one that draws as a side hobby, I definitely enjoy drawing the detailed lines of their faces and hands; it's quite therapeutic.  I yearn for more and glean from what they give me, and viewing "Weather Wisdom" spoke on how I personally relate to those of age. 

The sincerity of his work and the level of  compassion and respect that he has for the individuals that he photographs speaks a lot on the condition of his heart as an artist , as he states, "My goal is to preserve the dignity of the people I meet, while simultaneously documenting their needs." Cece is not just a photographer, but a missionary as he serves those that are suffering by giving them a voice to be heard among  the masses in hopes that we might  take action. The scripture that comes to mind while viewing his work is Romans 8:19 (KJV), "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God."

For more information on Tony Cece and his work, visit his website at www.tonycece.com

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