Many can call themselves photographers, but only a few can leave an indelible mark. Xyza Bacani is part of the latter group. She offers a unique perspective, a sensitivity to her subjects, and an incredible sense of empathy toward humankind – giving her the ability to take the most narrative of photographs.
“I care too much,” she says. “It’s a weakness for some. But for me, it’s my strength as a photographer. I always say that I might not change the world tomorrow, but if I can make a difference in someone else’s perspective on issues I care about, then I’m on the right path. The day I stop feeling that is the day I stop shooting.”
Bacani is a street and documentary photographer. A former domestic worker in Hong Kong, she understands the struggles of the underdog. Using photography, she exposes society’s ills and brings under-reported stories to the forefront, and takes the audience to places they normally wouldn’t have access to – inside the homes of human trafficking victims, into the quarters of maids with abusive employers, and right in the middle of street protests.
A staunch human rights advocate, Bacani hopes that her photographs (and her rising profile) will help raise awareness on issues she’s passionate about, particularly those that involve migrant workers, being one herself.
“This is important to me because these are stories of real people with real lives. It’s a privilege to be able to give them a voice.”
Her moving and eye-opening pieces on the subject, which were featured on international publications including the New York Times, paved the way to a scholarship from New York University’s Tisch School for the Arts. She is now on her way to becoming a photojournalist.
“My latest work about human trafficking has direct impact on the people I photograph in positive ways. Being able to give a visual voice and telling their stories to a wider audience for me is an achievement,” she quips. “By telling their stories visually, we’re letting their unheard voices be heard.”
Bacani is being humble, of course. After all, according to her, “the more you succeed, the more you should gain humility.” She is a Magnum Foundation Human Rights Fellow, a congressional recognition honoree “for accomplishing great feats in photography,” and the recipient of a special merit from the Human Rights Press Awards 2015.
As with every success story, there are lessons learned. Here is Bacani’s: “Success is not a product of luck. It’s a product of hard work, dedication and perseverance.”
Photos courtesy of Xyza Cruz Bacani
