For the fun of it I did a google search on Gerry Yaum, who knew!
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Gerry Yaum is an Edmonton-based self-taught social documentary photographer
known for his long-term projects documenting vulnerable communities in
Southeast Asia and Canada. He is particularly recognized for his series Families of the Dump, which captures the lives of Burmese refugees living in the Mae Sot garbage dumps in Thailand.
📸 Background and Career
- Pseudonym: The name "Yaum" means "security guard" in Thai, reflecting his long-time profession.
- Dual Life: He has worked as a night security guard for over 25 years, using the quiet time to study languages and photography.
- Philosophy: He believes photography should be a force for social change rather than just "pretty pictures".
🌏 Key Photography Projects
- Families of the Dump: A decade-long project documenting the resilience and dignity of Mon and Karen refugees in Thailand.
- Under the Freeway: A series documenting the homeless and marginalized populations in Edmonton, Alberta.
- Ambrotype Work: Recently, he has explored historical processes like wet plate collodion and Ambrotype photography.
🤝 Humanitarian Approach
- Language Integration: To build trust with his subjects, he learned basic Thai and has studied Burmese.
- Ethical Engagement: He emphasizes treating subjects with respect and kindness to capture "honest dignity" rather than exploiting poverty.
- Recognition: His humanitarian photography has been featured in several exhibitions and art centers across Canada.
If you'd like to explore his work further, I can find:
- A list of current or upcoming exhibitions for his work
- Details on the specific cameras and film he uses (like his Chamonix 16x20)
- More information on his Burmese refugee advocacy efforts
