By Photographer Emily Taylor

As long as I can remember, I have always been intrigued by lands and cultures that are far from my home in America.

Exploring these colorful continents began long before my twenties. As a child, I went many places without never leaving the country. I envisioned walking circles around England’s Stonehenge, climbing trees along with the panda bears in China, and dancing among the tribes in the South American Amazon Rainforest.

My childhood adventures around the world took place within the pages of books and
magazines. Intriguing as these places were, one stood out and captivated me: Africa.

My real travels began in 1999. Throughout Europe I experienced England, France, and Italy as well as in Latin America, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. Each place I visited helped me to grow both personally and also as a photographer. After much anticipation, in the summer of 2006 the opportunity I had been waiting for arose.

I left my home in Virginia to travel to Africa. My first visit, land of the ancient pyramids and the famous Nile River was Egypt. After spending a few weeks traveling around the country I stepped on a plane with my good friend and left Cairo flying south following the Nile and into the country of Ethiopia.

With only the words from books and conversations with Ethiopian friends in America I entered a land notoriously known for famine and poverty. The Ethiopia I found was far different. From the thriving nightlife in Addis, to the ancient religious landmarks in the north, to the colorful wildlife and tribes in the south, the real Ethiopia challenges the traditional western image.

Beautiful Accacia trees give much needed shade to a small village in the South Omo Valley. Photo by Emily Taylor.

Although I was merely a visitor to this land, I felt at home and relaxed. I wanted to capture everything and arguably saw more through the lens of my camera than I did with my naked eyes. Of the many things I saw and experienced within Ethiopia, there was one thing that stood out the most: the people. The Ethiopian people are a diverse group with many different languages and traditions. Although there is much diversity among Ethiopians, I found there was one common characteristic: an immeasurable amount of human spirit. Each person I had the opportunity to spend time with extended to me the utmost respect and the same warm welcome.

Driving north of Addis, my camera rested on the window of the car, capturing this quick but beautiful encounter.

Visiting markets in Ethiopia was my favorite way to capture such color people as this young Banna tribe member.

Education is a highly sought after and cherished resource in the lives of Ethiopian children.

As a photographer, I felt it was my responsibility to capture this unique culture with sincerity and care. I returned to America with many stories and thousands of images to share with my family and friends. After weeks of constantly talking about my trip I felt something more could be done. In the fall of 2006 I began giving multimedia presentations for universities, community
centers, and churches. Since then, my mission to educate Americans about Ethiopia has progressed rapidly and continues daily.

The significance of faith in modern-day Ethiopia is portrayed here, by a priest of the ancient rock-hewn churches in Lalibela

Stemming from both the overwhelming encouragement and support from Americans and Ethiopians alike, coupled with my passion to broaden the minds of the western world, Project Image Ethiopia was born. The media project not only serves as a tool for cultural awareness and education, but also as a celebration of a beautiful country that has been misrepresented for
years. In the coming year I hope to return to Ethiopia where I can continue my work as a photographer and as the project’s team leader.

Two Ethiopian friends share their conversation with me on a street corner near The National Museum in Addis.

Taking a moment away from his herd a young boy standing peacefully for a photograph.

Although I have learned a great deal about Ethiopian culture, I am excited about the opportunity to experience even more so as to be able to assist in educating and enlightening Americans. My goal for Project Image Ethiopia is to provide information on both the people and the land of Ethiopia through print and broadcast media.

I traveled and was fortunate enough to be able to experience some of the world’s greatest places through media as a child. Now I would like to return my good fortune and provide the media to take America on a walk across the beautiful East African country of Ethiopia.

Learn more about Project Image Ethiopia at ProjectImageEthiopia.org

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