Photographer Tracey Buyce with Leo, a monkey at Senda Verde in Bolivia
It’s one thing to read about this horrific global issue online, but it’s another thing to physically see the animals that have gone through this vicious process and hear their stories. It hit me on a visceral level.
Saratoga Springs, NY (PRWEB) April 08, 2014
Tracey Buyce, an Upstate New York wedding photographer, returned this week from Bolivia, where she met and photographed monkeys who were given a second chance after falling victim to animal trafficking. Learning about this opportunity through Photographers Without Borders (PWB), Buyce traveled over 4,000 miles in an effort to study first-hand the dangers of animal trafficking and to shed light on the aftermath for those animals who actually survive.
As a volunteer, Buyce was one of two photographers chosen out of several applicants to visit Yungus, Bolivia and photograph Senda Verde, an animal refuge, for PWB. Over the past four years, illegal animal trafficking has drastically increased in Bolivia, quadrupling the animal population at Senda Verde. Using the images Buyce produced during her two-week stay, Senda Verde will raise awareness and fundraising to end the poaching and illegal trafficking of animals.
“This project opened my eyes to trafficking beyond any news article or video I watched prior to the trip” said Buyce. “It’s one thing to read about this horrific global issue online, but it’s another thing to physically see the animals that have gone through this vicious process and hear their stories. It hit me on a visceral level.”
“What set Tracey apart for us was her genuine and eager approach towards the project and subject matter” said Danielle Da Silva, Founder & Executive Director of Photographers Without Borders. “She approached every aspect of the project and took great care in developing meaningful relationships with her subject matter in a short period of time.”
Prior to her work in Bolivia, Buyce joined CANDi International, a nonprofit animal welfare organization offering free spay and neuter clinics in Mexico and the Caribbean. Through these efforts alone, Buyce has helped sterilize close to 3,000 street dogs, even bringing three dogs home to local families in Saratoga Springs, NY. With multiple rescue pets of her own including two dogs, one cat, and a horse, Buyce with the support of her husband Pete, has made it a life-long goal to save and rescue animals using the power of imagery with photography.
About Tracey Buyce
Tracey Buyce is an award-winning photographer and owner of Tracey Buyce Photography in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her work has been featured in numerous high profile local and national publications and television networks. She is an active member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association, Fearless Photographers, WPPI and Professional Photographers of America. In addition to her wedding photography, Buyce volunteers with Photographers Without Borders and has been volunteering since early 2012 with CANDi International, serving as a board member as well as their official volunteer photographer.
About Photographers Without Borders
Photographers Without Borders (PWB) is a registered, not-for-profit organization based in Toronto, Canada. Founded by a group of inspired photographers, PWB recognizes the arts as an effective strategy for sustainable development, believing that images are a powerful form of communication and have the ability to foster education and understanding of the global community. Through their works, they inspire others to contribute to their communities while cheering on the everyday heroes of the world.
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