Phodographer Gloria Upchurch in Olmoti, Tanzania June 2010

Gloria, a professional documentary phodographer said:

I to have traveled globally to some of the poorest countries in the world as a photographer. I recognize how badly families in these underserved communities are in need of food, medical care, education, etc. For the children in these communities it’s not always about what they need, how about the need to just be a kid. I think that Dog Meets World is a simple way to say hi, how beautiful you are. I left 75 Polaroid pics of children and mother’s with FOTO in a Maasai Village in central Tanzania. They have never had a picture of themselves, and to watch as the image developed in front of their eyes was simply amazing to them. It didn’t fill their belly’s, it simply gave them joy.

NEW Phodographer Gloria Upchurch in Olmoti, Tanzania June 2010

Gloria is a professional documentary photographer (and phoDOGrapher too!) who founded A Global Connection, a charity focusing on the needs of women and children. She learned of Dog Meets World via PhotoPhilanthropy. Gloria said Foto, the dog, “lights up the surroundings” and delighted all kids and adults alike!

The Olmoti district was set aside for the Maasai people by the government. Since it is off the beaten path of safari travelers the children rarely see tourists. Gloria said “It was amazing to see the faces of the mothers as they watched the image of themselves, and this case her baby develop before their eyes. This was her first ever photograph.” The mother is holding the small photograph of in her right hand of herself with Foto and her baby.

Gloria speaks eloquently of the need for all of us that travel to truly see the “invisible” along the way. Stopping to share pictures and acknowledgment is a great way to start! Gloria gave out over 200 photos with Foto! Donate now.