Worldwide Moment: A Photographic Peace Plan
Inspiring World Peace with Simultaneous Photos from Around the World
Aug 27, 2009
Billed as a “simultaneous photography project for peace” on the organizational website, this grassroots effort asks people of all nations and beliefs to stop their normal routine at 09.09.09 for just a moment and snap a picture, all at the same time. Location, activity, or content of photo is not restricted! Young, old, novice photographers and pro – all are welcome and encouraged to be involved.
The Short History of the Wide Scope of Worldwide Moment
In 2002, after graduating from the University of Southern California School of Cinema/TV, Brett Brownell was working at People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) in Los Angeles. As some of the staff members brainstormed ways to increase visibility and support for the organization, Brownell had the idea of myriad people with cameras taking pictures all at the same time to show what the many homeless people were doing. The idea caught on and PATH utilized his idea for two years.
After that, the idea was dormant for a couple of years as Brownell pursued other activities. Then an epiphany inspired him to try again and Worldwide Moment (WWM) was born. Exchanging the local focus for an international flavor was simplified through use of the Internet, Facebook, and Twitter while advertisements on CraigsList increased visibility. Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization, helped when they agreed to sponsor the project so donations would be tax deductible.
Brownell, a free lance videographer, has worked primarily in the music industry although his resume includes being a staff videographer for the Obama campaign.
What Does a Volunteer Photographer Have to do?
The primary day/time is 09.09.09 +09 GMT at 09:09. So, each participant must first find out what day and time is the “right time” for his or her location. For example, September 9th in Beijing is September 8th in North America. Visit WWM’s website to verify day/time, synchronize clocks, watch the countdown and find other useful information.
Next, he or she can plan, organize family and friends, use props or decide to be totally spontaneous. At the proper moment, take a picture. Then upload it with a short description or explanation of The Moment. That’s it!
What will Happen to the Myriad Peace Photos and Stories?
In 2008, WWM received 270 photographs from 20 countries. They are currently exhibited online on the organizational website’s Gallery. The pictures and stories collected from 2009 will be available online also. In addition, the website states the organizers intend to publish a book and hope to find a gallery to host the exhibit.
As of August 26, 1136 people from 76 countries have signed up to participate in the 2009 event.
If You Need a Camera Just Ask for One
Regular cameras, old Polaroid Instamatics, cell phones, disposables or Mac eyes – pictures from any kind of camera will be gratefully accepted. Unity is achieved because of the topic and through the unified moment and not hampered by the disparities between cameras.
Don’t have a camera but like the idea? Register online and the organizers will help locate a camera for the moment. Okay, it won’t be a top of the line Nikon, but WWM’s goal is to enable everyone to participate. Even though details are still being worked out for a few of the people who have requested assistance this year, many have already been helped.
The Snowball Effect is Starting to Roll
In early August, Yoko Ono pledged to participate in this year’s peace photo moment. Also, she featured the fledgling organization on her website, Imagine Peace. She sent messages from her personal Twitter and Facebook accounts. Since then, Brownell estimates an increase of more than 20 per cent in volunteer photographers and more than 1000 website page views attributable to Ono’s links.
For the sake of world peace, Brett Brownell, founder of WWM, invites everyone to pause for a moment, snap a picture and feel connected to each other. Although the actual dates and times may be different in many locations, everyone will snap at the same moment.
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