Topic Research - Images

Visually I wanted inspiration, as well as continuing my research into the subject matter. So I've been looking into different images and photographs in relation to the topic, in the hope of idea stimulation, and further study of the issue at hand

Here are many of the ones that stood out for me, as well as the reasons why.

Hundreds of migrants sit atop the train as they journey towards the US. This photo shows just how congested the trains can get, reflecting not only the sheer number of people desperate enough to take the perilous journey, but the conditions they're willing to put themselves through in the hope of something better.

Taken during one of the resting spots along the route, what this photo shows me is the comradery and bond between all the passengers. They all come from similar, poor backgrounds, they all risk life and limb taking this journey together, and they all dream of the same thing, a better life at the end. United by hope, all too often divided by tragedy.

An amazing image of the train in motion, as passengers hang off the side taking food and water from the people of the neighboring villages that the train passes through. The residents just turn up and offer these supplies off their own backs, with no profit or gain, barely even a thank you as the train rushes past, to the people aboard, knowing their sacrifice, and what they risk by their travels. The sheer spirit of goodwill and fellowship that exists between these strangers is incredibly touching.

 A woman shoots heroin in front of her lover and a baby they are supposed to be caring for. The poverty, desperation and poor conditions seen in just this one single image speak volumes about the way of life that many try to flee from. It's heart wrenching to see, and captures the true misery of a country ravaged by cartels.

Migrants hold on for dear life. This great shot shows both the speed of the vehicle, and the unconventional methods of boarding it. With no safety guards or even platforms in some cases, these migrants are often risking their very lives by holding on to a thread.

A young adult male rode the beast, but was tragically devoured by it and left with hardly any limbs. Armed cartel boarded the train and demanded he pay a fee. As he had nothing to give, he was tossed from it to the unrelenting tracks below as an example to others still aboard.

Many weren't even that lucky. A haunting image of a fallen migrant, who braved the beast to achieve his dreams, only for it to end in fatal tragedy, a sadly all too common occurrence.