Documenting Child Labor Through Photography: A Spotlight on Photographer Lisa Kristine

Lisa Kristine has captured the harsh reality of child labor in various parts of the world, from children carrying heavy loads of bricks to those working in hazardous conditions in gold mines.

In anticipation of #MyFreedomDay, a student-led initiative to shed light on modern slavery, Lisa Kristine discussed her photography and the message it conveys with CNN.

The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

CNN: What first inspired your idea to work with victims of modern slavery?

Lisa Kristine has been traveling the world for over 30 years, documenting humanity in various countries. When she first discovered the existence of modern-day slavery, she was surprised that she had been unaware of it. This realization made her shift her focus towards shedding light on modern-day slavery and child labor. She felt compelled to raise awareness about these issues, knowing that if she had been unaware, many others likely were as well.

Panning for gold in Ghana, in water poisoned with mercury.

Panning for gold in Ghana, in water poisoned with mercury.

Lisa Kristine

CNN: How did it impact you when you first started documenting modern slavery?

Lisa Kristine: It was really tough for me when I first started documenting modern slavery. Being on the front lines and witnessing firsthand the harsh conditions people endure without a break, sometimes for many hours a day, was heartbreaking. Especially when I saw children who should be in school, learning and growing.

Photographer Lisa Kristine says witnessing child labor can be heart-wrenching.

Photographer Lisa Kristine says witnessing child labor can be heart-wrenching.

Lisa Kristine

CNN: How do children respond to you taking their picture? Are they worried or are they excited, like most children are, to have their picture taken?

Lisa Kristine shared that the children she photographed reacted differently in various situations. She always seeks permission before taking photos, often working closely with abolitionists who introduce her to the communities. This helps build trust with the children. She found that the kids were generally open and expressive, like most children are. However, some were nervous, especially those working on Lake Volta in Ghana. Many of them had to work on the water despite not knowing how to swim. They were focused on not tipping over in their fishing boats, requiring Lisa to approach these situations with great sensitivity.

A boy working on a fishing boat in Ghana.

A boy working on a fishing boat in Ghana.

Lisa Kristine

CNN: What were some of the most difficult images you documented?

Lisa Kristine: Children around the world are forced into treacherous forms of child labor. In the United States, kids are found working on construction sites and in auto-making plants. In places like Ghana, children are toiling away in dangerous gold mines. They breathe in dust constantly, arising from the mines and the breaking of stone containing gold.

Lisa Kristine

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On Ghana’s Lake Volta, child slavery is in plain sight

It is truly heartbreaking to witness children being exploited in brothels, whether they are assisting in the operations or being coerced into selling their bodies. Unfortunately, it is rare to find children in these environments experiencing positive situations. The same can be said for textile factories, where children are operating powerful looms that pose a risk of serious injury, such as having their fingers crushed. I have also witnessed children carrying stones that exceed their own body weight along the Himalayan range.

A young boy in Nepal carrying a stone weighing more than his own body.

A young boy in Nepal carrying a stone weighing more than his own body.

Lisa Kristine

Lisa Kristine shared that her first encounter with slavery and forced labor was at the brick kilns. She vividly remembers the intense heat and the sight of children and adults covered in brick dust, laboring tirelessly. Despite being warned not to show emotion, Lisa couldn't help but feel a tear roll down her cheek. The abolitionist reminded her of the risks involved and urged her to refrain from getting emotionally involved. Witnessing people working under such harsh conditions, without a choice, left her feeling deeply saddened.

"You’d see these kids, as well as elders, stooped over and covered entirely in this brick dust," recalls Kristine.

"You’d see these kids, as well as elders, stooped over and covered entirely in this brick dust," recalls Kristine.

CNN: When you're out taking photos, what exactly do you keep an eye out for to capture such powerful and emotional moments in your work?

Lisa Kristine: I approach my work intuitively, focusing on the spirit of the person rather than just the subject matter. For example, in the case of child labor, I am drawn to the essence of who they are. The visual impact is what moves me, and my process is very quick and spontaneous.

CNN: Can you explain the inspiration behind including hands and candles in your “Shine Light on Slavery” series?

Lisa Kristine would bring bundles of candles with her when she was in the field documenting people in forced labor. In safe moments, she would quickly explain the purpose and take images with her translator. These images were fast and straightforward, but the intention was to bring attention to the issues faced by these individuals. Kristine assured them that their stories would be shared and that she would do her best to help them.

Lisa Kristine created the "Shine a Light on Slavery" campaign to raise awareness on the subject.

Lisa Kristine created the "Shine a Light on Slavery" campaign to raise awareness on the subject.

Lisa Kristine

Lisa Kristine shared her insights on forced child labor during her travels and expeditions. She highlighted that while some may believe children work to support their families out of necessity, the reality is that many children are coerced into working for little to no pay. This not only deprives them of their childhood but also takes away job opportunities from adults who could provide for their families. Child labor is more prevalent than we realize, with even developed countries like the United States experiencing challenges. In recent years, several states have sought to relax labor laws for children, leading to tragic consequences such as child fatalities and lack of accountability from corporations. This alarming trend sheds light on the urgent need to address the issue of forced child labor globally.

Around the world, an estimated 1 in 10 children are in child labor.

Around the world, an estimated 1 in 10 children are in child labor.

Lisa Kristine

CNN: What is the response you get from kids when they see these kinds of images?

Lisa Kristine believes in showing absolute empathy. She shares images of slavery and forced labor, particularly involving children, to create a deep impact on young people. Many of them feel a sense of guilt, realizing that while they are safe at home and going to school, there are other kids their age experiencing such hardships. Lisa thinks that young people have a lot of compassion towards this issue.

Child labor is widespread on Lake Volta, Ghana.

Child labor is widespread on Lake Volta, Ghana.

Lisa Kristine

CNN: What is the main message you hope to convey through your documentation of forced child labor?

Lisa Kristine: My hope is for people to see any child in forced labor and realize that they are all our children. We have a responsibility to help them and ourselves.

Editor's P/S:

Lisa Kristine's poignant photographs expose the harrowing reality of child labor worldwide, capturing the struggles and exploitation of young lives. Her work sheds light on the harsh conditions children endure in various industries, from hazardous gold mines to grueling construction sites. The images evoke a profound sense of empathy and urgency, highlighting the urgent need to address this global issue.

Kristine's approach to her subjects is deeply personal, focusing on the spirit of the individuals she encounters. By incorporating hands and candles into her "Shine Light on Slavery" series, she aims to raise awareness about the plight of these children and empower them to break free from their circumstances. Kristine's work serves as a powerful reminder that child labor is not just a distant problem but a global crisis that demands our attention and action. awareness, we can create a world where all children are valued and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.