Anita Baumann
My photographic work has always been a mirror of my own development as a person. As a young photographer, I was drawn to stories that revolved around questions of personal development and experiences. Melancholy and tranquility emerged as sources of strong expression in photography. Years later I realised that my interest in telling the stories of women, in particular, is the thread that runs throughout my career. that awareness of what interests me most has led me to becoming An independent documentary photographer. After years in Switzerland and abroad – mainly Angola, West Africa – I am now working and living with my two daughters in Portugal.
Focusing on women in my work enables me to understand and connect with human beings of my own gender in a more profound way, and also leads me to learn more about the evolution of women’s social roles in different cultures. Some systems seem to be stuck and not allow any space for change for women, whereas others have come a long way. The global contrasts seem enormous and offer a never-ending source of stories to observe and capture.
Me and my daughter Julie (8 years old), portrait taken by my daughter Joséphine (5 years old).
By far the most inspiring period of time in my photographic journey and personal growth were the years I spent in Angola, West Africa. I worked as lead photographer for the national magazine of the Angola Sovereign Fund and I experienced this time as a distinct high point, and turning point, in my life and work.
In Angola, I had the opportunity to experience the awakening of the country after decades of civil war. People were beginning to orient themselves differently and with new perspectives. Defense and fear no longer seemed to prevail. I had the opportunity to capture stories of people, especially women, who have embraced their potential and power after a devastating experience. I had the opportunity to portray confident women who had taken all kinds of positions in the Angolan economy. I portrayed rural women and their strong cohesion within the community. Seeing their inner power and resilience moved me deeply, especially because I come from such a different culture.
The vibe all over the country was intense and vibrant, with huge contrasts. As a photographer, I experienced this as an ongoing source of inspiration. Coming from Switzerland, this completely new environment was emotionally challenging, and all my senses were constantly activated during this exciting time in Angola.
A key moment that fuelled my decision to focus on women in my work happened during a portrait series about war veterans in Angola. We were driving in Luanda city centre one morning. The streets were jammed with cars and it seemed like we had barely moved for hours. The air outside was hot, humid and filled with traffic fumes.
When we were heading towards a roundabout, I saw this woman standing there, begging for money. She had one leg, resting her stump on a crutch. Two little naked feet peeped out from left and right off her hip. Despite her incredibly difficult situation, she radiated strength, gratitude and beauty. She was glowing with an impressive energy. We asked her if she needed a lift home. Without hesitating, she gracefully released her baby from the cloth and swung him to the front, handed the baby boy to me and hopped into the car. There we sat, two women from such different cultural backgrounds and we instantly connected without many words.
At this point of time, I had a baby girl myself and because of all the traveling and work, there were long periods of time when I didn’t see her. Being a solo parent and balancing all the responsibilities often pushed me to my limits. I felt immediate empathy and admiration for this African woman because of the attitude she seemed to have towards her situation.
After a long drive she showed us her modest home and told us her story about how she stepped onto a mine and lost her leg. Fate had given her a heavy backpack to wear, but her way of carrying it touched me deeply.
Without knowing it, she is a spiritual practitioner; a woman who fights through her days with a positive attitude and a constant sparkle in her eyes. She allowed me to take her portrait to capture her beautiful, strong soul, so that she could become an inspiration for others. This is just one special encounter and many others have enriched my holistic perception of life and changed my attitude and way of thinking. Through photography I have met many great teachers.
I’m passionate about women’s empowerment and I provide services for editorial, corporate and personal projects so that I can tell those empowering stories through images. With a patient and detailed approach, I capture the peak moments of a situation, reflecting the emotion behind it. Would you like to find out what I can do for you? Do reach out.
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My photography collection from the past years forms the basis for the CAMERA AFRICA IMAGE BANK which aims to nurture and promote new contemporary photography from the African continent by gradually bringing in a solid group of image makers.
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In 2014, I founded the agency WE COMMUNICATIONS to offer a complete range of tailor-made services, from production to photography and design. Through this company we served various projects in Africa, mainly Angola.
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For several years I worked as an independent photographer in Switzerland. I worked mainly for clients in the advertising industry and on editorial as well as corporate projects which were represented by the agent Lilo Killer in Zurich.
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As an independent photographer, I assisted various photographers in Zurich and abroad.
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Studies in photography at the CEPV (École de photographie, Centre d’Enseignement Professionnel de Vevey).