Capturing Life Under the Taliban: A Fresh Perspective from an Afghan Camera
A traditional Afghan camera called kamra-e-faoree, or instant camera, is being used to document life in post-war Afghanistan, revealing the complex and contradictory narrative of the country. The images captured by the camera show both beauty and hardship, from family outings to child laborers and women erased by veils. Since the Taliban's return to power, life has changed dramatically for many Afghans, while others have experienced little change over the decades. The camera imparts a vintage, timeless quality to the images, reflecting the superimposition of the country's past over its present. The Taliban's ban on photography during their previous rule and the advent of digital technology rendered the kamra-e-faoree obsolete, but its revival offers a unique perspective on Afghanistan's current reality.