Kids In Ukraine Handed Disposable Cameras To Capture The World Around Them
Image captured by Valya for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
As war continues to cast long shadows in Ukraine, a group of volunteers has found a way to let the light shine through. The Behind Blue Eyes project is proving that even in the darkest moments, children can still capture the brightest perspectives.
This unique charitable initiative invites kids from liberated and frontline villages in Ukraine to become shutterbugs, documenting their daily lives on disposable cameras. In return, the young photographers get their small wishes granted in exchange for their visual stories.
Image captured by Nastia for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
The brainchild of volunteers working in the Chernihiv region, Behind Blue Eyes sprouted from an unexpected observation. During their frequent visits to Lukashivka village, the team was struck by the children’s resilience. Despite the surrounding devastation, the little ones managed to maintain a sense of normalcy and exude a positivity that seemed to elude many adults.
Image captured by Bohdan for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
Artem, one of the project’s creators, explained the significance in 2022: “This material is such a necessity right now. Physically, we collect a unique body of work—a look at the war and its aftermath through the eyes of the future. Spiritually, we get a chance to raise important inner statements: about ourselves, our childhood, about the connection between those two, about war and death, about life and future.”
The project has since expanded its scope. Now, it aims not only to document but also to nurture. By fulfilling the children’s wish lists in exchange for their photos, Behind Blue Eyes hopes to preserve the kids’ ability to dream and look confidently toward the future. Moreover, it demonstrates to these young artists that creativity can be a powerful tool for achieving their goals.
Image captured by Masha for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
“It’s me selling the humanitarian aid in my backyard. Mom has bought a cabbage, grandpa bought a lighter. Papa got the sneakers, because he had nothing to put on his feet—Russians took everything away. I have earned around 250 UAH—to buy food for my hamsters.”
—Masha (April 2022)
Funding for the children’s wishes comes from public donations, creating a cycle of giving. People contribute to make the kids’ dreams come true, receiving in return a poignant glimpse into life through a child’s lens in wartime Ukraine. The mission goes beyond photography; it’s helping children process and cope with the trauma of war, one frame at a time.
Image captured by Tanya for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
Image captured by Andriy for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
Image captured by Diana for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
Image captured by Bohdan for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
Image captured by Sasha for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
Image captured by Sasha for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
Image captured by Nastia for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
Image captured by Diana for Behind Blue Eyes (for press use)
[via It’s Nice That and Creative Boom, images via Behind Blue Eyes]
