Human Tide

During the spring of 2015, the idyllic island of Lesvos, Greece (population 86,000) was confronted with a human tide of refugees fleeing wars and turmoil in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. Leaving their homes behind, they crossed the short distance of ten kilometres between Turkey and Greece to seek a better life. This series is an attempt to document the initial triumph of reaching European shores by individuals who have faced astonishing hardships. There in a quiet dignity in their faces as they achieve a significant step in an arduous journey. There is also a gradual realization that their euphoria may be premature as they face the rigors of a guantlet of obstacles including transit and internment camps that are the first of many trials ahead.