Michal Fattal

“I find that observing people to be one of the most fascinating activities i can engage in. I always feel fortunate that the camera enables me to do that.  Already in the early stages of my career as a photographer, i realized that i have no interest in creating a new world, but that i would rather frame the existing world according to my point of view. Therefore, i chose photojournalism as an opportunity and even as a mission: to show through my own perspective the people and situations that others may not have access to,  as well as a way to express myself and find my own voice within the society that i live in.   I tend to turn my camera particularly to women. As a woman photographer, i find it most interesting to observe other women, to examine though the camera the weaknesses and strength of the feminine kind and the conflicts and contradictions of femininity.

By documenting women, i attempt to understand my own femininity and my place as a woman in the society.   I want to believe that as a woman photographer, my glance is perceived as less threatening by my subjects, allowing me to assimilate into the situation in a way that is more natural and less intrusive, and to produce photographs that are more intimate and authentic.   In the past years, i have realized that i use documentary photography and photojournalism in an attempt to understand the human race and the complexity of israeli society. Ironically, instead of finding answers, i keep having more and more questions. It is quite confusing. Yet throughout this journey, many wonderful things happen, and i am exposed to so many people, situations and places that i would not have been exposed to without my camera.”

Read The full Article On Israeli Lens Magazine Issue#1 

Israeli clubbers dance during a rave party in a club called Haoman 17 in Jerusalem,Thursday 30 Nov.2006.Photo by Michal Fattal/Flash90. F061130MF02
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An Ethiopian woman, a few hours before she leaves the Jewish agency compund in Addis Ababa to the airport, in order immigrate to Israel, May 2008.