Ismail Taxta: Somali Photojournalist
File:Ismail Taxta Portrait.jpg
This is a portrait of Ismail Taxta, a Somali photojournalist known for his work across Somalia and the Horn of Africa. He captures humanitarian and development stories for NGOs, private companies, and international media outlets.

Ismail Taxta (born October 21, 1982, in Mogadishu) is a Somali photojournalist known for his work across Somalia and the Horn of Africa, capturing humanitarian and development stories for NGOs, private companies, and international media outlets. He also founded the media company Hornstories.[1]

Early Life and Education

Ismail Taxta was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1982. Growing up amid the chaos of civil war, he developed a deep sense of storytelling through imagery, inspired by the resilience of his community. After completing his primary education, he pursued studies in photography and editing at Somalia University. He received his Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Mogadishu University on May 21, 2010.[2]

Career

Ismail began his career in 2001, working with Somali FM radio stations, various Somali websites, and newspapers. In 2007, he started working as a stringer for Reuters, providing critical photographic coverage of breaking news and everyday life in Somalia. He also worked as a freelancer for international NGOs such as the World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Diakonia Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

 Notable Projects

1. ICRC Somalia: COVID-19 Response

  Link: [ICRC Somalia](https://www.icrcnewsroom.org/story/en/1910/somalia-as-cases-soar-clinics-hospitals-and-prisons-brace-themselves-for-covid-19)  
  Description: His work highlighted the challenges and responses of the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. WHO Somalia: Health and COVID-19

  Link: [WHO - Ismail Taxta](https://photos.emro.who.int/search/results?sort_by=&s%5Bkeywords%5D=ismail+taxta)  
  **Description:** Documenting the health challenges in Somalia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Reuters: Drought in the Horn of Africa

  Link: [Reuters - Drought](https://pictures.reuters.com/CS.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&VBID=2C0FCIX7VG7CIF&SMLS=1&RW=1366&RH=605#/SearchResult&VBID=2C0FCIX7VG7CIF&SMLS=1&RW=1366&RH=605)  
  Description: Covering one of the worst droughts in decades affecting nearly 12 million people in the Horn of Africa.

4. FAO Somalia: Agricultural and Food Security Projects

  Link: [FAO - Ismail Taxta](https://mediabase.fao.org/contributor/browse/2277/faoismail-taxta)  
  Description:** Documenting FAO-led agricultural projects aimed at improving food security in Somalia.

5. UNICEF Somalia: Gender-Based Violence and Pastoralist Communities

  Link: [UNICEF Portfolio 1](https://arete.dphoto.com/album/xakmkc), [UNICEF Portfolio 2](https://arete.dphoto.com/album/zxxq8d)  
  Description: Documenting gender-based violence in Mogadishu and the lives of pastoralist communities in Dolow.

6. WFP Somalia: Humanitarian Assistance

  Link: [WFP Portfolio](https://arete.dphoto.com/album/f1808p)  
  Description: Documenting humanitarian assistance efforts in flood-affected areas in Hiraan.

7. Food for Afrika: Drought-Affected Families

  Link: [Food for Afrika](https://www.foodforafrika.com/2022/03/28/tough-choices-for-drought-affected-families-in-somalia/)  
  Description: Exploring the tough choices faced by drought-affected families in Somalia.

Independent Work and Collaborations

In addition to working with NGOs, Ismail collaborates with international media outlets such as Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and The New York Times. His stories often focus on the impact of war and poverty on women and children, aiming to drive change through powerful visual narratives.

Philosophy and Impact

Ismail's philosophy revolves around using photography to tell important stories. He believes in the power of images to evoke empathy and drive action. "A photograph is a window into my mind and heart, reflecting the harsh realities of life," he says.

Contact and Social Media

- Twitter: [@IsmailTaxta](https://twitter.com/IsmailTaxta) - Instagram: [@IsmailTaxtaPhotography](https://instagram.com/IsmailTaxtaPhotography) - Website: www.hornstories.com

References

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  1. ^ "Somalia: As cases soar, clinics, hospitals and prisons brace themselves for COVID-19". ICRC Newsroom. 30 April 2020. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
  2. ^ "WHO Somalia Photos by Ismail Taxta". WHO. Retrieved 2024-07-27.

References

"Somalia: As cases soar, clinics, hospitals and prisons brace themselves for COVID-19". ICRC Newsroom. 30 April 2020. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
"WHO Somalia Photos by Ismail Taxta". WHO. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
"Drought crisis in the Horn of Africa". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
"FAO Somalia Photos by Ismail Taxta". FAO. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
"UNICEF Somalia Gender-Based Violence Photos by Ismail Taxta". Arete. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
"UNICEF Somalia Pastoralist Communities Photos by Ismail Taxta". Arete. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
"WFP Somalia Humanitarian Assistance Photos by Ismail Taxta". Arete. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
"Tough Choices for Drought-Affected Families in Somalia". Food for Afrika. 28 March 2022. Retrieved 2024-07-27.