Earlier in December 2025 and January 2026, I spent several days in Rajasthan photographing camels hauling sand from riverbeds and pulling brick-laden carts at kilns for Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA). I also documented bullocks and buffaloes used for farm work in Mayurbhanj and Balasore in Odisha. Based in the UK, SPANA works to improve the welfare of working animals worldwide. The assignment offered a close look at the relationships between owners and animals, and how central these animals are to rural livelihoods, forming part of my broader documentary work with non-profits focused on rural economies and labour.

SPANA has since rebranded as Working Animals International, a name that reflects its global focus. Founded in 1923, the organisation supports working animals across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America through veterinary care, training for owners and policy advocacy. These animals remain essential to daily life, providing transport, income and access to services, yet their welfare is often overlooked. Projects like these often feed into long-term visual documentation for NGOs, supporting communication, reporting and advocacy efforts.

To mark the launch, the charity is hosting Impossible to Overlook at Fujifilm House of Photography in Covent Garden from 22 to 26 April, 2026. The exhibition highlights the role of working animals through projects by several talented photographers including Maheder Haileselassie, Charmaine Chitate, Abdellah Azizi and Badr and myself. Several of my images are part of the show, including the lead, reflecting an ongoing practice of documenting development work with an emphasis on empathy, dignity and informed consent.

I regularly work with international and Indian non-profits to document their work across India and create images that are both visually compelling and grounded in context. Take a look at my other work here.