Additional Credits

Video

Photographer Statement

Observations From The Field

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live without modern technology, electronics, or electricity? I still remember the first time I saw an Amish farmer plowing his field with a horse-drawn carriage while driving through Lancaster County. I recognized then that I must understand more about this unique community, and one that reminded me of my childhood living in a farming and fishing village outside of Khulna, Bangladesh.

My photos attempt to capture many facets of Amish village life and culture, including their farms, markets, homes, gardens, businesses, food, clothing, textiles, artwork, and family gatherings. Through this work, I also examined their means of transportation and modes of working together, craftsmanship and production, and other aspects of their daily lives. My photos aimed to capture personable expressions and an intimate quality even if my photos were often taken from a distance.

To capture members of the Amish community in my photographs, I had to overcome some challenges. Due to their reluctance to being photographed, I had to stand at respectful distances or approach individuals discretely and just quietly shoot film. As a general rule, the Amish, if asked, will not consent to their photo being taken, but they will generally not resist you doing so, at least for a very limited time, so I had to work fast when I approached certain subjects. And, at times, I did feel like an interloper.

During one trip to Lancaster, I visited the Flying Cloud, an authentic Amish hat-maker and hard to find shop, located up on steep hillside in the village. As someone who embraces the Amish way of life and clothing style, I purchased one of their impeccably, handcrafted straw hats. On my visits to the Amish village thereafter, I wore my Amish straw hat, out of a sense of deference, and felt a heightened sense of connection with their lifestyle and a reconnection with mine, growing up in the village in Bangladesh.

Through this project, I have developed a strong interest in getting to know the Amish community better, and will continue to develop this photo story over time. I desire to understand their inner and private lives more fully, and I recognize what a challenge that may be, as I am seen as an outsider. It is my hope, that on return visits, I may be able to develop stronger connections with some individuals in the community that will both help to inform me about their lifestyle and continue to inform this body of work.

License

To license this work for editorial, creative, or other uses, click on the OZMO logo above.

This will take you to the Ozmo website retro toys where you can review the cost and license for the photographs in this exhibit.

You will need to create an account with both Amazon payments and with the Ozmo website as described on the Ozmo website.

Tags

Content loading...

Resources

Affiliated NGO

Contact Photographer

Hreedoy Anirban Khandakar
6465770412
anirbanimages@gmail.com
https://anirbanimages.wixsite.com/story

An Amish Lifestyle: A Model of Sustainability

The Amish community is Lancaster represents the oldest and largest Amish community living in the US. They were established in Lancaster in the 1720’s and are an ethno religious group with Swiss German and Alsatian origins who share a common religious and ethnic background. The Old Order Amish are notable for shunning the use of modern technology, which include, computers, cell phones, GPS, gas or electrically powered machinery among other tools of contemporary society. Their use of horse-drawn buggies as a primary mode of transportation is a testament to this technology-free lifestyle. The Amish lifestyle is a role model for living sustainably.

The Amish are known for their simple rural lifestyle, plain but homemade and colorful clothing, textiles and quilting. Their dress code is a reflection of their beliefs and values. The Amish have distinctive attire and grooming practices. Amish men typically wear plain, dark-colored like charcoal gray, light gray, navy blue, or brown pants with no creases or cuffs, and use suspenders instead of belts and pants avoid zippers, opting for button closures and a front flap. Their shirts are usually button-down and have no collar or lapels. They also wear suspenders and a black hat, woolen caps in winter and straw hats in summer, expressing. Amish women typically wear long, plain dresses with full skirts and long sleeves, and a head covering, such as a prayer cap or bonnet. Bold patterns are generally discouraged and jewelry is not permitted. The Amish dress code is designed to be modest and practical. It reflects the Amish belief in modesty and that people should not draw attention to themselves. The Amish also believe that their clothing should be functional and durable. The Amish dress code helps to create a sense of community. When everyone dresses the same, it helps to reinforce the Amish values and beliefs.

The Amish approach the act of “making” as a primary form of work, and they are well known for a high level of craftsmanship. The Amish believe that it is important to use resources wisely and to protect the environment. Amish farmers use traditional methods, such as plowing with horses and mules and cultivating produce without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, making their farming practices more sustainable and environmentally friendly. They often help each other out with tasks such as planting, harvesting, and threshing. This helps to keep costs down and ensures that everyone in the community has enough food. Amish dairy farms are also environmentally friendly. They do not use pesticides or herbicides, and they do not pollute the environment with their waste.

Amish people also raise other livestock, such as sheep, turkeys, and rabbits. They typically raise these animals for their own use, but they may also sell some of the meat or other products. Amish people are very careful about how they treat their livestock. They believe that animals are gifts from God, and they take responsibility for their well-being. Amish farmers provide their animals with plenty of food, water, and shelter. They also make sure that their animals are healthy and free from pain. Likewise, Amish carpenters often use reclaimed wood and other sustainable materials in their construction projects.

The Amish are committed to sustainable living, and they believe that their businesses can play a role in protecting the environment. Many among the Amish community work as manual laborers such as masons, roofers, cabinetmakers, carpenters, suppliers of hardware, equipment repairers, and craftsmen inside their community or non-Amish community. They are also well known for their profitable businesses, farms, food production, and markets. The Amish have a high success rate in business. A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that Amish businesses have a 95% success rate over five years, a rate higher than the national average of 50%. The Amish have a strong work ethic and are committed to quality. They are willing to spend time and effort producing high-quality products and services. The Amish have a strong sense of community and are willing to help each other out and are loyal to their customers. Family life is a primary building block of society and businesses are typically family-owned and operated. The community works collectively to achieve their independence from modern society and the Amish strive to live orderly lives in harmony with nature.

Stats