Cooper Douglass
CFAC Creative Works Contest
2024 Winners
Cooper Douglass | Visual Media
1st Place
Design | Photo- & Lens- Based Design
Cooper Douglas is currently in his fourth semester at BYU and first year in the photography- and lens-based design program. After graduation he hopes to work as a behind the scenes photographer for film productions.
"This experience pushed me to expand my skills behind the camera and explore new ways of capturing the essence of these remarkable individuals. Through interviews, portraits, and meaningful interactions with the attendees, I gained a deeper understanding of our shared humanity — as children of God, as brothers and sisters, and as bearers of each other’s burdens. "
London and Windsor, UK
June 2024
London and Windsor, UK
June 2024
London and Windsor, UK
June 2024
London and Windsor, UK
June 2024
London and Windsor, UK
June 2024
By Cooper Douglass
This year I have had the privilege of working on-campus as a student photographer and videographer for the International Center for Law and Religion Studies. In June they sent me to the UK to document the annual Windsor Dialogue conference, hosted by the AMAR Foundation. This organization advocates for and supports displaced Yazidi refugees, providing them with emergency aid, healthcare, and education.
A key theme of the conference was empowering the Yazidi community to rebuild after enduring genocide, especially as many of their refugee camps are scheduled to close this year. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the ISIL/Daesh invasion of Sinjar, this conference in particular was concerned about making their story known. The Yazidi tradition, until recently, has been passed down solely through oral history. However, there is now a concerted effort to digitize as much of it as possible.
My role in the UK was to ensure the proceedings were documented, allowing the testimonies and needs of the survivors to be shared. I also had the honor of filming and photographing two separate performances by the Yazidi Women’s Choir, one taking place at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor, and the other in the Jerusalem Chamber of Westminster Abbey in London. These brave women have overcome unimaginable hardships, and their traditional music serves as a beacon of hope for their communities.
This experience pushed me to expand my skills behind the camera and explore new ways of capturing the essence of these remarkable individuals. Through interviews, portraits, and meaningful interactions with the attendees, I gained a deeper understanding of our shared humanity — as children of God, as brothers and sisters, and as bearers of each other’s burdens. I was surrounded by influential political and religious figures from around the world, including the private chaplain to the royal family, who informed us of King Charles’ continued patronage to the AMAR Foundation and its mission. Their examples have inspired me to use my talents to serve others and to listen the stories of those who might otherwise go unheard.
These photos primarily feature the Yazidi Women’s Choir, with one capturing the chaplain of the royal family. I chose to shoot mostly on black and white film, as the slower, more deliberate process felt better suited to the intimate and reflective atmosphere of the conference. I am deeply grateful to the ICLRS, AMAR, and the organizers of the Windsor Dialogue for giving me the opportunity to help raise awareness about the Yazidi people and their ongoing struggles. It’s a story that deserves to make a lasting impact on a world that has, in many ways, forgotten them.