Saira's Story

sorry, haven’t had time to write a stronger story as i am at Cannes film festival. Of course she leaves you upset but you feel an upliftness by her will to overcome her fate. She looks forward to hopefully become a clothing designer and it is that will that will hopefully take her further.

It makes me sad and angry that people should treat each other in this way. A very real and powerful photo. Thanks for the reality wake up call.

Hi Jacob, I’ve recently been in Africa photographing people at orphanages-hospitals etc. And I share your sense of hope. I used to look at these images and feel sad but having been through what I went through in Africa I now understand the sense of hope you get when you meet such people. Great shot.

thank you for bringing this glimpse of reality home to me.

Bloody hell. It’s a difficult photo to look at.
I noticed quite a few women with severe scarring from facial burns when I was travelling in India. I hope everything works out for her in the end.

Man that’s an amazing shot. Sometimes people really suck.

Yes, cheers Jacob for a touch of reality.

Watched a series on two English surgeons that find people like Saira, bring them to the UK and do their best to restore them to their previous best. Inspirational and very brave work.

the guy who did that deserves to die be executed…i would gladly do it…sometimes two wrongs can make a right…

the husband to be who did it is in jail for life unless pardoned by Saira or her family. Next year she undergoes surgery. The growth in her neck is removed which is actually rolls of skin growth that will be grafted back to her face. I hope to have another photo of her either later this year or next year.

melinda: taking photos in crisis zones is tough. i still think about all these people but i am in love with their passion to live their life despite the pain they suffer.

This brings out a variety of emotions. Horror at first, then anger at the perpetrator and the culture that encourages this, but finally admiration for Saira, who is able to smile despite her suffering. Thank you for this portrait.

Oh this photo makes me feel sad for her. Yet she can still smile.
I wish her all the best & hope the surgeons can work their magic for her.

Thanks Jacob. I hope Saira goes after her dream.

I can’t belive that this is something that really happen to women in the world today. My god this is heart breaking stuff. What would her life have been like if she had gone through with a marriage to someone prepared to do this to her? I pray and hope that she gets to finish her education and goes on to have a rich and wonderful life on her own terms. Thank you for having the courage to post this.

shit like this happening pisses me off.
i hope you sell a tonne of your photos jacob.

the causes you financially support are awesome.
you sound like a selfless human being.

i applaud you.

So many of these stories overseas….so sad. Amazing how her smile still has hope in it.

I agree with Coralie – it’s amazing how her smile shines through and you can still see a beautiful woman.

Jacob!...Your work, heart and mind is inspiring!!....

Wow. Very effective

through all the disfigurement imposed on Saira, her beauty shines through, which is a remarkable thing. bravo, Jacob, for the work you are doing.

this is a brilliant shot Jacob. People sometimes really dont realize how badly they ruin other’s life. Its great to know she didn’t give up on life. Keep up the great work!