Congo . Due to the mineral content of the Congo river the water is blood red. In rural DRC the canoe is the best form of family transport. In rural areas of the DRC the jungle is a rich larder and if you are not prepared to hunt down your lunch you don’t eat. Most people operate in time and space that doesn’t involve the exchange of money to live. Congo Into the Wild by Damian Bird The atmosphere on the waterways of the Congo is electric. “Family cars” are fashioned from whole trees and they jently swish past each other to and from markets and meetings with friends and family along the river banks. Balance is obvoiusly an issue in these hollowed out tree boats, but just as children learn to walk in the Congo they also learn how to harmoniously keep the family craft upright. A favourite dress. The Congo is a very physical realm and boys naturally seem to want to be photographed as “mean fighting machines” more than capable of taking care of themselves should physical force be needed. A concerned mother waiting to see an MSF doctor re her daughters health. Suspected early signs of Malaria. Fresh fruit for sale. Four sex workers in a bar. Christian faith is very important to some Congolese. When photographed everyone reacts differently and I like to let people do their own thing! This surgeon is visiting a rural clinic in Congo supported by MSF. Layed out before him are his operating instruments. Cottage industries are very common in rural Congo in what is largely a world of “hand to mouth” existance. This boy was very proud of his beautifully crafted home made power boat. One seldom sees such perfect toys for sale in the West. Even if charcoal selling is your job it doesn’t mean you can’t wear a beautiful and immaculately clean dress. This proud young lady had not one black mark on her flowery frock. Peaceful ‘0’ carbon emissions transport. This whole village wanted me to photograph them together. The comunity was a very close one and everyone appeared to be working together for the survival of the group. Beautiful young Congolese lady taking her bread to market. Congolese taxi rank on the banks of the Congo. Fresh meat being taken to the market for sale. Animals destined for food are taken to market alive to keep their meat fresh due to the lack of refrigeration or packaging. This man has contracted malaria and is now to weak and sick to walk. He is being taken to hospital in this “all terrain” low-tec congolese ambulance. Sex worker at a night club. Almost all Congolese toys are home made. Great fun being had over a home made baby football table being enjoyed by neighboorhood children. When there are no DVD players or video games the fun goes on................... Street snacks. Fried snacks on sticks for sale at market. Sick child being taken to see MSF doctor. Wherever you are in the world there is always someone wearing  a “David Beckam” shirt. School girl with great hair. Jungle life. Young couple, very in love. Fresh bread, still hot!