This beautiful collection of hand portraits was photographed by Wendy Ball while travelling for three months in West Africa. They capture the relational nature of her journey through personal encounters with people in the places they call home. Wendy’s work focusses on the universal and intimate stories which are communicated by hands. The images delve, honour, smile, lament and ultimately serve as a powerful visual reminder that our journeys are shaped and enabled by others.

A conversational essay about Wendy’s work and travels is included in the book. This essay was produced in collaboration with Simon Bateson, artistic director of Take One Action Film Festivals.