A storm approaching a village in Ghana.

Lawrence resident Deb Stavin, a freelance designer, has traveled throughout South America, Southeast Asia and Africa, and the people of those places have become the subjects of her photographs.

“When you’re in a foreign place, it’s easy to marvel at how different everything is,” Stavin says. “Look deeper, and you begin to perceive the remarkable sameness that links us all. What country on earth doesn’t have mischievous children, too-cool-for-you teenagers, distinguished elders, food markets, taxicabs and barbershops?”

In 2004, Stavin was introduced to Women Vision International, a non-profit organization based in Kansas City, Mo., that works to end poverty by helping women become economically self-sufficient. Then in February, she volunteered to photograph the work of a WVI team in Ghana.

“Just Looking,” an exhibit of Stavin’s pictures from Ghana, and a previous trip to India, is on display at Bodyworks, 13 E. Eighth St., through May 20. Her photos were taken with either a Canon A-80 or Canon G6 digital camera.

Twin sisters in Ghana.

A painted taxi in Andhra Pradesh, India.

A bullock pulling a cart on the streets of Andhra Pradesh, India.

A woman selling flowers in Andhra Pradesh, India.