Homeless people were given 100 cameras to take pictures of their lives
The project team Through Our Eyes (translated as "our eyes") distributed 100 disposable cameras to homeless people in the South Carolina city of Spartanburg with a request to document every day of their lives. The organizers of the third project are trying to inspire photographers, but the most important thing is to bring to people's consciousness the problems of the homeless in society.
In addition to the camera, each participant was given a T-shirt with a large inscription "photographer" to give them the opportunity to acquire a new role, in addition to the repulsive "homeless".
Aspiring photographers had to shoot their lives for five days. Then a team of judges reviewed each of the resulting 800 photos and selected 20 finalists.
(20 photos in total)
"The seekers." Photo: Trisha McMillan
"There was some kind of excited atmosphere. I was standing in the middle of the stands, and it caught my attention."
Jason Williamson, the founder of the Through Our Eyes project, admitted that while viewing the works, emotions tore him apart. "No matter how many photos of life on the street you have seen, you will never get used to the idea that some people live in such conditions."
"Get some rest." Photo: Candice Fowler
"It made me laugh when I thought how many people sat on this chair to rest."
The best 20 photos are on display at the art gallery at the Chapman Cultural Center from August 1 to August 30. Each work is accompanied by a title and description from the photographer, his portrait and a donation box. Anyone can vote with money for the photo they like.
"Under the truck." Photo: Teressa Blanton
"I felt sorry for the people who had to live like this, under a truck. In shelters, we were given food, drink and shelter, and I am grateful that I do not live in such a place."
At the end of the month, the photographers who have collected the most donations will be declared the winners. The finalists who entered the top three will receive a financial reward corresponding to their needs.
"Magnolia". Photo: Teressa Blanton
"I was afraid that I had disturbed someone. And it hurt me to tears to see that someone calls this place home."
"Joy." Photo: T. Jones
"It seems my daughter is happily unaware of the situation we are in. I teach her to be grateful for everything she has, and not to worry in vain about what we don't have."
"There is no pain." Photo: Donald Edwards
"I've been through a lot. Sometimes you have to go through a lot to get closer to God."
"Through the storm." Photo: Melissa Basden
"I was thinking about the day we lost our home. I knew when I went to bed that we could still hope for God."
"Hope for a bright future." Photo: Sha'quila Ellis
"I wanted to show people what it's like to live in a shelter, to wander from one church to another in search of a place to sleep."
"Puppy love". Photo: Roddrick Miller
"Chris likes cats more, but he gets along great with Diamond."
"Hot summer days". Photo: Roddrick Miller
"We saved Diamond. The owners pushed her out of the car moving at full speed. My friend Chris and I nursed her for a month. The local vet store gave us food for her."
"Everyone wants to be loved." Photo: Malinda Clark
"This man's family lives in the house, and he lives in the barn. No matter what you have done in life, your family should forgive."
"Disgusting." Photo: Steven Dailey
"A lamp with cockroaches in a studio apartment. I've been living here for six months now. Cockroaches even swim in the toilet."
"Change for a doughnut." Photo: Debra Heanu
"Oh, I got a doughnut. This is my reward for my work. I haven't worked for 20 years, but I've started again."
"Imagine yourself in my place." Photo: Tonya Lee
"I was walking down the road and looked down."
"Shelter." Photo: Titania Stephens Jones
"I photographed this house because it embodies how homeless people sleep. I'm not homeless now, but I've had some hard times. You can see that there have been people here recently."
Photo: Titania Stephens Jones
"We came to the car wash to wash the car, and met a man who lives there. We bought him some food and left him under a blanket."
"A little bit about me." Photo: Joseph Mowers
"I wanted to tell you what happened to me. I had nowhere to go, so I ended up here. I wanted to show people that even though I live in a shelter, I still have a sense of humor and I have something to laugh at. Maybe I don't have a home right now, but that's all I have in my life."
"We need to start somewhere." Photo: Marvin Landrum
"They need help, shelter, work. To reach the finish line, you need to start somewhere. Why not from scratch?"
"Time". Photo: Marvin Landrum
"We were sitting and drinking, and then I jerked. I have asked: "Let me take a picture of you." Time is all we have."
"Unbearable." Photo: Marvin Landrum
"She has diabetes. I just gave her some medicine. She is sick and insanely tired of being homeless. I'm not homeless, but these are my friends."
Keywords: Homeless | Camera | Photographer | Photo contest