Sunday 1 February 2015

Black and White documentary

In December I was given an assignment at college to take 10-12 documentary reportage photos looking at Housing, Homelessness and Poverty, and to write a report on them. I found this to probably be one of the hardest projects I have had to do so far.

In the UK there is no law against taking photos of anybody in a public place but it is questionable as to whether it is ethical to do so. I personally wouldn't want somebody shoving a camera in my face while I am just minding my own business outside and I would equally find it unpleasant for somebody to use a zoom lens and take my photo without my knowledge. Obviously in crowded places or the background of somebody else's shot it is likely to happen occasionally that you could feature, but not if you are the focus of the picture.

I currently have family members with housing needs that are receiving support from the charity Shelter so I approached the charity to ask if I could document how they support vulnerable people over the Christmas period. Unfortunately they were unable to allow me in with my camera for privacy purposes which I completely understand so I had to explore other avenues.

While exploring London for different ideas I came across a charity that provide vegetarian meals to homeless and vulnerable people. They were based on a back road in the heart of Camden but travel to different areas that they feel people need support.




I was surprised at just how many people needed to use this service and talked to a few of them to ask if they would mind me taking their photo, they were fine with it and happy to talk to me but there was one guy that started shouting, saying that I was out of order. I felt really guilty but at the same time this is reality, if people don't highlight the fact that there are local people having to stand on a corner and eat a free meal then how can others help or change what is happening.

I am sorry to show such a depressing reality but a couple of these photos had an impact on me, particularly the one that shows passers by not even glancing up from their phones or conversations because they are so desensitised to what is happening in their surroundings or the guy that is eating alone and standing, facing the wall as there was no other options available to him.

To see my full photo story click on my portfolio link and I will be happy to get any feedback on your thoughts.

This post is linked to the black and white photography project over at Podcast 

9 comments:

  1. Wow, these are really powerful images. The one of the guy facing the wall especially so. Thank you very much for sharing these important images. #bwphotoproject

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    1. Thank you Sara. I liked how they turned out considering I was trying to get them all taken quickly without having to disturb the peace.

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  2. It's great that you are documenting this and doing it in a respectful and thoughtful way. The B&W adds to the effect of the story that you want us to hear about. Also very interesting to hear that it isn't illegal to snap anyone in public but clearly there are ethics involved - I follow someone that takes amazing stealth shots of the public going about their business. Nice to have found your blog!

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    1. Thank you, I was surprised by the law as well but I suppose it would be hard to control if you couldn't take photos in public besides some of the best shots come from street photography!

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  3. I think the B&W adds to the powerfulness and helplessness of these photos, and that you took them so quickly so as not to disturb says a lot too x #bwphotoproject

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    1. Some of my classmates were lucky enough to travel to India and Portugal over the holidays and so took photos there, the colours were amazingly vibrant and worked well but I agree these photos definitely work better in black and white. :)

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    2. Having been to India and portugal I can imagine the colours, India especially. And that contrasts to the villages is amazing but tells its own story.

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  4. It must have been hard to photograph such a situation with making them feel they were something to be gawped at. I like that you've made it real though, through showing it on your blog.

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    1. It was quite uncomfortable but luckily the two guys I got talking too were really nice; made it easier :)

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