Faces of Town
In September of 2013 I was assigned by my
Photography lecturer to create a photography book on any chosen project. I
wanted to capture a topic that was simple and elegant to execute due to my
novice level of photography. I decided to create my photography book based on
homelessness in Dublin city center.
Preferably to narrow down the people chosen to six or seven, I would ask
their permission for a photo and explain what I was doing. I would like to use
my project to raise awareness of homelessness around Dublin City center, and
highlights its growing problem.
The people chosen
would be photographed at eye level, I want to capture their facial details and
expressions. I believe by photographing them on an even level would help create
a sense of neutrality for the viewer. As well as an eye level shot, I wish to
take an extra shot of each homeless person and their immediate surround
environment. Whether that is a busy street, bus shelter, bridge or a buildings
exterior.
My topic is based in
Dublin city center; this ranges from Grafton Street, Trinity College, the
Central bank, and Temple Bar to O’Connell’s Bride. These locations are all
within close proximity allowing for a central target area. Although the
locations are broad, they help establish that homelessness is everywhere, and
not confined to one particular street or building. These locations are also
landmarks of Dublin City, meaning the photographs should have a natural
established background.
The project is to be
achieved in a short manner of time, between five to seven days. The photos will
be taken between mid mornings to late afternoon for optimal levels of natural
light; this will help keep the theme of naturalness connected.
This idea sprung to
mind while I was commuting to Dublin Business School; on my way from Pearce
Station to Balfe Street I began to notice a pattern with homeless people. Several
people sat in the same location each morning, it became so well established
that I knew where certain people would be before I had left Pearce Street. I
decided to photograph them at eye level because the majority of the time people
look down at them. This can create a biased atmosphere in a photo, wanting to
avoid this negative stigma, I have decided on eye level. This method can also
help with connecting on emotional levels in the photograph by making eye
contact with the photographed homeless people.
I plan on engaging
with the homeless people by introduction and explanation of what I wish to do
with the photographs. I wish to create a friendly approach to portraying
homeless people, and show them in a natural way. The photos will be somewhat
similar in terms of shooting style; a close up of a persons face to capture
their facial details. I also wish to take an establishing shot of each homeless
person’s location. I will also include basic information on them, name, age and
how long they have been living on the streets. I hope to use this information
in order to increase the connection between the viewer and the subject.
