Faces of Town

                                                      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.