The VIEW Magazine CiC
Presents
Rebel Justice Podcasts : Episode 2: The Relationship Between The Photographer And Subject.
The View's Eleanor speaks to activist Jen Reid, photographers Harry Borden,Jenny Baptiste, and mental health campaigner Sue Wheatcroft about their experiences on both sides of the camera.
Our second episode is about the experience on both sides of the camera between art and activism. The Someone’s Daughter project takes photographs of women who have been involved in the criminal justice system. Survivors, lawyers and activist women who were interested in the process from charge and arrest to incarceration through to rehabilitation who are engaging in a dialogue around justice reform for women. So, we dive into photography as a subject that moves away from the world of high fashion, shaping ordinary people and creating stunning images by telling powerful stories. True photography is about documenting real human interaction and deriving an intrinsic pleasure from the process of taking photographs, rather than using photographic techniques to give people a stamp of approval. No matter how confident a person may be, staring into a camera is a privileged experience. This sometimes can feel like it exposes our weakness, but the photographer will capture that soft side.
Harry Boden says: "I think I've learned a lot from taking photographs because before I took them I didn't realise it was about getting inside people, not just the outside." Photographers realise that photographs need to capture the heart and mind, and not just the external image. As a photographer, making connections and producing personal images with people is vital, says Jenny Baptiste, "Because I can't afford film, I have to train my eye so it knows that I can't shoot rolls of film. I wanted to get another side of their personality in the images I selected and bring in who they were, which was very personal."
Photographers approach the concept of image creation sympathetically, as they develop the image to gain a more personal image.
Harry says, "Photography reflects my development as a person. Initially I would focus more on technique, but as I continued to change I focused more on creating an emotional impact with the photographs".
Personality is expressed through the eyes, like the black, militaristic mask in the photograph of Sue Wheatcroft, demonstrating strength and determination.
During the Global Covid Pandemic photography was a huge challenge. Throughout this time Harry shifted the focus of his photography, which required a human connection, to personal work.
Intimate portraits of single fathers, and stories of love, loss and the healing power of family. This period of lockdown allowed for experimentation in finding alternative ways of communicating and very creative ways of thinking. Making people aware that there are many other things to do in life, such as caring more about family and parents.
More on Someone’s Daughter here.
With thanks to all our panellists and the many people who made Someone’s Daughter possible. The campaign continues, globally, so watch our social media for dates and further announcements.
© The View Magazine 2021
Narration and Questions by Eleanor, edited by Holly McVe.
Produced by The View Magazine
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