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I Photograph The Homeless By Becoming One Of Them
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I Photograph The Homeless By Becoming One Of Them

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I’m inundated with emails on a daily basis. “What camera do you use?”, “How do you obtain the black background in your images?”, “Will you employ me as your assistant?” to quote but a few. The questions are varied, but all revolve around a central theme… they see the apparent “success” of my images and are determined to experience a piece of that for themselves. I don’t blame them. I was exactly the same seven years ago. My mind was awash with images. Revelling in art for the first time in my life. It was exciting, promised travel and adventure and who knows, maybe some success and notoriety. Looking back, I’d look for short cuts by asking other photographers, whose work I admired at the time, the very same questions I am now being asked. I was infatuated with the notion of being “a photographer” so wanted that “success” fast.

Looking back, none of that stuff mattered. Sure, technical ability is pretty fundamental to any vocation but it means nothing without passion. You can’t teach it. Life “happens” and it’s through those experiences that hopefully you come through the other side having learned something.

Love “happened” to me. Back then, that love was the motivation for everything I did. Running through the Vatican to buy a Rosary for her dying mother. Feeling her sense of faith and compassion for the less fortunate. Without knowing it, I took pieces from her. They remain with me to this day. So, now, when you see a Lee Jeffries image it’s not a document of the life of a homeless person. It’s much more than that. It’s a metaphysical testimony of humanity, faith and spirituality. It’s born from love and a connection to another human being. Her… and the homeless people I meet.

Everybody wants to be a photographer. Open your heart and you may just get your wish.

More info: Instagram

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    Lee Jeffries

    Lee Jeffries

    Author, Community member

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    This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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    Lee Jeffries

    Lee Jeffries

    Author, Community member

    This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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    ClaudiaFerreira
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    some really powerful images, would love to know the stories behind them

    RogerNehring
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Phenomenal portraits. Awesome, in the original meaning of the word. I am in awe.

    Sonia.Alexandra
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know what about you guys, but I really think that these people are beutiful. Truly beautiful. Am I the only one?

    JakeFerguson
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    30 people here seem to agree with you, so you're definitely not the only one. Phenomenal photos

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    ClaudiaFerreira
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    some really powerful images, would love to know the stories behind them

    RogerNehring
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Phenomenal portraits. Awesome, in the original meaning of the word. I am in awe.

    Sonia.Alexandra
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know what about you guys, but I really think that these people are beutiful. Truly beautiful. Am I the only one?

    JakeFerguson
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    30 people here seem to agree with you, so you're definitely not the only one. Phenomenal photos

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
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