Throughout my time photographing, I found that most, if not all, of my photos have been for the sake of a good-looking photo and never had meaning or further intention. Even theme-related work felt like it had no spine. When I began shooting my first roll of black and white to see how my new camera worked and understand how to shoot film, I walked past an unhoused woman sitting on the corner of a building. As I walked past, I remembered I had some spare food and water in my backpack, so I decided to walk back and offer them up. She kindly accepted, and we began conversing. She told me her dogs' names and how long she had them. When I said I was a photographer, she asked if I could get a picture of her and her dogs. This simple interaction pushed me to start this project. From that point on, I began approaching unhoused individuals and simply conversing. I would always make sure to offer help, whether it be food or water. The stories I heard from these people were funny, exciting, and educational, but most times, upsetting. So many people I talked to did not want their photos taken, and even if you can’t see their faces, their stories can still be told. Their story can still be told even if they did not share their name. Many of these people who don't have many options and whose only place of shelter is the street or any public place with shade are not treated like humans. They are no different from anyone. Everyone struggles in life, so why should their struggles be ignored? These individuals are beautiful human beings, just like you and I, just like everyone born into this world. I'm not here to speak on everyone's struggles, nor am I here to convince you on anything. Instead, I am here simply to show you who some of these people you may have walked past are. They are real, they are human, they deserve to be treated in that light. I am not educated enough 'to inform you of the best way to solve or change this issue. But I can inform you of it and get you to think about and act in your own way. So, I encourage you to look into it, learn about it, and change it.
