After being given a grant from a local donor for equipment purchases, I bought a camera for each teen, as well as batteries and memory cards, and a microphone to hook up to my computer. I then worked with the four teens that had all experienced homelessness, by first teaching them about the camera itself, and eventually basic photography skills. We talked about imagery and metaphors, and using a photo to contextualize a feeling. We discussed many subjects, including their hopes, fears, and problems they faced. We then worked to come to solutions. After our discussions, they would spend the next seven days shooting pictures related to what we talked about. The next time we met, they would use the microphone and voice the thought process behind each photograph, with me adding a question as needed. I recorded these conversations through a program on my computer. Working with a local musician named Rob Beckham, a composition was created to reflect the tone of their message. In the next few months, I used several programs to cut over four hours of audio into the seven minutes alloted. Adding in the photos and musical score, it was then put onto a custom designed dvd. Documenting their lives was much more than simply placing them as victims. It gave them an active role, creating the record of their situation, struggle, and survival. Sometimes the subject matter was hard for me to comprehend, as it was so far removed from my lifestyle to imagine living in a dumpster to avoid the cold, or the decision to live on the streets instead of in an abusive household. Their cumulative experiences were hard to behold.
We premiered the film during a local art event, alongside Our House and other non-profit organizations. The impact was audible. Afterwards, people shared how little they had known about this, and recognized the challenges the kids faced. Every person I met was filled with a desire to improve the availability of help homeless teens received in our area. The community responded in such a positive way, running articles and even a television spot, all in an attempt to raise awareness and aid. Due to this immense amount of coverage, thousands of people were enlightened and affected. Shortly before the event, Our House began construction on their property. The transitional living facility that these kids will soon be able to escape to is now becoming a reality. Our House also was invited to meet with the Mayor to discuss their mission, needs, and goals. He and the City Manager are on board to help see that this effort continue to move forward. The four kids I worked with were all present at the premier, and each voiced their surprise over so many people being present. They were given an opportunity that not enough people have, to speak their minds to an audience. The impact it had on them was evident. Seeing the realization in their eyes that they were important members of society is something I will never forget. Each one took something with them from that night, whether a stronger sense of personal identity, or a affirmation on their immense amount of strength and endurance. They gained a life skill, not only on an artistic level, but also on a social level, being better prepared to communicate themselves to others. There will always be voices that are drowned out by the chaos around them, and that is why Photovoice, and its methodology has the possibility to continue on steadily into the future.
After working with these four amazing teens, I learned you should never judge a person by their situation. Each person involved in this project came from a different background, with each personality offering a unique perspective. Their combined insight was poignant and eye-opening. In one particularly memorable moment, I asked a teen why they had taken a picture of a door, unknowingly thinking it a mistake. He then proceeded to prove me wrong by explaining that he just always felt like life's door was being slammed in his face. As I taught them how to take photographs, I also learned how to help them, by becoming a better teacher. In making their thoughts and photos into a fluid, cohesive film format, I had to move from the role of photographer and director into producer. Not only did I have to learn how to cut audio and mix music, but I had to learn all the techniques and vocabulary that went along with them. From there, the movie had to be turned into a DVD with a working menu, all of which I learned how to design. At moments, I doubted whether my volunteering would even make an impact, but I pushed past those moments of questioning and strived all the more to make it count. Watching the faces of the audience as they watched the film, a change began to occur. From ignorance and disbelief to awareness and inspiration, the expressions of the viewers evolved, much like their mentalities had been shifted. A wave of emotion hit me, and I knew that this project was extremely important, not only to myself and the others involved, but to the community that was opening its eyes around me.
