Everyone has a story. Our stories are made up of moments in time that have shaped us, no matter who we are or what background we come from. We've all heard the saying, if we could "walk a mile in someone's shoes," maybe we'd get to know them and gain their perspective.
That is exactly what the Through Our Eyes Project is doing. By distributing disposable cameras to those affected by homelessness, the Project provides an avenue for these people to share what their daily walks of life look like through the photographs they take.
According to throughoureyesproject.com, "Through Our Eyes Project is a movement that puts cameras in the hands of people so they can tell the stories in their hearts. Whether it's a homeless person, a child, or someone from a different culture, we want to capture the full story of the person behind the lens with the story they tell through it."
Jason Williamson, missions pastor at Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church, started the project in 2016 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and it has caught the attention of people across the world, from California to Taiwan.
"People have said 'well, I'm no photographer,' but they turn around and produce these incredible images. There's something with art and photography that gives you a little bit of an introspection and empowerment," says Williamson.
Each photographer's journey begins with receiving a Fujifilm Quick Snap disposable camera at a central location, such as a local school or ministry. There they are instructed on how to use the camera, given a date and location to return the cameras, and offered a need-based prize incentive.
Once the cameras are returned and the photos developed, they are displayed in a local gallery, with each participant's photos lined up to show their progressive journey. The photos are judged by a panel of local photographers until they are narrowed down to the top twenty photos. These are framed and displayed individually, and the community can vote for their favorite photo by placing donation money in a box beneath the pictures.
"What surprised me most with the project was definitely a number of images that portrayed hope or optimism. We were definitely expecting to see people sleeping under a bridge, but we weren't prepared to see pictures of parents and children full of peace and love and beautiful scenery," says Williamson.
"People appreciate the world around them even though they're in a pretty rough spot." - Jason Williamson
"Happy As I Can Be"
by Robert Aldridge
"The Love Is Good"
by Annette Barnett
"Out of Nowhere"
by Ray Kelly
Williamson feels the Through Our Eyes project is giving a voice to those who might never have been heard. "We definitely want to continue to work with the homeless and bring attention to issues in other cities. We'd also like to expand the types of people groups we work with who might be marginalized and need awareness about them, whether it's people in another country, single moms looking for help, veterans, senior adults, refugees, or other people who might not have a voice and are certainly important enough to hear from."
What can you do?
Come and support the project during the month of August at the Chapman Cultural Center when the gallery is up.
Pack a care bag full of items like soap, washcloths, deodorant, water, snacks, etc. to keep in your car and give to someone in need you might see while driving.
Support local ministries and soup kitchens with your time and generosity so they can continue to serve the community.
To see more finalists' photographs and to learn more about the Through Our Eyes Project, visit: http://www.throughoureyesproject.com/
