Humanizing Women in Prison Through Photography with Sara Bennett

#504 In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Sara Bennett, a
former criminal defense lawyer turned social justice and advocacy
photographer, who shares her inspiring journey of using
photography to humanize incarcerated women. Sara dives deep into
her approach, emphasizing the power of storytelling and ethical
considerations, and provides invaluable insights on building
trust with subjects.

THE BIG IDEAS



Empower Through Stories: Capture authentic stories; let
your subjects speak through your images for genuine emotional
impact.


Build Trust First: Establish a respectful relationship
with your subjects. Trust leads to more genuine and relaxed
photographs.


Community Connections: Leverage word-of-mouth and
community engagement to find your subjects. Organic connections
create deeper insights.


Protect Subject Integrity: Always protect the privacy
and integrity of your subjects, ensuring they are comfortable
with how their stories are shared.



PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN
Start Conversations Before Shooting: Approach potential
subjects with respect, share your project goals, and spend time
talking without your camera. Write letters or emails to establish
initial contact, explaining your intentions and building
trust.Develop a Personal Photography Style: Engage deeply
with your subject to uncover their story, taking time to understand
their background. Experiment with capturing candid moments that
reflect your subject's genuine emotions and experiences.Optimize
Composition for Storytelling: Frame your shots to include
elements that speak to your subject’s environment and context. Use
written statements or captions to complement your images and
provide deeper insight.Manage Ethical Considerations: Always
explain how and where the photos will be used, obtaining consent
for public display or media use. Avoid photographing situations or
elements that could harm your subjects, ensuring their dignity and
privacy.Showcase Your Work Thoughtfully: Curate exhibitions
or create portfolios that prioritize the ethical representation of
your subjects. Engage with audiences through guest books or
feedback sections to create dialogue and empathy around your
images.

RESOURCES:
Visit Sara Bennett's Website - https://sarabennett.org/


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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!