The Recession Project
By Chris Blackburn
11 Oct 2009
Preface:
I was laid off in the spring, I understand how difficult it is getting a new job. I also have a degree in Sociology, I've wanted to do a photo-social project for a long time ... now's the time.
If you have a job and were never laid off during this recession you really haven't felt the effects of the economic downturn fully. You don't understand when you file a application you're 1 of 100's that applied.
You don't know what its like to swallow your pride and apply for unemployment, food stamps, WIC, Medi-care for your kids. How you can't live the way you did just last month. You haven't watched your savings slowly tank, then start living off of your credit card. You didn't move from city to city hoping for better luck at the next one.
I have been interviewing families in these circumstances. They're hopeless, they're frustrated, and they're humbled. To be out of work in these times is difficult. I've spoken to families who have moved from Seattle, to Billings, to Salt Lake City looking for work.
This downturn has not only effected the everyday working person. I've been with a family where the father has worked in the banking industry for his entire life. He's traveled around the world working with clients in Dubai, China, Saudia Arabia, and worked with every major national bank in the US. He's pulled in all his favors, and still has not been able to get a job for 6 months.
The lack of understanding of those who have jobs is astonishing. If you have a job, you don't feel the pinch or pain. You hear the numbers on the news, but since they don't directly effect you, they're not translated correctly.
Its difficult out there. Families are hurting. People are being put in hard situations. Thrown out of their homes.
Fast food wont even hire some of these people because they know they'll be gone as soon as they get a better job.
For the families I come in contact with they all feel as if there is something wrong with them. They fight depression, hunger at times, and mental/emotional strain on their families. These are the lowest times in their lives, however all the families I have been with have found it as a time to strengthen their family bonds.
They are glad they have been able to spend so much time with their family. This hardship they're enduring is forging a stronger and unbreakable bond that will survive with them for a long time. I can see the strength in them. They say they communicate better, they work stronger as a team now, and they love each other more now.
Please if you know a family that is struggling with unemployment. Don't placate them. Don't say it will all turn out for the better. These are things they "have" to tell themselves everyday to not just give up. Give them hope, show them what's great in life, or give them a wad of cash.
I only hope a simple family portrait can cheer them up and ready them to endure more days/weeks/months of finding a new job.
2 responses
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Michael Griffey gave props (14 Oct 2009):
Bravo Chris! I am part of that club also (joined 01/22/09). Keep the faith :)
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Brian Ach said (20 Nov 2009):
These pics aren't bad, but it is hard for me to see how they relate to your story. They are smiling, seemingly happy shots- kids playing, a guy with his dog, a well dressed family photo. I am wondering where the hardship is. When you title it "The Recession Project," I am expecting (and hoping) to see what the economic conditions have created for these families-do they eat at home all the time now? Did they sell their car? Downsize? Go to Costco? Maybe these are the things you can investigate if you take this story further. The idea is good.
It is obvious you can put people at ease and get a shot. The next thing is shooting them while they are down, so to say. When they are vulnerable. Show your audience what you are trying to say through your pictures. Alienating the viewer by saying "If you have a job and were never laid off during this recession you really haven't felt the effects of the economic downturn fully. You don't understand when you file a application you're 1 of 100's that applied" can also be dicey. What about the photographer who used to make $50K but now makes $20K (although he hasn't been laid off) and can't afford to rent his studio, buy new gear, promote his business, or pay his bills? you don't have to be unemployed to apply for food stamps.
I am simply saying, before you write a defensive letter to me, is that the pictures do not go with the story. You have a good idea, now show it through the pictures, not the words. Show us what it is like to move from city to city without a job, kids in tow.
Just some friendly advice.
brian
