Can photography help a prisoner turn a new leaf?

First, this is something that I had never thought I would have been able to achieve, when you think about it. Cameras in prisons, not something you think go well, but you would be surprised. So let me take you back to Black History Month, I had the chance to pitch an idea to the dept within a young offenders prison. I spent days talking to myself in the mirror, making sure that I researched security in prisons and how photography can have a positive impact on prisoners. 

The day came and I was ready, I walked in, set up and boom! Smashed it. My proposal for a week-long photography course in a HMPYOI was accepted!

So to prepare, I spent a week full of 3am bedtimes and 7am wake ups and trips all over London to speak with black people of note, to visit some of London's black historical places and The Black Cultural Archives in Brixton. Who would have thought that creating a course syllabus would be so much work?! Everything from making sure that there were individual course outcomes, working within SMART goals, and the dreaded but needed Ofsted. I have a new level of respect for schools and teachers. 

Along the way I was able to meet with some amazing people who always had words of encouragement for both myself and all the boys who would be taking part on the course. Adjoa Andoh to name one had some amazing words to share with the young men in the hope that they would take something positive from the course.

And onto the start of the course. It was the last week of Black History Month. I managed to get 12 young men to sign up, however only 8 started the course which was still a big win. Day one, what is photography to you. This was a very heated conversation, so many different views. We have to accept that some of these young men have been in prison for a few years. We then went on to discus their motivations and goals, it was upsetting that some of them had no goals, so we worked on making sure that by the end of the course they all had goals that excited them. 

During the course we made time to learn and discuss the times of some amazing black photographers such as Lorna Simpson, Carrie Mae Weems, and Ernest Withers. I was inspired all over again and it made me fall in love with photography again. Watching them gradually become excited about the amazing work of these artists.

As the course progressed, the students learned about different techniques. We also had discussions about the importance of representation in media and the power of imagery to shape public perception. It was so rewarding to see them develop their own creative vision and gain confidence in their abilities. Some were so sure of from the start which added to the energy of the course. 

And we arrived at the last day, with the support of HMP, we were able to have a family day where the ‘now photography students first, humans second and prisoners last’ were able to show off some newly learned skills, images that they had captured and a chance to run a family portrait photo shoot. 

This part of the day was so emotional, some of the families were brought to tears claiming that this was a dream, having a family picture. At that point I was unsure as to why but speaking with some of these boys, a lot of families lose their sons before they have the chance of having a family photo #notanoterdrop #puttheknifesdown 

They left the course with not only a new skill, but also a sense of accomplishment and pride in themselves.

I ended the course by letting them know that I am proud of them, something some of them have never heard before. 

When each of the prisoners was asked how photography could help rehabilitate them, them, they gave an answer I wasn't expecting. Here are answers from 3 of them

"It can help find a hidden talent which can be used to find a job when released. It can be used to sharpen the eye which will make prisoners appreciate things such as paintings, pictures and other pieces of art. It can become a hobby which can become time consuming and keep prisoners from using their time to commit more crimes. It can be very relaxing."

"It will help understand how to capture a moment for example when you have children of if you're at a family even which could help create precious memories. It's a different course that people may not necessarily get the opportunity to participate in other establishments and can help give people another option upon release."

"I think photography can be used to teach us that there is a way to turn it into an occupation.

In this day and age a lot of people make money from influencing, taking pictures and entertaining online.

a lot of people already do this as a hobby, if we had a chance to look further into it, I would be very much interested to see if it could help me find another possible way of a making an income legally."

This experience has reminded me of the power of photography, education and being non judgemental will always make a positive impact in the lives of prisoners. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such motivated and talented young people.

A massive thank you to HMP and all who stuck their necks on the line to help me get this up and running. 

With that being the end of that, I am now at the start to fight to run photography courses all over HMP’s estate and for ex prisoners upon release. 

So, if you're interested in finding out more regarding any up and coming courses or to offer support, please email us at contact@diverseimagesphotography.com