Empathy Project

Part 1 – A black and white photo. Gray, black or white background. Clothing solid color / does not stand out. The focus is on the person and their physical features. 

The intent of the first photo is to have the viewer examine their biases. They know nothing about you but are encouraged to examine any judgements they make.

Part 2 – This photo is all about showing personality in the way the model sees themselves. What do they want to show the world. Photographer and model work together to 

The intent of this second photo is for the model to look at the photo and feel like it represents who they are in at least one part of their life. This photo is the first information the viewer is given about who the model is/how they see themselves. The viewer is asked to reflect on the initial assumptions (picture 1) and what they now know (picture 2). 

Part 3 – After the pictures have been viewed, there is a third page. The third page is a Q&A with the model. I will provide a set of questions (some lighthearted and some that allow for more depth). Model decides what questions  they want to answer and what information to share. As with picture 2, the intent of the Q&A is to provide the viewer with more knowledge about who the model is/how they see themselves.

Overarching Goal: To present a number of people with a variety of life experiences and backgrounds. The viewer is given limited information and asked to examine thoughts/biases. They are then given more information visual and asked to reflect on their initial impressions (picture 2). They are then provided the models words, making a more personal impact and hopefully fostering more empathy for people in the world who we may not ever know. Everyone has a story but we often lose sight of that in a world that is so complex, busy and overwhelming.