In 2015 I coordinated a photovoice project called Work Through my Lens. The participants were low wage workers here in Missoula, Montana. They used cameras and storytelling to create a multifaceted art show and community engagement experience. Some of the people involved had never used a digital camera. Most had not participated in anything artistic or creative before, and almost all of them stated at the beginning of the project that they had no idea how to tell their story, or what their story even was.
What is Photovoice?
At its core, photovoice is a lot like a social media post with a photo. But it has a certain focus. It is usually used as a way for communities to talk about public health issues, pollution, social issues, mental health, or living conditions. Before the project begins, the participants create questions to explore, like “how does living in a food desert impact my family?” As the project develops, the participants revisit their questions, discuss their photos and findings, and continue to explore the topic until they produce enough content to display to the public. In this way, the community studies their own problems, rather than being studied by an outside agency. They control the narrative, they control the outcome. Some groups decide to use their photovoice projects to raise awareness, or even advocate for policy changes.
Our project, Work Through My Lens, was the result of a year of planning. I developed a cirriculum that was focused on helping participants find themes or creative voice.
We met in several weekly sessions, and the participants were compensated for their time with a gift card (grant funded). We learned the basics of photography from a local professional photographer, and I took participants through some guided writi
ng activities to help them get some ideas for their narrative.
I also met with each participant one-on-one to hear their story. I helped them find themes in their ideas, and provided listening space for emotions or personal thoughts they wanted to share, and answered questions. In the end, we were featured on local and state news, and had a wonderful exhibit at Missoula Food Bank, where we put the images and words right on the shelves next to the food. After that, our exhibit was featured at a local coffee shop, Butterfly Herbs, for one month.
It’s important to note the difference between a static art exhibit and Photovoice. We took time at our opening event to have each participant speak, and share their story. We also had a place for attendees to write their responses. The experience allowed us to hear things attendees never knew before. Many expressed that they were shocked that people working full time still needed to rely on social services like the food bank.
Feedback on the event was positive from the participants. After feeling doubtful their stories were interesting in the beginning , some people told me at the end this project helped affirm to them them that everyone’s story is valuable and meaningful. The idea that we could use our stories to bring about public awareness and a change in stigma brought the experience to another level.
I think that was the most satisfying thing to me: seeing our group standing proud and excited of what we had created together, from seemingly nothing! I also enjoyed watching audience members talk in earnest with our participants, about the social issues which create poverty in our area. The whole process was being supervised by the Department of Social Work at the University of Montana. In the end, this project was featured in the newest edition of their foundational textbook, Just Practice.
