Shutter release - Picturing Life After Prison / PhotoVoice
© Carl
The photos in this exhibition are taken by prisoners in HM Prison Leeds who took part in Shutter Release - PhotoVoice’s pilot project using photography as a tool of communication and self-exploration, engaging prisoners in positive planning and discussion around their release from prison.
In November 2012 PhotoVoice delivered a course of eight full-day photography workshops with a group of three participants on day release. The course consisted of technical photography skills, visual literacy and storytelling through images, and group discussion of issues involved in preparing for, and dealing successfully with release from prison. Through the course, the participants were supported to consider what challenges they would be facing upon release, and to build up a ‘personal journey photo story’ exploring not only challenges and barriers, but aspirations, personal milestones and resolutions.
Photos are on display in the resettlement wing of the prison, in the visitor centre where families of prisoners reconnect with loved ones, and in the Jigsaw Centre (a charity supporting visiting families, based on the grounds of HMP Leeds). A photo book with the full stories is available to view and purchase on PhotoVoice’s website – www.photovoice.org, and this will be used to improve dialogue around release in discussions with prisoners and ex-offenders in Leeds and across the country. PhotoVoice is expanding the Shutter Release programme to work with repeat offenders, women prisoners, young offenders and ex offenders from 2013.
photo © Carl
"The hole in this picture represents the hole I am coming out of to a new beginning: a new start on life outside."
In November 2012 PhotoVoice delivered a course of eight full-day photography workshops with a group of three participants on day release. The course consisted of technical photography skills, visual literacy and storytelling through images, and group discussion of issues involved in preparing for, and dealing successfully with release from prison. Through the course, the participants were supported to consider what challenges they would be facing upon release, and to build up a ‘personal journey photo story’ exploring not only challenges and barriers, but aspirations, personal milestones and resolutions.
Photos are on display in the resettlement wing of the prison, in the visitor centre where families of prisoners reconnect with loved ones, and in the Jigsaw Centre (a charity supporting visiting families, based on the grounds of HMP Leeds). A photo book with the full stories is available to view and purchase on PhotoVoice’s website – www.photovoice.org, and this will be used to improve dialogue around release in discussions with prisoners and ex-offenders in Leeds and across the country. PhotoVoice is expanding the Shutter Release programme to work with repeat offenders, women prisoners, young offenders and ex offenders from 2013.
photo © Carl
"The hole in this picture represents the hole I am coming out of to a new beginning: a new start on life outside."
