Photography & Digital Art,Social Issues,Art & DesignAUG 27, 2015

100 Cameras Were Given To Homeless In London And The Result Left Everyone Speechless

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This July, Cafe Art, a UK based initiative that allows the homeless to express themselves through art and photography, gave 100 Fujifilm disposable cameras to the homeless in London. Basic training was provided by the Royal Photographic Society, and then the camera recipients were asked to take photos with the theme “My London.”

Eighty of the one-hundred cameras were returned and around 2,500 photos were developed. 20 photos were chosen by judges from Fujifilm, Amateur Photographer, the London Photo Festival, Christie's, and Homeless Link. Presently, there is a Kickstarter campaign to turn some of these photos into a 2016 calendar.

“All the money raised goes back into the project,” Cafe Art says, “either to pay for the printing of the photographs and calendar, rewarding the winning photographers, buying art materials for art groups affected by homelessness or helping individuals attend art courses.”

More info: cafeart.org.uk | facebook | twitter | kickstarter (h/t: demilked, petapixel)

Photo by ROL, Which Was Voted To Be The Cover

“We are inspired by the artists and photographers who participate in the project. If it wasn't for them, we couldn't create the exhibition and calendar,” CAFÉ ART's Paul Ryan told Bored Panda

“Telephone Row, Lincoln’s Inn” by XO

“It takes a few months to organise the contest. We have now done it a few times so we can get more done in less time”

“Left Boot, East London” by Ellen Rostant

“Both partners in this project, Michael and I both do this because we enjoy making a difference in people's lives. The photos are beautiful, but the changes in the people who took them is even more beautiful to witness”

“Nature’s Tunnel or Light and the End, Stratford” by Ellen Rostant

“We are inspired by the international response to the Kickstarter campaign this week. People have sent us incredible messages of support and it really does make you realise that there are many people who not only care about helping people affected by homelessness, but they are inspired to join us”