I was recently named a finalist for the Magnum Expression Award along with a great roster of photographers. The entries are extremely diverse and beautifully shot.
The same day I found out I was a finalist for the award, I also received two emails from people working with mentally ill inmates. This is what they wrote:
I just spent a few hours reading everything and watching the videos on your site. I just want to say you have done amazing work – I am sure you hear this a lot, but thank you.
…Granted, I know they are incarcerated for a reason that is not good but they still deserve to be heard. I have done so many searches on the net to try and find a way for the inmates to be heard. I watched and read your story on Trapped and it was amazing. I have worked in corrections and actually dealt with E.W. and he was in the documentary beating himself up and the work you did does display exactly what corrections staff are faced with on a daily basis. Thank you for your time,
While I am extremely thankful for the recognition that I received from my peers and awards I have received for my project on mental illness in prison, some of the best recognition has been from former inmates, those with mental illness or those working with people with mental illness. Those emails and letters encourage me to continue the project and tell other stories like this one.
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Many congratulations Jenn. Much deserved. A vital topic which is too easy for publics to ignore if people such as yourself aren’t producing the images. Bravo … and good luck!
Congrats, Tim! That’s a huge recognition.
I hear what you’re saying though; sometimes we forget that the intended audience for this kind of work not other producers, but the general public.
Good luck,
k
Thanks for the support Kevin and Pete.