Francois Deschamps has been photographing the people of the diverse neighborhood around and near Broadway in Newburgh, New York, since 2014. This body of work seems especially relevant in today’s political climate and is dedicated to those who have collaborated with the photographer to create these portraits.

Deschamps begins by offering free photographs that he produces on the spot with a portable digital printer. The subjects tell the photographer (ethnographer) how they want to be photographed and he follows their directions until they are both satisfied with the results. Often Deschamps is working crouched over a piece of cardboard on a littered sidewalk with a crowd of people gathered around the printer. His openness and the dialogue around the image making allows for a shared intimacy, since the subjects are posing for themselves, not for the camera or its operator.

Returning at a later time with larger prints for his subjects, Deschamps, in a gesture of friendship, is often invited inside their homes to spend time talking to them and listening to their stories of troubles, determination, and kindness. The photographs evoke the admiration of the photographer for the strength and resolve that is revealed in the faces of these people who face significant challenges.

Newburgh Community Photo Project (NCPP) is a grassroots, community-based arts program that teaches photography and related media to an underserved and underprivileged population in Newburgh, NY through workshops and mentorships. The goal is to explore critical social justice issues directly related to their lives and community and at the same time provide economic sustainability by imparting and developing important professional skills to the participants. Located at 102 S. William Street in the City of Newburgh, NY, NCPP is on Facebook and Instagram @newburghcommunityphotoproject. Please contact Vincent Cianni at 917.562.8494 or at ncpp12550@gmail.com for more information.