LEE JEFFRIES.
Portraits of the Homeless
Lee Jeffries lives in Manchester in the United Kingdom. Close to the professional football circle, this artist starts to photograph sporting events. A chance meeting with a young homeless girl in the streets of London changes his artistic approach forever. Lee Jeffries recalls that, initially, he had stolen a photo from this young homeless girl huddled in a sleeping bag. The photographer knew that the young girl had noticed him but his first reaction was to leave. He says that something made him stay and go and discuss with the homeless girl. His perception about the homeless completely changes. They become the subject of his art. The models in his photographs are homeless people that he has met in Europe and in the United States: «Situations arose, and I made an effort to learn to get to know each of the subjects before asking their permission to do their portrait.» From then onwards, his photographs portray his convictions and his compassion to the world.
“My photography has its roots in traditional reportage…..its basis is social issue and it’s that which is evident predominantly from a first glance. The images go much further than documenting circumstance however.
They are infused deliberately with metaphysical qualities that combine to produce a spiritual and human experience based on emotion. They appeal to the sub conscience with their strong religious undertone and demand an emotional response from the viewer. The images document emotion rather than the traditional circumstance”
– LEE JEFFRIES
Read the full article on Israeli Lens Magazine Issue #10 Street Photography
