'The Camps' is a photo series, put together by Baltimore-based photographer Ben Marcin, which explores the hidden dwellings of homeless people in Baltimore.
Marcin was inspired to pursue the series after he came across a shanty hidden barely out of sight from a bustling street full of people completely unaware of the shanty's presence. He then began seeking out these secluded dwellings and capturing them in full panorama view.
Marcin intentionally shot the shanties while their occupants weren't around. This way, the ramshackle structures depicted in The Camps come to represent the souls of people fallen on hard times and downtrodden communities. All the dwellings captured in this photo series have since been abandoned, demolished or burnt to the ground, their occupants nowhere to be seen.
Homeless Dwelling Photography
'The Camps' Comprises Photos of Ramshackle Shanties in Baltimore
Trend Themes
1. Hidden Dwelling Photography - Exploring the hidden dwellings of marginalized communities through photography presents an opportunity for raising awareness and promoting social change.
2. Urban Displacement Documentation - Documenting the makeshift homes of the homeless population offers a chance to shed light on the issues of urban displacement and the need for affordable housing solutions.
3. Invisible Communities Visualized - Capturing images of abandoned and demolished dwellings can help visualize the often invisible communities affected by homelessness, inspiring action towards more inclusive and supportive societies.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Incorporating hidden dwelling photography into the field of photography opens up avenues for artistic expression and documentary storytelling, challenging conventions and expanding perspectives.
2. Social Welfare - The photography series on marginalized communities' dwellings can prompt discussions and innovation in social welfare programs aimed at providing better support and opportunities for those in need.
3. Urban Planning - Using the documentation of hidden dwellings as a tool for urban planning can facilitate the development of inclusive cities with affordable housing solutions designed to meet the needs of all residents.