All of the photographs in these collages were edited from over 5,000 images made by participants in a three-month photography workshop for people in recovery at Central City Concern in Portland, OR. Photographer Geoffrey Hiller took students out to make photographs close to where they were living in the Pearl District. Dr. Kim Hoffman, a researcher with OHSU, provided monitoring and evaluation for the project.
This project was sponsored by Pro Photo Supply , Portland , Panasonic Cameras, the US Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and Central City Concern.
WHAT DOES RECOVERY LOOK LIKE ?
“ That’s really a complicated question. It looks different every day, from minute to minute, sometimes second to second. Right now my recovery feels like responsibility and time limits, appointments and classes, but I've noticed that sometimes it feels like peace of mind and naps." Workshop participant
IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAKING PHOTOGRAPHS AND RECOVERY?
“ I think it really is real! When I was in-patient I took a DBT class- the part about mindfulness had a huge influence on me and I think that’s required in photography. You need to be in the moment to capture the moment. It’s not necessarily about being happy- it’s about being mindful..." Workshop participant
“ Being outside and walking around taking photographs has a way of releasing chemicals in the brain that can help foster well-being. Our goal is to show that picture-making can become a transformative process." Geoffrey Hiller
WHAT DOES RECOVERY LOOK LIKE ?
“ Looks fun, looks scary. Looks insane, looks sane. It looks grateful and ungrateful. It looks like life: beautiful and ugly, good and bad." Workshop participant
“My favorite photo was the one of the cat and guy. I connected with him and am really proud of this picture." Workshop participant
“ When we are out as a group it’s like 'help me help my students…help me teach my students' instead of 'hey give me something'…” Workshop participant
“ When we first began photographing in the Pearl District it felt intimidating. However, it was a good thing because it helped me get out of my comfort zone and gain more confidence and self esteem.” Workshop participant
“ Engaging in photography is a way of communicating emotions in a safe space. This ‘freezing of time’ can provide insight into a person’s current situation." Geoffrey Hiller
HOW ARE PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECOVERY RELATED ?
“ Whether I feel good or not I have to try and create something otherwise I’ll miss my chance to live." Workshop participant
“ At the Farmers' Market I felt a sense of mindfulness…being there in the moment. I think part of that comes from my recovery. Just learning to not think about the past or the future. Just being right here with whatever is going on at the time.” Workshop participant