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.
Shot exclusively in black and white, Lee Jeffries has captured more than 135 photographs of the disenfranchised. Check out his Flickr page HERE to view all of these raw and striking captured moments. You will get lost in them.
What is it about these photographs that is most striking to you?
These portraits are very striking and very honest. I think a lot of people are afraid of or intimidated by the presence of homeless people. But they’re just people and life is really hard.
Name: TaliaReading group leaders: Sonia, Brooke
These pictures are beautiful. I’ve found myself captivated by photographs of the face, fascinated by the lines the years engrave into our skin. I think the black and white medium of this artist, combined with some of the dirt and grit, really amplifies those lines of experience. All three of these portraits show people with deep, deep laugh lines, and with light and life still shining from their eyes. I hope to have laugh lines half as deep when I age.