Homeless in Philadelphia Shows Perseverance with Dignity

Story by Cassie Hepler

It’s not every day that someone leaves a high-paying, prestigious job in London, England to come to Philadelphia and take photos of the homeless. But Chris Brown from Shoot From Within did just that – and naturally I wondered why. Delve into his world and the Philadelphia underground to learn more in this Q&A session.

Q: You are from England originally. Why did you uproot yourself and how did you end up in Philly?

A: After working in Afghanistan as an engineering liaison to the Royal Air Force for two years for the Boeing Company supporting UK Chinook helicopters carrying out casualty evacuation missions, I found a love for photography while there. I moved to the UK and couldn’t become content with my life in an office. I took a leap to follow my passion and moved to America in July of 2013, landing in Philadelphia where I had been previously for my Boeing work. I love the vibe of the city I live in.

Q: What were you photographing before you came to the states?
A: Mainly sunsets, sunrises and landscapes as a hobby both in Afghanistan and during travel post Afghanistan.

Q: What lead you to start documenting homeless people?
A: These amazing folks have great stories and during photographing architecture and city scapes, I would share a cigarette with street people who passed by. I then realized that I wanted to capture these wonderful characters to maybe be able to raise awareness that they persevere for life with such dignity.

Q: Please explain your process (i.e. find someone, shoot them, keep in touch, etc.)?
A: Damn it you got my secret in the question. That is exactly it. (Cassie’s note: In previous conversations, Chris said he will pay them for their time and feed them as well.)

Q: You had a recent gallery show, where was it and when, why did you have it and what items were you offering to help the homeless?
A: A gallery show called Perseverance with Dignity at the National Realty Art Gallery, 112 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia with dates from Sept. 5 to Oct. 1. I have a book for sale through website email. All funds go directly to Bethesda Project supporting the homeless in Philadelphia.

Q: Does this drive to help people come from somewhere else (i.e. your family, etc.)?
A: I owe to both my upbringing and the Pastu and Bedouin tribes people of Afghanistan they showed me that you don’t need millions to be happy and have an amazing life.

Q: Do you have any upcoming shows or items for sale that would benefit the homeless?
A: National hunger for homeless week Nov. 15-23 I’m working with Bethesda Project to continue to raise awareness during this national campaign week. The book remains on sale.

Q: Why do you think people end up on the streets?
A: Everyone has an individual story. Many times it’s due to missing a paycheck and then failure to pay rent.

Q: What would you like to share with the world next?

A: Several humanitarian and awareness projects are being discussed with clients and non-profits. Basically I want to continue in this fashion raising awareness of how the human race persevere with dignity.

Follow Chris Brown on his Website, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.