This Sounds Like A VERY Interesting Debt-Related Project

I was contacted a few days ago by a photographer from New York City. She was wondering if I could help connect her with people that would be interested in participating in a project she is working on. The project sounds very interesting, so I offered to post some information here:

I am a documentary photographer and am doing a project on debt in this country to try to shed light on the difficulties of living on today’s working and middle class salaries – as well as to shed light on some of the problems with the credit card/lending industry. I am looking to connect with middle class people and families who find it difficult to live without debt – whether they need the help of credit cards or whether they are in debt from medical bills, paying for school, etc.

I know from personal experience that debt isn’t always something you want to share with the world so anyone who participates in the project can remain anonymous. I am very sensitive to the privacy concerns that people may have when they talk to me about their debt situations. In fact, my idea is to photograph things that represent people’s debt – but not necessarily the people themselves (e.g. groceries, cars, medical bills, school loans, clothes, etc… anything you have gone into debt to pay for).

As I am based in New York City, I am particularly looking to meet people in the NYC metro area; although I’d love to hear from you wherever you are. If you would like to see more of my work to get an idea of my style, you can look at my website: www.kellyshimoda.com. If you think you might be interested in participating – or just hearing more about the project – please email me at: debtphotoproject “at” gmail “dot” com Thanks very much!

If you are interested in participating, please contact Kelly at the email address she provided. I also asked Kelly to please keep us in mind when her project is completed so everyone can take a peek

Posted by Tricia on January 16, 2008 at 11:03 PM in General Debt | 7 Comments »
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Prince of Thrift responded:
Posted: January 17th, 2008 at 10:44 am
sounds great, wish she would come to Kansas though.

hey, BTW Tricia -
You have been tagged on my blog.
Curious responded:
Posted: January 17th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I wonder – is she paying people to photograph them?
arduous responded:
Posted: January 17th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
It does sound like a really cool idea.
Money Blue Book responded:
Posted: January 17th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Very interest project..would this be for a finance magazine type spread?
chosha responded:
Posted: January 17th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Interesting project idea. I’m too far away to participate, but I’d be interested to see the final product.
DebtKid responded:
Posted: January 17th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
That’s neat. I love how art can convey such emotion. And debt is such an emotional issue…cool project. I’d be interested to see the final result.
kelly responded:
Posted: January 21st, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hi all — Thanks for the interest in the project! And thanks again to Tricia for posting about it. I wish I could travel more for the project as well — my ultimate goal would be to do so – maybe later in the year? I just have to get some funding to do so first… Also, to answer another question, as a photojournalist I cannot offer payment for taking photographs — but I can give you copies of the photos – and I can always take some portraits for you to have too Hope you hear from you all!