Episode 175: Stephen Shames (Documentary Photography) Part 1

Stephen Shames: A Lifetime in Photography – Lessons on Social Documentary, the Black Panthers, and Child Poverty (Part 1) Introduction In the latest episode of “10 Frames per Second,” host Molly & Joe interview legendary American photojournalist Stephen Shames. Over a 50‑year career, Shames has documented everything from the Black Panther Party to child poverty in America, testifying before the U.S. Senate and publishing twelve monographs. If you’re a photographer, journalist, activist, or anyone who cares about visual storytelling, this interview is a goldmine. Below we break down the most actionable takeaways, organize them into easy‑to‑read sections, and show you how to apply Shames’s methods to your own work. Who Is Stephen Shames? FactDetailProfessionPhotojournalist & documentary photographerCareer span50+ years (1960s‑present)FocusSocial issues – child poverty, racism, civil rightsNotable achievementsTestified before the U.S. Senate (1986), 42 museum collections, 12 monographs (e.g., Power to the People, Outside the Dream), new book Stephen Shames – A Lifetime in Photography – Purchase Directly with Autograph and Print from Stephen via eBay HEREKey collaborationsBlack Panther leader Bobby Seale, New York Times reporter Earl Caldwell, various grassroots organizations How Stephen Shames Discovered Photography College activism – While studying at UC Berkeley during the 1960s, he witnessed the civil‑rights movement and anti‑Vietnam protests.First camera purchase – After hitch‑hiking to New York’s East Village, he bought a camera at a pawn shop.Choosing the “artist of the movement” – Frustrated by student‑government politics, he decided to capture the larger picture rather than be a “politician.” “I just wanted to look at the big picture and try and move people with photography.” Working with the Black Panther Party Why the Panthers Accepted a White Photographer Shared goals – Economic and social justice, not just race.Pragmatism – Panthers needed allies outside the Black community to build coalitions (Peace & Freedom Party, Young Lords, Young Patriots).Personal connection – Bobby Seale liked Shames’s images and invited him to use them in the Panther newspaper. Key Facts About the Panthers (From the Interview) Founded: October 1966 (initially ~20 members).National expansion: Post‑1968, 10,000+ members, 50‑60 chapters.Community programs: “Breakfast for School Children,” feeding 10,000+ kids daily.Self‑defense model: Legal gun ownership (California) + law books; later, they shifted to “cameras are better weapons.” Lesson for Photographers Build trust by aligning with a group’s mission, not merely your identity. Stephen Shames Research‑First Approach “Journalism is two‑dimensional; you need to experience the culture you want to document.” Steps to Deep‑Dive Research Read nonfiction – History, journalism, policy reports.Read fiction – Novels written by members of the community.Listen to music – Understand emotional tone and cultural references.Watch movies / documentaries – Visual language and storytelling cues.Live the bubble – Immerse yourself in daily life, food, rituals. Why It Matters Breaks the “bubble” of your own biases.Helps anticipate reactions and capture authentic moments. Stephen Shames on Building Trust & Relationships Core Principles Honesty: Be transparent about your intent.Respect: Never mock or look down on subjects (e.g., drug addicts, police).Reciprocity: Offer subjects control—let them tell you when to stop.Presence: Stay physically in the community (sleep on sofas, eat meals together). Practical Tactics Find a community “gatekeeper.” Example: a nun from Catholic Social Services who introduced Shames to Chicago projects.Sit down for a conversation before shooting – explain the project, listen to concerns.Share your work later (photos, stories) to reinforce the relationship. “If you’re honest, people will accept you, even if you’re a ‘liberal New York Jew.’” Bullet‑Point Checklist Identify and contact a respected local figure or organization. Explain your project in plain language. Offer a clear “opt‑out” for subjects. Spend time off‑camera – meals, conversations, errands. Follow up after the shoot with thank‑you notes or shared images. Cameras vs. Guns: The Evolution of “Weapons” 1960s‑70s: Panthers used firearms legally to patrol police.Today: Shames notes that cameras and smartphones are the most powerful weapons for exposing injustice.Why the shift? Legal restrictions on open carry.Instant global distribution of visual evidence. “The camera is a much better weapon because it puts the story directly in front of the world.” Lessons for Modern Photographers InsightHow to ApplyResearch beyond headlinesRead novels, watch local films, listen to playlists from the community.Immerse, don’t observe from a distanceStay in the neighborhood ...