30+ Headshots Inside Soledad Prison for TEDxSoledad
A unique headshot assignment at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, California, preparing people for TEDxSoledad
A Photography Experience Unlike Any Other in 17 Years
This was definitely one of the most unique photography jobs I have had in my 17 years as a professional photographer. I traveled to the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad for my first ever visit inside a prison, where I made than 30 headshots for Delia Cohen and Proximity for Justice as they prepare for TEDxSoledad.
Proximity for Justice organizes TEDx events inside correctional facilities, bringing together incarcerated people, correctional staff, prison administrators, and people from outside the institution around storytelling and dialogue. Their next event, TEDxSoledad, will take place at the Correctional Training Facility on November 10th, and I will be returning to photograph the actual TEDx event as well.
The headshots I made during this first visit will be used in materials for the TEDx event, including portraits of incarcerated participants, staff members, and others involved in putting the event together.
What I Noticed Once the Headshots Started
Having never been in a prison before, I had no real frame of reference other than of course how such places are represented on screen. The biggest immediate surprise for me was the vibe and energy once I went into the space where I would be setting up my mobile headshot studio. It was such a friendly and supportive vibe! Several of the incarcerated people offered to assist me throughout the shoot. One person in particular helped me raise and lower my photography background as needed while people came through for their headshots. There was a real sense that everyone wanted each person to have a good experience in front of the camera and anyone not smiling initially, was definitely encouraged to smile and show personality! In fact, there was very little camera shyness. Again, I was surprised by this.
Once all the headshots were made, all the gear packed up, and I said good-bye and thank you to everyone, I felt myself, my own spirits, uplifted by the experience. Thank you Delia for choosing me as the photographer for this!
The People Preparing for TEDxSoledad
For every person, my goal was essentially the same: create a straightforward portrait that felt like them. With the lighting, white background, and camera position kept consistent, the expression and personality of each person could be the focus.
These portraits will soon have another purpose beyond this photography session. Some will appear alongside the people and stories that make up TEDxSoledad in November.
Photographing Staff and Leadership at CTF
The assignment also included headshots of correctional officers, staff members, administrators, and others participating in or supporting the project.
That made this more interesting photographically as well. In the same temporary headshot setup, I photographed people wearing business attire, correctional uniforms, work uniforms, and clothing representing their individual roles. The background and lighting stayed consistent while every person brought something different to the portrait.
Photography for Organizations Doing Meaningful Work
Some photography assignments are about much more than simply creating images. I appreciate opportunities to work with nonprofits, community organizations, and mission-driven teams that need headshots, event photography, and visual storytelling to document the people behind their work.
What started as a headshot assignment became one of the most memorable experiences of my photography career, and I am grateful this story will continue when I return for TEDxSoledad in November.