HIV/AIDS Support Group

I got to spend some time this week getting to know and photographing an HIV/AIDS Support Group in one of the townships here. You can read about my experience (as always) on my blog. Lit with a DIY beauty dish and umbrella bareflash. See my flickr for more.









C&C welcome!

Hi Jerome
well done!

I really like the 1st pict, very powerfull. I'd maybe like to see it more severely cropped to his face, and posted larger here (say 1000 pix wide). Possible?

Here it is.

I wonder? If this was shown in the USA of a local HIV/AIDS support group people would ask if releases were obtained. There are major restrictions in disclosing identities of folk at such centers. Any breach of this wall of confidentiality is thought to intrude upon people's rights. Publication of identities might erode to privacy. So the net result, it's feared, might for a condition that might limit equal opportunity for example in being hired for a job or getting a promotion.

We have always licensed ourselves to picture the homeless in the the affluent Western World and extend this to "developing" communities elsewhere. However, these people may be poor but are not stricken with HIV/AIDS. Should this make a difference?

Asher

I don't think that we can assume that these people are infected. As far as we know they are only giving support.

Jerome Love said:

Here it is.

Click to expand...

Amazing, here I agree with Nicolas. The "severely cropped face is more intimate and removes the institutional feeling of the room.

Jerome,

Let me answer my own rhetorical question on the correctness of photographing and publishing this clinic and these people. I believe that had there been open support groups in the beginning and Jerome Loves to photograph them and no ban or identifying sick people and their partners at risk then the tragedy of the HIV/AIDS epidemic would have been very limited. All the public health measures that have been used so successfully against tuberculosis and syphilis would have worked with HIV/AIDS too. As it is, it was made a crime to report the truth! As a result, millions of people have been hurt and thousands have been lost.

Asher

To answer your question, yes verbal releases were obtained and taped. You may find it interesting that they ask that these photos may not be shown in print in the Soweto area. I publish only first names and don't even take down surnames. Keep in mind though Asher, this is NOT a clinic. This is simply a gathering of people who support each other, there is no legal organization.

I do understand what you are saying though, there is A LOT of restriction on photography here, I spent over 3 hours with these people before I even asked to pick up a camera. When I started shooting I was already considered a friend.

Jerome Love said:

Here it is.

Click to expand...

Wonderfull
Now this person is "talking" to me…

thank you !

What beautiful faces. There is something in the faces, the expressions they wear, that is magnificent. I would love to shoot such portraits.

It's been quite the experience. It's funny the lady above, I shot one frame. That was it, the expression locked it for me . Photographic high for the month

Her face is incredible. Your technique could not- imho - have been better.