New photo essay book offers an honest and unflinching depiction of the beauty and humanity of unhoused life.
According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), nearly 70,000 people were unhoused in the city as of September 2022.
Fueled by a deep sense of care, writer, director, and photographer Kim Watson began connecting with unhoused people near his Los Angeles neighborhood by delivering food out of the back of his car. As his relationships grew to become trusted friendships, Watson interviewed and photographed those he encountered, documenting their experiences. He spent three years on the streets on LA, documenting his intimate and deeply felt relationships with the unhoused.
Related Stories:
https://lasentinel.net/the-forgotten-ones-offers-raw-insight-into-l-a-s-homelessness-crisis.html
https://lasentinel.net/assisting-the-homeless-during-the-holidays-what-to-know.html
Through profiles, essays, and stunning black-and-white photography, “Trespass: Portraits of Unhoused Life, Love, and Understanding” sheds light on the complex situations that lead to homelessness, the individuals who struggle to rise out of it, and those who have resigned themselves to it.
“[Trespass] is a moving, brave, unflinching, and loving light shined on those who live among us in the shadows,” writes filmmaker and writer Trey Ellis.
These portraits capture the hopes and demands of people in need of support and consideration. In this book of extraordinary photo essays, Watson dares us to look inside ourselves and confront our own biases as we consider the conditions of others so, together, we can process our collective trauma and develop sustainable solutions.
Watson has photographed, directed, and written for Grammy winners, Hollywood studios, and various entertainment platforms, including Disney, Nickelodeon, PBS, A&E, Warner Brothers, and many more. His work with groundbreaking hip-hop pioneers garnered both MTV and Soul Train Awards “Best Music Video” nominations, as well as NAACP recognition for his positive portrayals of African Americans. Untethered by labels, Watson has always aspired to tell a story that moves us to see the world a little bit differently, and with a lot more empathy. He lives in Los Angeles.