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?
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Profession | Photojournalist & documentary photographer |
| Career span | 50+ years (1960s‑present) |
| Focus | Social issues – child poverty, racism, civil rights |
| Notable achievements | Testified 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 HERE |
| Key collaborations | Black 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
| Insight | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Research beyond headlines | Read novels, watch local films, listen to playlists from the community. |
| Immerse, don’t observe from a distance | Stay in the neighborhood for days or weeks, not just a single shoot. |
| Earn trust through honesty | Share your intent, give subjects a “stop” word, and be transparent about usage. |
| Leverage community allies | Partner with NGOs, churches, or trusted locals to gain entry. |
| Think of yourself as a “doctor,” not a “tourist” | Your presence should be accepted as part of the environment, not an intrusion. |
| Use the camera as an activist tool | Publish work on platforms that reach decision‑makers, not just art galleries. |
| Document, don’t dictate | Let subjects tell their own story; avoid imposing your narrative. |
Why Shames’s Story Matters Today
- Media fragmentation & AI‑generated images: Shames emphasizes that authentic, verified photography is more vital than ever.
- Social justice resurgence: The same patterns of protest, police scrutiny, and grassroots organizing repeat across generations.
- Educational relevance: Teachers can use Shames’s methods to teach research, empathy, and ethical storytelling.
Conclusion
Stephen Shames’s career shows that powerful photography comes from empathy, rigorous research, and deep community ties. Whether you’re documenting the modern Black Lives Matter movement, child poverty, or any social issue, the principles he shares—exit your bubble, build trust, and let the camera speak—remain timeless.
Ready to start your own documentary project? Apply the checklist above, stay authentic, and remember: your camera can change policy just as much as any courtroom testimony.
Call to Action
- Start a research journal today for the community you wish to photograph.
- Subscribe to our blog for more interviews with visionary photojournalists.
- Share this post with classmates, activists, or anyone interested in visual storytelling.
Steve is represented by:
Amar Gallery, London, UK (vintage & contemporary art prints
Steven Kasher Gallery, New York (vintage & contemporary art prints
Polaris Images, New York (editorial & stock)
_____
child poverty, Black Panther Party, civil rights movement, Vietnam War, documentary photography, social justice, racism, university protests, student government, activism, police brutality, COINTELPRO, gun control, media ownership, AI-generated deepfakes, fake news, community immersion, research methodology, cultural immersion, trust building, ethics in photography, hunger crisis, farm crisis, poverty in America, Senate testimony, camera as weapon, Rainbow Coalition, Young Lords, political coalitions, storytelling through images
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe on your preferred platform! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | TuneIn | Deezer | Anghami | Youtube Music | RSS