Camp: Saturday High Noon

This is the beginning of my 10-photo photo story. My intention with this project was to show people aspects of the Occupy movement that the major media simply wasn't showing them. As with any group, protest or movement, Occupy has been grossly condescended as anti-american, anarchist, unorganized and the best for last, just a bunch of homeless people. So here is my two-day journey with Occupy Bellingham as told through the perspective of Herb Goodwin.
I began my shoot on Saturday, November 19 and although I shot both days this final project turns out to be all from Saturday. To see more, please look me up on Facebook.

The Herbanator

Herb Goodwin was the first man I met in the camp and through his immediate personality and his larger-than-life look I knew he would be a great subject and representation of the Occupy movement as a whole. I did some shooting in his apartment with these trophies to show how diverse of a life he has lived; body builder to protester.

Fight Like an Egyptian

This phrase on Herbs carrying case resounds with an optimistic cry that a country's citizens can indeed impact great cultural and social change. This refers to the Egyptian Revolution as part of the Arab Spring where many countries in the Middle East revolted against their leaders demanding great structural change and the creation of a true democracy.

Camraderie

There was much camaraderie within the camp and the social environment has been warm enough to keep the residents resilient through this cold weather.

General Assembly

This is an aspect to the Occupy movement that people rarely see. What really goes on at camp? What do they hope to accomplish? Those questions can be answered by any of the camps residents or supporters at nearly any time of day, but to get a perspective on Occupy Bellingham's specific goals and wants, come down to the park at 5:30 every evening for the General Assembly. I personally like the name especially, as it is what the revolutionary body in the French Revolution called themselves.

Back in a Normal Life

While Herb is in complete solidarity with his fellow brethren braving the cold, he still sees the necessity to maintain good hygiene and would go to his apartment in Fairhaven every few days.

Jeff Bridges

I call this Jeff Bridges because if you have ever seen Jeff interviewed you immediately notice how warm and infectiously nice he is. Herb was no different, no matter what the conversation, no matter what the situation, he would boast a smile and a laugh that made you feel just so damn comfortable. This portrait, I feel, captures his warm personality beautifully.

Herbal Tea

Herb Goodwin met this woman Tee King during the first few days of Occupy Bellingham. They have grown notably close since then.

Herbal Tea on the streets

The spirit of an Egyptian

Caffeine Addiction photo illustrations

Good Ol' Boys

Mike Maggorie, 48, is bundled up in his flanell jacket to keep warm during a long race at Mikes RC World in Bellingham. The remote controlled car race was the first of nine in this this season where the winner of the whole season won a trip to Hawaii. Maggorie jokes around with his friends and fellow racers Montey Cavadini (right) and Bruce Ellis (left) while waiting for the next heat to start. Maggorie has been racing for 15 years and he said, “tonight was totally awesome! Just one thing to keep in mind, ‘drive it like you stole it!’”

Zoom Zoom Zoom

This Associated brand SC10 remote controlled truck is launched off a four-foot table top jump by Matt Corzza at the controls Tuesday, November 1. This indoor track is at Mike's R/C Shop in Bellingham, Wash. "I could do this 'til my fingers bleed!" Corzza exclaims.

Banjo man on the streets

John Stevens plays around with his banjo for some guy with a camera posing as a student, Saturday Oct. 8. He likes living in Bellingham, a college town, because he can have an insightful conversation with almost any body he runs into.

Coffe Lady III

Coffee Lady II

I happened upon this open coffee stand so incredibly early because I was taking a break from a very literal all-niter in a computer lab at Western.

Coffee lady

This is Nicole, she works Brewed Awkening coffee stand in Bellingham, Wash. She is chatting up a regular customer just before 6 am struck on Wednesday, Oct. 18. She says she is a very outgoing girl and loves the job because its all about meeting new people.