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