I was given this assignment last minute (one of my classes is working on the university's newspaper). I went with the journalist to an office building now being used by squatters. They legally live in these abandoned buildings (that are still owned by the original companies). They pay low rent, and follow certain restrictions. They sign the contract knowing that the building could be sold, and they will have a short amount of time to move out. It's certainly a different sort of lifestyle.
I didn't have time to prepare for the shoot or talk to the squatters to prepare them for the shoot, so I was rushed, and I might consider finding other squatters or locations to do it again. These are six shots chosen to hand in to the editor, and from that they will probably chose one to use.
October 14, 2010. Battersea, London, UK. Peter W. has been a squatter since June 2010. He stands at the make-shift bar that once was a welcome desk for the office building. Squatters pay a low rent to legally live in abandoned buildings. (photo by Caitlyn Bierman)
October 14, 2010. Battersea, London, UK. Although squatters pay a very low rent about £60 a week, they get a lot for their money. This resident has a large space to themselves, and others have even larger rooms. (photo by Caitlyn Bierman)
October 14, 2010. Battersea, London, UK. Peter W. stands in an unused empty room that used to be offices. Squatters ocupy abandoned buildings and pay a low rent to live there. (photo by Caitlyn Bierman)
October 14, 2010. Battersea, London, UK. Squatters have created a make-shift laundry room in a bathroom of what used to be an office building. (photo by Caitlyn Bierman).
October 14, 2010. Battersea, London, UK. Peter W., a squatter, enjoys the atmosphere and space of the room he rents. (photo by Caitlyn Bierman)
October 14, 2010. Battersea, London, UK. The lights would most likely not be on at this building at night if it were still an office building. Squatters now occupy this building by paying a low rent and dealing with Camelot's restrictions. (photo by Caitlyn Bierman).
No comments:
Post a Comment