We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Izzy Newman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Izzy below.
Izzy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.
Portland, Maine in currently facing a homelessness and food insecurity crisis. In August of 2022, I packed my bags and my camera, and moved to Portland to join the team at the Preble Street Food Secuirty Hub as an AmeriCorps VISTA.
As I found my footing within the organization, my role evolved beyond its initial confines. A passion for photography that had long been close to my heart took on new significance. I directed my lens towards the bustling heart of our operations: the kitchen. Here, amidst the orchestrated chaos, staff members diligently prepared, cooked, and packaged around 2,000 meals every day. Through my photography, I uncovered the journey of the local food we received – tracing their origins, capturing the faces of those who would be nourished, and even tasting the delicious recipes.
In those frames and videos, a story emerged – one that encapsulated our unwavering commitment to sourcing local ingredients and crafting nourishing, thoughtful meals. Often people who access food pantries or community meals expect past date produce and a lack of fresh ingredients; Preble Street defies that norm.
Guided by my excitement for photography, I took steps beyond the kitchen. My lens turned towards the broader community, capturing the stories of individuals who were dedicated to enacting change. I engaged with farmers, municipal workers, non-profit organizers, and community members facing homelessness and food insecurity. Their efforts became an integral part of my narrative, weaving a tapestry of collaboration and shared aspiration.
As my year with AmeriCorps drew to a close, I recognized that this journey was but a stepping stone. My dedication to employing art as a force for positive transformation endures. My intention is resolute: to utilize my photography to amplify the voices of those who serve and those in need of service. By doing so, I aspire to create a ripple effect, fostering progress and generating impactful change – a testament to the journey that began in Portland and continues to unfold.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
From an early age, I fell in love with narrating stories through photography. My first ever photoshoots were inspired by my childhood home, a charming old farmhouse nestled in the woods of my small town. Taking portraits became my favorite way to express my creative vision. Establishing a profound connection with my subjects has allowed me to convey their narratives with authenticity and sincerity, unearthing their genuine stories. My favorite part of a shoot is watching someone go from shy to confident in front of the camera.
Over the past few years, I’ve honed my skills in portrait, wedding, and event photography. Recently, I’ve extended my focus to encompass photographing and interviewing community members striving for positive change. My photography style is a reflection of my personal growth. With each encounter and exploration of new communities, my curiosity sparks an evolution in my creative approach. My enduring passion lies in capturing individuals authentically and meaningfully, an unwavering force that continues to drive my work.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Navigating dyslexia and ADD made learning a formidable challenge for me. Throughout school, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy, believing I fell short compared to my peers. The weight of these perceived failures extended its reach into other facets of my life. In response, I turned to art as a means of self-expression. Over time, I’ve come to regard art as an arena immune to failure—a perspective I didn’t always hold. Letting go of self-critique and distancing myself from society’s emphasis on assessment and evaluation has been an arduous journey. By disentangling my passion for art from the fear of judgment, I’ve undergone a profound transformation in my perception of the world.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The mission propelling my creative journey as a photographer is rooted in illuminating misrepresented and underrepresented communities through the art of storytelling. I am driven by a strong desire to shed light on those who often go unnoticed, while also showcasing the individuals who are actively contributing to the cohesion of these communities. I am particularly passionate about spotlighting issues related to sustainability and human rights, as these are causes that deeply resonate with me. In essence, my photography serves as a means to give a voice to the overlooked and to amplify the efforts of those who work tirelessly to uphold the integrity of our communities while advocating for important societal values.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://izzynewmanphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzynewmanphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/izzynewmanphotos/?paipv=0&eav=AfZrd42ZTNf_RU0Gf4vNtlXK_HbfG2RuILsy6d7sLmifm1ImuNaQmJ5A-PeA_VCkAFg&_rdr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-newman-b4206120a/