Tag: lcsw

Social Work Photography: Racism.

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Racism. This is pretty much a huge topic today. Last week, the current resident of the White House made some racist remarks and double downed on them. This is no surprise, as he has been saying racist stuff for quite some time. So, why did I want to write about racism today? Because, I needed to.

I met with an old friend for dinner this past weekend. We used to be really close, then life happened and we became distant, but still friends. I think that’s pretty normal for adults. So, she was telling me about moving out of state and how nice it was to go to a grocery store and have everyone inside be white (we are both white). I literally looked at her and was like, WTF? Anyways, she clarified that she wasn’t racist, that she just liked not being the minority. She went on about not having taco trucks and people not selling stuff on the corners (you know, to make sure I knew she wasn’t racist). I encouraged her to take a look back at what she had just said when she told me she wasn’t racist.

But, I was screaming inside for too many reasons to explain. But the main one is just that what she said was racist and it was wrong. I am lucky. I truly am. I work alongside so many different cultures: black, Filipino, LGBTQ, etc. I am surrounded by different cultures and races and we OPENLY talk about it. So, when she said this, I went straight to thinking about what my friends would feel like, hearing this, knowing this; and I just got mad.

Racism is something that social workers have to fight daily. We educate people, we hear people out and we work with those who have been traumatized due to being victims of racism. Racism is real. It is as real today as it was 50, 100, 150, 200 years ago (you get the picture).

Photography has been a huge influence in the fight against racism, in the fight to make people aware of racism and the trauma of racism. Photography shows us that racism is learned; that it is not how we are born. How does photography do this? Easy. Do you remember seeing a photo of Dr. MLK Jr making his famous speeches? What about those fighting for civil rights crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL? What about the photographs of the American’s of Japanese descent that we (America) forced into concentration (or a more friendly name, Internment) camps. Or the famous photo of the men crammed inside the bunk beds in Auschwitz. If we didn’t have the photographic (or videographic) proof, then it would be easy to ignore it.

Photography is proof.

I know this is a more serious topic. And, I’m pretty sure I am not giving it justice what-so-ever, but, I truly felt compelled to write about it.

I do hope, that through my work, through my experiences, my travels and just through life, I can make a positive difference in some way; even if it is just for a small group of people.

A brief history of the racism America has put into “law”. I took this image at the Muslim Ban Protest at LAX in 2017.

Social Work Photography: Inspiration

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Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. 
– Helen Keller

What inspires you? As a social worker, there are many things that inspire me. Working with clients, seeing progress, it is pretty awesome. However, it is also pretty overwhelming when you think big picture. Like, HOW can I make a difference in the world? That’s when I think of my team at work. I can only make a small difference; however, my team can make a large difference!

I think this goes the same with photography. One photographer can make a small difference in their area of focus; however, a team of photographers can make an even larger difference as a whole. Not only that, but sometimes it isn’t just about the photograph, it’s the story behind the photograph that needs to be shared. It’s the set up. It’s the translator helping the photographer tell the story. Basically, it’s the team behind the photographer making an even stronger difference.

So, what inspires you? Helen Heller had to fight for a lot. Being both blind and deaf, she had a lot of obstacles to overcome and she did it. This quote by her, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” is one of my favorites and completely describes my work. As a social worker, I can do so much more with a team and as a photographer, I can make a larger difference with a team of professionals working together.

What’s your favorite inspirational quote and why?

-Tiff

Why Social Work Photography?

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Well, first, let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Tiffany and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California. I am also a photographer; well, it’s more of a hobby, but it is still a huge part of who I am.

You may ask yourself why would someone combined social work and photography, and I would say because they’re two separate but complimentary forms of social change.

I fell in love with photography back in 2002 when I got my first REAL camera; my Nikon N65. I loved it, I loved developing the film and printing my own photographs in the dark room. But, I decided on another “career” and became a social worker. This is one choice that I do not regret whatsoever, as I absolutely love my work. There is something special about helping to turn an absolutely tragic event into something a family can smile on in the future in some small way. There is something special when you see a child smile for the first time in a genuine way, as they realize they’re truly safe. There is something special when you realize that a grown man who rarely trusts anyone realizes that he has a whole team of people he can truly trust. Social work, it’s just a pretty damn special profession.

But, back to title. Social Work Photography. Why? Because nearly every major social change that we have experienced in our history has had social workers involved (child labor, 40 hour work days, etc) and were highly impacted by photographers. Some of the most iconic photographs have to deal with social work issues. To me, they are one and the same.

In today’s current political climate, social workers are involved in nearly every way. From counseling and providing resources to victims of natural disasters and man made disasters such as what is currently happening at the border, to advocating directly to our government and being a part of our government. But, Photographers are also 100% directly involved. Many of us remember the photograph of the little immigrant girl crying by her mothers side as she was being searched by the Border Patrol agent. Photographers are also documenting the impacts of climate change, not only it’s impact on our environment but it’s impact on us as a human race.

Photography is an important tool to social change and I hope that I can be even in a small way, involved in that social change in a positive way.

So, that is it. Social Work Photography.

I’m hoping to utilize this blog in both personal and professional ways, by sharing my work, my photography but also my travels and what I have learned and what I hope to learn. I believe that traveling and learning about other cultures is what makes me a better, a stronger social worker. And, photography is a great way to share that with the masses.

Well, that is it. That is me. And, I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for reading!

Tiff

Oh! The image! This is a shot I took at the Seal Beach Pier recently. It’s one of my go to self care places. Sit, and read, and photograph the waves. It’s completely peaceful.