More than just a Picture: Photography for Social Change

(www.jtlissphotography.com)

Although using art as activism is not a new concept, using photography for social change is something that New York photographer, J.T. Liss, feels is important.

“I wanted to find a way to combine my love for working with at-risk youth and helping others in general with photography,” he wrote in an email. “Once I sold my first piece of art, I didn’t think twice about giving the proceeds to the school I was working at at the time.”

Liss’s mission statement is brief and to the point, he hopes to use photography as advocacy, in turn helping others and allowing his art to spread creativity. While Liss originally came to New York City as a teacher, he quickly realized immense disparities as he walked the city streets and wanted to do more.

“It ended up being the best decision I ever made,” Liss said about moving to New York. “NYC is a living, breathing organism. The people, their interactions, transit, buildings, and how it can all change over the span of one city block,” he said. “It was certainly a stage and I wanted to be a player.”

(www.jtlissphotography.com)

While he was never formally trained in photography, Liss said that this has been to his benefit. He has had more room to explore and take chances with his art and has not had to worry about technical skill. Selling his photography was not enough though, “I wanted to use photography as a way to raise awareness and help others.”

Liss currently teams up with six non-profit organizations that find unique ways of giving back to others: B.E.A.T., Hear the Hungry, Off The Mat, Into The World, Hug It Forward, EcoThrive Art Coalition, and Fighting for Futures.

Each organization has a distinctive story. “Hear the Hungry does more than just give food to the homeless, they develop relationships with the homeless and document their stories to give a voice to the voiceless,” Liss said. “B.E.A.T. uses break-dancing, beat-boxing, and beat-making to empower at risk youth.” All of the organizations began as grassroots initiatives and use creative means to create change.

In partnership, Liss gives 25 percent of his proceeds to these organizations. In addition to monetary donations, he also holds events for them, in turn raising more funds, and perhaps just as importantly, more awareness. 

Liss said his work continues to grow and expand as he is always experimenting. More recently he has been exploring surreal photography by creating images based off of quotes from famous writers and poets.

(www.jtlissphotography.com)

Liss also noted that his journey into photography and activism has been particularly meaningful. “Because of photography I have come into contact with total strangers who have become friends,” Liss said, “Friends who are on a similar mission of making the world a better place.”

Visit www.jtlissphotography.com to learn more about Photography for Social Change