Craig Williamson
Six months ago I set out to shoot portraits of every neighbor on my street (24 households). I used a medium format film camera, and dedicated a full roll of film to each household (10 shots per roll). What ensued was an incredible journey getting to know every person on the block.
Before the “Neighbors” project, I only knew the few people in the immediate vicinity of my home (and my family and I have lived on the same street for over 20 years). But now, six months later, I have rich conversations every time I bump into someone. We stop to visit, catching up on family, jobs, pets, cars, trips, hobbies, sports, food, gardens. I created a website (craigwilliamsonphoto.com), primarily for the great inhabitants of my street, so that they can see each other’s portraits and learn the names of those they didn’t know. I’ve been surprised at the love I’ve felt for these 24 households of folks. I only wish I had known them for much longer than just six months. At least a new clock has been started.
How has this project helped me feel my Savior’s love? This scripture sums it up: (Matthew 22:36-40) Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self.