New photo book shows life on the streets of Portland through the lens of a photographer who experienced homelessness

Key Points:

• Keith Zimmerman, a formerly homeless Portland resident and peer support specialist, self-published "Outside," a 155-page photo book depicting the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Portland, aiming to humanize and heal through intimate portraits and stories.
• The book features over 60 individuals, many of whom are Keith's friends or community members, photographed with consent and collaboration, contrasting with exploitative portrayals by some other photographers.
• "Outside" combines vibrant color portraits showing joy and survival with a stark black-and-white coda illustrating the harsh realities of homelessness, serving as both a tribute and a call to action against systemic neglect.
• Keith draws inspiration from Jamel Shabazz’s work and uses film photography to capture dignity and unity within marginalized communities, investing significant personal resources and support from local arts organizations.
• The project highlights personal stories of recovery and resilience, such as that of Christianna Lomas, and seeks to challenge public perceptions by emphasizing shared humanity and the urgent need for compassion and resources for people living outside.