Split-screen with a man in scrubs on the left, a man with birdcage on the right, illustrating the prison photography project.

Photographer Captures the Untold Stories Inside 37 Prisons Across 17 States

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-18

It’s been a tumultuous week for executions in the United States, spotlighting the country’s vast prison system. Just shy of two million people are incarcerated here, surpassing even the number of military personnel, police officers, and doctors. Over the past two years, as part of the project Land of the Free, I visited 37 prisons in 17 states, documenting the lives of around two hundred individuals. This effort formed the basis of a prison photography initiative.

Prison Photography Project: Accessing the Inaccessible

Gaining prison access is notoriously challenging. Yet, through perseverance, I managed to visit multiple facilities. Initial introductions led to referrals, enabling unprecedented entry with permissions from corrections officers and wardens. Each visit began from a nearby motel, typically adjacent to desolate state lands, serving as carceral waiting rooms for families and loved ones of those incarcerated as part of the photography undertaking.

For those interested in photography that unveils hidden aspects of society, consider exploring how captivating Icelandic landscapes provide a different perspective on untouched natural beauty.

Incarcerated man in black-and-white against white backdrop, with accompanying biographical text.
A black-and-white portrait of an incarcerated man standing in front of a white backdrop, accompanied by biographical text.
Man holds birdcage against yellow background, text describes fishing memories.
A man stands against a bright yellow background holding a birdcage containing a small bird, with text to the right describing his memories of fishing.
Black-and-white portrait of man in button-down shirt, with biographical text.
A black-and-white portrait of a man in a short-sleeved button-down shirt and dark trousers, accompanied by biographical text.

The Human Element of Incarceration

Inside, the portraits were captured with a simple backdrop—a white sheet, under natural or fluorescent light. This setup allowed for neutral, unembellished depictions of inmates, distinct from the stereotypical gritty portrayals. Despite the diverse narratives, I refrained from asking about their crimes, focusing instead on their personal stories and earliest memories as a core component of the photographic endeavor.

Tattooed shirtless Kim Thul Ouk next to biographical text.
A black-and-white portrait of Kim Thul Ouk, a shirtless man with extensive tattoos, standing next to a biographical text.
Young woman pulls at her mouth against yellow background, biographical text on side.
A black-and-white portrait of a young woman pulling at the corners of her mouth with her fingers, set against a bright yellow background with biographical text to the right.

Challenging Preconceptions

Prisons are often misconceived as dramatic environments due to cinematic portrayals. However, real prison life is largely monotonous. The facilities resemble high schools with their drab aesthetics and repetitive routines. The true stories lie in mundane moments—waiting in line, re-reading books, or working in prison shops. This exploration was a crucial part of the documentary work conducted during the photographic project.

Portrait of Leobardo Velasquez, Mexican inmate in Kansas, with personal testimony.
A black-and-white portrait of Leobardo Velasquez, a 45-year-old man from Mexico incarcerated in Kansas, next to his personal testimony.
Young woman holding toddler, with detailed personal history text.
A black-and-white portrait of a young woman holding her toddler, accompanied by text detailing their personal history.

A Journey of Discovery

The project revealed diverse personalities and complex histories. Some declared innocence; others candidly shared their pasts. I allowed their personal reflections and earliest memories to shape the narrative, offering insight into lives marginalized by society. Each conversation reinforced the importance of seeing individuals as more than their crimes, a central theme in the overall photography work.

Man covers face with hands, text block about Dedric Griffin.
A black-and-white portrait of a man standing with his hands covering his face, next to a block of text about Dedric Griffin.
Man in glasses and white t-shirt with text about Ticortier Collins.
A black-and-white portrait of a man with glasses and a white t-shirt next to a block of text about Ticortier Collins.

The Project’s Legacy

Supported by organizations like the Leonian Foundation, this project faced funding challenges but was deeply enlightening. Plans for exhibitions and a book are underway, showcasing portraits paired with prisoners’ basic details and a personal question—highlighting their humanity beyond incarceration. This endeavor is part of our ongoing commitment to the photography series.

To appreciate how photography captures intimate stories beyond incarceration, check out rare 19th century photos that highlight African American life in historical contexts.

Man under horse on chair, text reveals his background and history.
A man sits on a chair beneath a horse, accompanied by text detailing his name, background, and personal history.
Two men stand back-to-back, text about Victor Gantt on right.
A black-and-white portrait of two men standing back-to-back against a white background, with text about Victor Gantt on the right side.

Reflections on Incarceration

Even with prison officials who sometimes reluctantly granted access, reality remains harsh; escapes are nearly impossible with layers of security and vast surrounding landscapes. Each prison visit was a reminder of isolation, both physical and societal. Leaving was not just about departure but confronting the confinement and solitude that defines prison life, aspects central to the photography initiative.

Melita Briggs with tears, text explores her life story.
A black-and-white portrait of Melita Briggs, a 41-year-old woman with tears on her face, next to text about her life.

Every day ended back at the motel, reflecting on the stories heard, while preparing for another day of documenting lives often relegated to the background. The ongoing project continues to shed light on these hidden stories.

Man in beanie and long sleeves, biographical text beside him.
A black and white portrait of a man wearing a beanie and a long-sleeved shirt, with text to the right detailing his biography.
Older man next to uniformed woman, with text about Donald Frey.
A black-and-white portrait of an older man standing next to a woman in a uniform, accompanied by text about Donald Frey.
Split-screen with a man in scrubs on the left, a man with birdcage on the right, illustrating the prison photography project.
A split-screen image shows a man in prison scrubs standing before a white backdrop on the left, and a man holding a birdcage on the right.

Source: petapixel.com

Frequently asked questions

How many prisons were visited for the photography project?

The photographer visited 37 prisons across 17 states as part of the project Land of the Free.

What challenges did the photographer face in accessing prisons?

Gaining access to prisons is notoriously challenging, but through perseverance and initial introductions leading to referrals, the photographer obtained unprecedented entry with permissions from corrections officers and wardens.

What is the focus of the prison photography project?

The project focuses on documenting the lives of incarcerated individuals by capturing their portraits with a simple backdrop, highlighting their personal stories and earliest memories without focusing on their crimes.

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