"The Stories of Personalities" by Tom Liebrand

By Bethany Harrison

Homelessness is often reduced to statistics, but behind every number is a person with a story—one of love, loss, hardship, and resilience. The Stories of Personalities is a powerful photography project that sheds light on the realities of those living on the streets. By combining striking portraits with deeply personal narratives, this series seeks to humanise individuals who are too often ignored.

One of the most compelling images from this collection is that of Stewart M., a man from Aberdeen whose life took an unexpected turn. His portrait is fragmented, symbolising the pieces of his life that have been torn apart. The black-and-white treatment emphasises the rawness of his experience, while the torn paper effect reveals glimpses of colour—perhaps a visual metaphor for the life he once had before losing everything. His story, printed alongside the portrait, recounts his journey from a stable job and family life to homelessness, a path that began the moment his marriage ended.

On the right side of the image, bold text reads: "Life is not fair or unfair. That's just how it works." This statement speaks volumes about the way society often perceives homelessness. It challenges the notion of fairness, highlighting the harsh reality that anyone can fall through the cracks.

Through this project, we are reminded that homelessness is not a choice but often a consequence of circumstances beyond one's control. By giving individuals like Stewart M. a platform to share their stories, The Stories of Personalities urges us to look beyond preconceived judgments and see the humanity in those we walk past every day. Their voices deserve to be heard, and their stories must be told.

If you'd like to see the full portfolio, click here