# Debt Suffering Portraits Brittany M. Powell Photographs People in Debt for Her Latest Series By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-11-17 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/people-in-debt References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2014/11/17/pictures-poverty-photo-essay-americans-debt/) & [brittanympowell](http://www.brittanympowell.com/) After losing her job in the economic downturn of 2008, Brittany M. Powell was inspired to begin [photographing people in debt](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/debt-relief-initiative). Powell seeks to determine how debt [shapes our identity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take) and affects the way we relate to the world around us. Money is a taboo subject that we often don't mention for the sake of social propriety. Powell hopes that her project will loosen the stigma around the subject, inviting discussion and critical analysis. The project is currently seeking funding through a [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tarot-of-oxalia) campaign, and Powell would like to finish the series with 99 portraits in total. The objective of the project is to "recontexualize" a system of power that is publicly enforced, yet privately and shamefully experienced. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Debt Photography:** Opportunity for photographers to explore the emotional and psychological impact of debt through visual storytelling. - **Debt Awareness:** Increasing focus on breaking the stigma around debt and fostering open conversations to promote financial literacy. - **Crowdfunding for Art:** Growing popularity of platforms like Kickstarter to fund art projects and provide opportunities for emerging artists. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Photography:** Photography industry can leverage the trend of debt photography to offer unique and emotionally impactful visual content to clients. - **Financial Services:** Financial institutions can participate in debt awareness campaigns to enhance customer engagement and promote responsible borrowing and lending practices. - **Crowdfunding:** Crowdfunding platforms can attract more artists and creative projects by providing tailored funding opportunities and marketing support. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Disability Representation-Encouraging Grants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disability-representation.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Boundary-Pushing Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/briony-douglas-1.md) - [Personal Nostalgic Photo Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio.md) - [Debt Relief Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/debt-relief-initiative.md) - [Accessible Limited-Edition Print Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitededition-print-series.md) - [Anti-Gender Violence Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antigender-violence-campaign.md)