For Your Information: Gian Magana does not offer consent forms and model release contracts. Local Organisations are in charge of managing release forms.
Tommy Story Hour is a non-government organization based in Bremerton and also an organisation that exists somewhere in California with Tommy's close friend Angelique Petitt. She has been a friend to Tommy and a loyal member of his organisation.
Their potluck gathering is at the former Bremerton Fire Station, which the Olympic Mountain Rescue now occupies. Debord rented the venue with OMR. Chipping in with parents Thomas and Sarah, who also crowdfunds in the special needs community. The potluck-style gathering was put in thought since the demise of Cory's Day On The Farm in 2019.
My intention for visits to the Olympic Mountain Rescue was merely to document a potluck with a group of people with special needs and PWDs. As someone who is autistic, I have an innate desire to document the local PWD population. There are rather a few documentary photographers and photojournalists that are residing in Kitsap County. Many photographers around town are photographing something else. Everything is done without any monetary exchanges and remains steadfast with his hobbies. I basically found events catering to the special ed community all by myself. Never used proper mediums of word-of-mouth, referrals, or recommendations within the local circle. Relied only on a Facebook graph search of events within 30 miles and a simple Google search.
A little discomfort and tactile feels, October 2023
My first visit to Tommy Story Hour was in June 2023. In the latter part of the first year, our relations between Tommy and me have appeared to dwindle. I must admit that my stern and blunt tone indeed rubs several members wrongly. However; Gian needs to be in a position where engaging or socializing with subjects is limited. Just don't expect Gian to open up right away if he chooses to be reclusive at the time.
What I have noticed about the activities and agenda on Tommy Debord's monthly potluck was merely like when I was on the island on Guam. Blasting a dancefloor song Cupid Shuffle, recreational game of bingo, and of course potluck. These activities were also seen at Peninsula Alliance social night. Held in east bremerton on fridays, with the same set of activities from Tommy Story Hour.
Tommy Debord, March 2024
Dancefloor fun, March 2024
My opinions and views can be seen as harsh or imposing to anyone. I do not have a filter. However; it was not my intent to impose my opinions and views on Tommy and fellow members of the Story Hour. Once joked Tommy's organisation as Tommy Symptom Hour—did not mean any offense. The photographing project would have continued up to about six more visits. In August 2024, I attempted to visit the former fire station in West Bremerton. Tommy and the volunteer team turned me away without giving a justified reason. Around that time, three visits were planned further: November 2024, December 2024, and February 2025. The potential final shooting date was planned for sometime in the summer of 2025. The project in the Bremerton's community was set to conclude in the late 2020s. After the documenting and shooting was finished; I had no plans to stay longer and perhaps be ghosting myself out of Tommy Story Hour...
Gian's simple take on ethics - is not to alter the scene of the people around the Olympic Mountain Rescue. My take on ethics is dated as he desires to aim for unscripted and candid moments of people with disabilities. Gian's stance on the ethical practice of photojournalism does not lie with the societal stance of common decency. Today's people define common courtesy as demonstrating respect and kindness to others.
FAQ: was Gian writing an article or making pictures about sensitive populations for profit gain?
No. Gian Magana's hobbies photography, journalism, and copywriting do not get monetized directly. Gian's portfolio on Adobe is not monetized.
