MANCHESTER, NH —For the last three years Concord-based photographer Becky Field has documented the lives of New Hampshire’s foreign-born residents. Her experiences have culminated in a book of those photographs, officially launched Sept. 17 at a reception at Kimball Jenkins School of Art in Concord.
The book is a nonprofit project, and all net proceeds from book sales and donations go to NH nonprofits working with immigrants and refugees. The book is now available for purchase, and donations can also be made toward free books for the photographed families featured in the book by going to the website’s virtual bookstore.
The photographs raise awareness about the strength and vitality of ethnic, cultural and religious diversity in New Hampshire in a broad way, while also honoring and celebrating the individual journey of families. It illustrates the contributions of New Hampshire’s immigrants and refugees, and educates the general public about the paths to resettlement.
The book features 133 photographs interspersed with short quotes from New Hampshire immigrants about their experiences. The Introduction is written by New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan, and the foreword by world-renowned photographer John Isaac, also an immigrant. The book showcases the photographs, but also includes “Journey Stories” about the refugee experience written by New Hampshire residents from six countries. The stories tell of the challenges and opportunities of resettlement in the Granite State.
This is the first time that the lives of New Hampshire immigrants and refugees have been so extensively documented with photographs, adding to historic accounts of immigration to New Hampshire. Field has photographed endless experiences featuring children and adults at work and play, during weddings and funerals, colorful ceremonies and families at home.
On Oct 1 the accompanying photography exhibit will be moved to the Portsmouth Library where it will be on display throughout that month. Field will give presentations about the project and the book on October 4, 2 p.m. at the library. You can also follow the book and future events on the website or via Facebook.
Field has had more than 20 photography exhibitions and given numerous talks about the project and immigrant issues in New Hampshire. She has studied photography at Maine Media Workshops, Photographic Resource Center and Center for Photography at Woodstock. She holds a certificate in photography from the New Hampshire Institute of Art.
The book is $35 and was published by Peter E. Randall Publisher, Portsmouth, NH. It is available here.
You’re one click away! Sign up for our free 
eNewsletter and never miss another thing