About the Project

Palmetto Table Portraits.

A documentary project listening to South Carolina families navigate the summer food gap — in their own words, at their own tables.

What this project is.

For many South Carolina families, summer means higher grocery bills, fewer free meals, and more improvisation — stretching what’s in the pantry, choosing cheaper options, making uncomfortable tradeoffs, and hoping nothing unexpected hits the budget.

The lack of Summer SUN Bucks withholds a straightforward support that is designed to help families bridge exactly that seasonal gap. This project documents what that gap looks like, zipcode by zipcode, in the words and images of the people living it.

At its core, this project turns an abstract policy change into a visible statewide narrative: not a single story, but a mosaic of lived experiences — mapped, heard, and remembered.

Artistic Direction

How we photograph.

Preference for Natual Light

Window light, porch light, shade — minimal artificial lighting to keep the look honest and consistent.

Objective as Possible

Straightforward framing, minimal stylization, no poverty aesthetics, no sensational staging.

Subject-driven Narrative

Each story and portrait is shaped by interview themes. Participants guide what's photographed and what's shared.

You the Strategist

Attempt to acknowledge your strategies and labor behind feeding the family and creating a rich and nutritious environment for your loved ones.

Wins and Losses Equally

Both perceived successes and failures are included with equal respect and zero judgment.

Trauma-aware

We avoid photographing minors' faces by default, avoid intrusive scenes, and prioritize comfort, privacy, and agency throughout.

The Photographer

Saam Batmanghelidj

Saam Batmanghelidj is a documentary photographer and advocate based in South Carolina. Through Frames of Advocacy, Saam creates photographic projects that center the voices of people most affected by policy decisions — with dignity, consent, and care.

Palmetto Table Portraits is a project of Frames of Advocacy.

Ethics & Consent

How we work with participants.

Full consent

Every participant reviews and signs a consent form before any interview, photography, or publication. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Anonymity options

Participants choose what is shared: first name only, county only, or fully anonymous. Faces of minors are not photographed without explicit consent.

Participant review

Participants review their portraits and story text before publication. Final approval rests with them.

Compensation

All participants receive compensation for their time. Participation is always free and voluntary.

Want to participate?

Share your family's story. All participation is on your terms.

Share Your Story