Hero to Zero
Today, Hal Samples admits he lives a modest life. He works from his Deep Ellum studio as an independent photographer, performing private shoots and special events. Occasionally, he walks down the street to the All Good Café for a plate of chicken fried steak. It’s been years since Samples watched television.
“Ten hours maybe at the airports last year,” he said. “I know that ‘Cosby’ isn’t on anymore, and there is this show ‘Desperate Housewives’ that everyone talks about.”
Samples said his life changed during the summer of 2003, when he first picked up a camera. At the time, his roommate was surrounded by photography equipment, editing a film. Samples asked to borrow a camera and began taking pictures of downtown Dallas.
“The first time I picked up a camera, I thought to myself, ‘What am I supposed to do?” Samples said. “I didn’t want to ask for help either. It’s like a man asking for directions.”
Since then, Samples’ work has been shown at local venues including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Latino Cultural Center. He uses the profits from his photography to fund his Hero to Zero organization.
Created in 2003, the photographer hopes the organization will create awareness of the homeless in Dallas but also change the current perceptions society has of these individuals. Samples says news broadcasts are guilty of “poverty pornography,” showing homeless individuals from a camera lens either bundled on the side of the road or pushing a shopping cart.
The inspiration for Hero to Zero came from many people, including Samples himself. He said his difficulty in receiving help for his addiction contributed to his decision. Samples also credits Bill Banks, a war veteran and family friend, who lived on the streets before he died in 2002. Banks was entitled to $1,800 from Veteran Affairs, which doubled with interest. He never received the money, and Samples was determined to help him get it.
Samples said Dewayne, a homeless man he met outside his South Side of Lamar apartments, also helped shape the concept for Hero to Zero. The two had a conversation at Starbucks, where Dewayne shared his desire to be heard. Dewayne was also the first homeless individual Samples photographed.
“I want to show everyone that the homeless are not just dirty people,” Samples said.
According to Dr. Jeff Ferrell, Texas Christian University sociology professor and author of “Empire of Scrounge,” there are thousands in Dallas living in poverty – approximately 6,000. He attributes the cause to an economy based on minimum wage and a low savings rate.
“It’s extremely difficult to get out once you are in,” Ferrell said.
Samples recognizes this and says that photography and music are undeniable mediums to spread the message. He admits that he does not have the most enticing business model, placing emphasis on raising awareness rather than making money.
“A piece of art can stay on a person’s wall for years, and a CD can stay in someone’s change for the same period of time,” Samples said. “They will be able to associate it with this particular event. I get more miles out of that than someone giving me a dollar.”
Every year, Samples organizes four Hero to Zero events. A benefit for the Family Gateway center was recently held Feb. 13 at the Granada Theatre in Dallas. Though the event cost Samples $3,800, it was successful in his opinion. After the show, many individuals contacted Family Gateway and asked to volunteer.
“We’re extremely grateful for Hal,” said Jan Mitura, executive director for Family Gateway.
Samples has met thousands of homeless individuals who he now calls his friends. Their stories are treasures.
“I feel like this is where I’m exactly supposed to be,” Samples said. “I don’t feel cheated out of life even with the choices I have made before…I live an amazing life doing things I never dreamed of doing.”
