A new community-driven photography book, Finding Perspective: A Photographic Exploration of Jamaica, will debut this Saturday at House of Waves on Broadway. The project, created in partnership with Surfers With A Purpose (SWAP) Foundation and Freedom Skatepark in Bull Bay, Jamaica, tells a story far larger than its pages. It is a celebration of youth, creativity, cultural exchange, and the belief that art can reshape futures.
The book is the result of a week long film photography workshop led last April by local photographer, gallery owner, and House of Waves founder Patrick Murphy, known throughout Rhode Island as The Kings Lens. Murphy has spent years documenting life in and around Newport, and his studio space inside House of Waves has become a creative hub for surfers, photographers, and artists. His work is rooted in community storytelling and visual connection, which made him a natural fit to guide this international project.
Murphy spent the week teaching photography to members of the Bull Bay community, helping students capture the world around them through their own eyes. The result is a curated collection of images shot entirely by 25 local participants. Their photos offer honest and intimate reflections of their neighborhoods, friendships, and everyday life.
“Photography is a way to understand where you are and how you move through the world,” Murphy said. “Giving these kids the tools to tell their own story is the real heart behind this project.”
A partnership rooted in empowerment
The workshop was made possible through SWAP Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit powered by volunteer surfers whose mission extends far beyond the water. SWAP focuses on uplifting disadvantaged communities by offering time, skill, and mentorship, while also helping volunteers expand their own worldview.
“SWAP gives people a chance to travel with intention,” Murphy said. “These trips are fun, but they are also transformative. You come home understanding something new about the world and about yourself.”
Freedom Skatepark, one of SWAP’s longstanding partners, plays a central role in this story. The park, located eight miles outside Kingston, was built to honor the late Andre “Wildfiyah” Thompson, a talented Jamaican skateboarder whose dream was to create accessible skate facilities for his community. Today, Freedom Skatepark serves as a vital hub for the youth of Bull Bay, offering skate and surf programming, yoga, conflict resolution classes, community events, and creative workshops such as Murphy’s photography program.
A book that gives back
Proceeds from Finding Perspective will directly benefit Freedom Skatepark and will fund a year long photography program that Murphy helped design. Each copy will be available at House of Waves for a minimum donation of forty dollars. Online sales will launch Monday at www.swapfoundation.org.
The release event on Saturday will include a silent auction, print sales of selected work from the book, and SWAP Foundation merchandise. Attendees will also have the opportunity to donate directly to ongoing hurricane relief efforts supporting Bull Bay, which was hit hard by Hurricane Melisa earlier this fall.
Donation links:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-hurricane-relief-for-jamaica
https://freedomskateparkja.org/
More than a book, it is a message
At its core, Finding Perspective is about access, representation, and giving young people the tools to define their own narrative. It is also a reminder that purpose driven travel and community collaboration can create a lasting impact for everyone involved, from the youth behind the lens to the volunteers offering their time and passion.
“This was never just about teaching photography,” Murphy said. “It was about connection, perspective, and seeing possibility. These kids have stories worth telling. This book is just the beginning.”