A group of 105 homeless people gathered at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
Each of them was given a disposable camera and told to take pictures that represent "my London."
The photos were entered in an annual contest run by London-based nonprofit Cafe Art , which gives homeless artists the chance to have their work displayed around the city and, for some of the photographers who participate in the yearly challenge, in a print calendar.
"Some people have had experience, and others have never picked up a camera before," said Paul Ryan, co-director of Cafe Art.
The program, Ryan explained, includes mentorship and training from professional volunteers at the Royal Photographic Society, including winners of the contest from previous years, many of whom are ultimately inducted into the society.
Photo by Richard Fletcher/MyLondon Photography Contest. All photos used with permission.
A "Drivers Wanted" sign in the window from the MyLondon Photography Contest.
The goal of the challenge is to help participants gain the confidence to get back on the job market, search for housing, re-engage with their social circles, or even activate dormant skills.
"I really enjoyed it. And I started to get involved in my art again, which I'd left for years," a 2015 participant said in a video for the organization's Kickstarter campaign .
These are 11 of the top vote-getters from this year's contest:
1. Ella Sullivan — "Heart Bike Rack"
Photo by Ella Sullivan/MyLondon Photography Contest
A heart shaped bike rack.
2. Alana Del Valle — "London Bus with Sculpture"
Photo by Alana Del Valle/MyLondon Photography Contest
A red-double-decker-bus behind a mirrored sculpture.
3. Beatrice — "Out of the Blue"
Photo by Beatrice/MyLondon Photography Contest
A hand shadow reaches up the wall toward a water container.
4. Laz Ozerden — "What Now?"
Photo by Laz Ozerden/MyLondon Photography Contest
Open hands accepting donations.
5. Leo Shaul — "The Coffee Roaster"
Photo by Leo Shaul/MyLondon Photography Contest
A long coat hugs “The Coffee Roaster."
6. Christopher McTavish — "St. Paul's in Reflection"
Photo by Christopher McTavish/MyLondon Photography Contest
St. Paul’s cast a reflection against a blue shoe in a puddle.
7. Hugh Gary — "London Calling"
Photo by Hugh Gary/MyLondon Photography Contest
London calling.
8. Keith Norris — "Watching Mannequin"
Photo by Keith Norris/MyLondon Photography Contest
Rolling your eyes at a mannequin.
9. Siliana — "After the Rain"
Photo by Siliana/MyLondon Photography Contest
A boat cruises under the bridge after a rainy day.
10. Saffron Saidi — "Graffiti Area"
Photo by Saffron Saidi/MyLondon Photography Contest
Life reflecting art.
11. Jackie Cook — "Underground Exit"
Photo by Jackie Cook/MyLondon Photography Contest
Who’s that in the stairwell?
Ryan, who has been developing the program for seven years, said that while there's no one-size-fits-all solution for individuals who are homeless, for some who are too used to being "knocked back," the experience of seeing their work on display or in print — and of success — can be invaluable.
"Everyone is helped in a different way, to get up to the next step in whatever way they need to."
This article originally appeared on 08.17.16