Former public defender Sara Bennett spent 13 years photographing women convicted of homicide in New York state, tracing their lives inside prison and, for some, their re-entry into the outside world. Her book, Looking Inside: Women With Life Sentences, published by Kehrer Verlag, offers intimate portraits and personal ephemera – Polaroids, letters, drawings, handwritten notes – that resist stereotypes.
Linda, 70, Incarcerated Aged 43 in 1992
Linda is pictured at Taconic Correctional Facility, Bedford Hills, NY, in 2019. Her sentence: 30 years to life. She reflects on 27 years of incarceration: 'I’ve been scared, lonely, hurt, disappointed and forgotten. When I got here 11 months ago, I couldn’t believe all the women I’d done time with were still here, going to the board and never leaving. Will that be me? I do my hair and makeup daily, it makes me feel good. But on the inside, I’m breaking down. I beg for forgiveness and a second chance. Will I die behind these walls?'
Veronica, 53, Released After 27 Years
Veronica served 27 years of a 25-years-to-life sentence and was released in 2019. She is shown in her apartment in Flushing, NY, 2021, with her husband of 29 years. Bennett's work highlights the complexity and humanity of women who are far more than the single act that sent them to prison.
Andrea, 64, Rebuilt Herself
Andrea, incarcerated at age 46 in 2001, served 20 years to life and was released in 2020. She is photographed in a recreation room at Taconic Correctional Facility. 'When I first came in, it was weird but I learned to deal with it by going to church and working. As a woman who has rebuilt herself, I love being in my 60s,' she says.
Karen, 69, From Prison to Homeless Shelter
Karen served 35 years of a 25-years-to-life sentence and was released in 2017. Four weeks after release, she was in a homeless shelter in NY. 'Parole sent me to a homeless assessment centre in the South Bronx. The quality of the food and bedding was a lateral move from prison. But, factoring in my freedom, there’s no question it was an improvement. Now I’m living in a shelter run by the Women’s Prison Association. I feel safe and secure. The room I’m living in is sparse, with not much in it – but it’s mine. In this room I find comfort, privacy, peace of mind, and finally freedom,' she says.
Sahiah, 23, Incarcerated at 16
Sahiah was incarcerated aged 16 in 2011 and is serving 20 years to life. She is pictured at the college library, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, 2019. 'Being incarcerated at such a young age made me feel as if my life was over. But as the days and the time went by I knew God had a special plan and purpose for me. There is light at the end of my tunnel. I will be free,' she says.
Judy, 69, Serving 75 Years to Life
Judy, incarcerated aged 31 in 1981, is serving 75 years to life. She is photographed at the nursery, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, 2019. 'People ask me why I smile so much. It’s not that I’m always happy. I suffer the pains of imprisonment: separation from loved ones, being strip-searched after visits, being forbidden to hug. Every day, I carry the burden of guilt for my crime and all the pain and loss I am responsible for. I cannot change that. But I can decide how to wake up each morning and meet the day. I choose love, curiosity, to smile,' she says.
Carol, 69, Released After 35 Years
Carol served 35 years of a 25-years-to-life sentence and was released in 2013. She is shown in supportive housing, four years after release, Long Island City, NY, 2017. 'When I was inside, I dreamed of getting out, getting a job, travelling. But by the time I got out my health was bad. Basically, that changed all plans. I wish I could do more, but I’m at peace. I have my grandson Cecil. He’s a precious boy of six years. He loves me unconditionally and that’s a delight,' she says.
Jennifer, 40, Working on Being Free
Jennifer served 17½ years and was released in 2020. She is in her own apartment, Brooklyn, NY, 15 months after release. 'I feel like I am working on being free,' she says.
Assia, 35, Nursery Aide and Doula
Assia, incarcerated aged 19 in 2003, is serving 18 years to life. She is pictured in a baby clothes storeroom, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, 2018. 'Recently I spent the night looking after a nine-week-old baby whose mom was removed from the nursery unit. As a nursery aide and doula, I am one of the few women entrusted with caring for precious life and supporting new and experienced mothers. Despite the bad choices that landed me in prison, and away from my own children who have had to grow up without me, I can still make a difference,' she says.
Evelyn, 42, Released After 17 Years
Evelyn served 17 years of a 15-years-to-life sentence and was released in 2012. She is shown in Queens, NY, 2014. 'When I was a kid, I didn’t have so much time to play around. I was busy. I was the only girl. I had two small brothers and I had to take care of them and work. Spending time with kids now lets me goof around and be silly. I feel joyous when I’m with them,' she says. Another image shows Evelyn in supportive housing in Astoria, NY, 2015 after her domestic partnership ended.
Karen, 69, Eager to Take First Step Outside
Karen, incarcerated aged 35 in 1982, is serving 25 years to life. She is photographed in the visiting room, Taconic Correctional Facility, 2017. 'First Step: I will finally breathe fresh air, finally take my first step outside this fence without my hands cuffed – without shackles on my feet. Will I feel free right away? Will I be scared? I would be a fool not to be terrified of all that has changed in 35 years, but I’m an eager fool,' she says.
