Famous photographer, Louis Mendes, being asked to take selfies
Selfies with the Photographer
Tag Archives: Photographer
With Jamel Shabazz
I’m standing with photographer, Brother Jamel Shabazz after an inspirational photography walk in Brooklyn’s prospect park. It is always moving to see how Brother Shabazz works with so many artist in the community and how he intentionally passes on his craft.
He created a warm and family atmosphere at the walk. Anyone could tell how deeply he cared about the legacy of his craft. After the event, even though it was extremely hot, everyone stayed around to network and support each other. I was extremely tired afterwards but also motivated.
When Terrence was taking this photo, It was a bit funny because Brother Shabazz is like a giant! He surprised me and kneeled down just when Terrence clicked the button.
Bob the Photographer
I met Bob at the Schomburg in Harlem. He was photographing for an event. I was looking for the restroom. The second time I passed him, he said to me, “You look just like your mom”.
Really? And who is my mom?
What you mean, who is your mom?
You know my mom?
Yes, doesn’t she lead the student organization over at the-
No.
I didn’t want to tell him my mom was indeed in heaven. He looked at me blankly.
Aren’t you from Eritrea?
No. I get that all the time. But I’m not.
You’re not the high school student whose mom leads the organization for high school students?
No, as a matter of fact, I’ve been out of high school for over 15 years.
Wow! You look just like her daughter!
He couldn’t stop looking at me. I thought the entire situation was kinda funny. When I told my friend, Kieara what happened, she responded, sometimes, when you have moments like that, it’s just to remind you about your mom and how often she would think of you.
Which I would love to always remember. I told her about the time the little boy in preschool, whom I never saw before, said to me.
Wow! You look just like your mom!
Really, little boy?
Yes.
And where is my mom?
You look just like her!
He never told me where my mom was. He just kept telling me I looked like her.
Photographer Louis Mendes
I was super excited to meet Photographer Louis Mendes in person. I was so excited that I didn’t really know what to say. Thank God my sister was there to do most of the talking.
He showed us his multi-durable (is that even a word?) camera that could take color, black and white and Polaroid photographs! He made the camera in his hands to do everything!
His word of wisdom to us: make your photography work for you. Get paid for your work.
Sisters in Law
Family Time
This picture was originally taken by the children’s grandma, Lisa Diggs. I am working on a project for her and she showed me some of her family pictures. Out of all of them, this was my favorite. I changed it a little to my liking. It reminds me of the late photographer, Helen Levitt, who photographed Children.
100 Moments
This year, if he was still alive, Gordon Parks would have turned 100 years old.
I went to Harlem, 135th Street, and visited the Schomburg Center to view the Gordon Parks photo exhibition titled, 100 Moments. Each moment I spent in the center was inspiring.
I think the most encouraging part for me was listening to the short documentary of Parks life. I took some notes on his views of photography and his work. Listening to the video made me understand why I love his work: I find myself, he said, speaking for poor people who can’t speak for themselves…and in that way I speak for myself. He continued, I am an objective reporter with a subjective heart. My emotions, he said, get in the way but I don’t allow them to dominate.
When I was in High School, I wanted to meet him but never got the chance as he died the year I graduated.
The photo I enjoyed the most is titled: Music: That Lordly Power 1993. Maybe it spoke to how I was feeling right then. I know it’s an image I am not going to forget.
Kudos to Deborah Willis who put together a brilliant show.