This will probably become one of my favorite photographs and in the top 10 of portraiture photographs that I have captured. Every time I look at it I see a different meaning. To me, this is what makes a powerful image and why I say shoot what you love and shoot from the heart. I recently posted this image on Google+ and then Facebook with this quote
TITLE; DIGNITY
WE ALL LAUGH, CRY, HAVE HOPES, DREAMS, AND FEARS. WE ARE ALL SIMILAR EXCEPT BY OUR GEOGRAPHY AND CIRCUMSTANCES. A PERSONS CIRCUMSTANCES DOESN’T MAKE THEM IGNORANT OR LESS THAN. REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITIONS ONE LIVES IN THEY TOO ARE HUMAN. THE WORLD BECOMES A BETTER PLACE WHEN WE CARE.
One of the responses I had was…… which I just noticed was deleted when I went to copy it….said something about being the poster child for organizations wanting to show the sadness of Africa so you would give your money to their organization… it was a first reaction to the photograph without reading the caption. I then explained the photograph and to please read the caption. What it made me realize is the power of a still image ( I will always be a still photographer), and the responsibility that goes with along with that. What I had captured was an amazing moment where we both connected in a powerful moment that just feeds my soul and why I love photography and Africa so much. However, after posting it I became aware of how differently it could be interpreted. This made me look at this image over and over again… I saw the smile in his eyes that was what was happening at the moment I took this image. I was then pulled much deeper into the photograph… to look at it as though I was viewing it without any information….this is very hard to do….. when taken from the heart… but I realized it had multiple meanings depending how it was used and the message with it…..especially with a touchy subject like Africa, the people and the way it is told in main street media…… So it is my responsibility to think before posting such a powerful image….. The rain on his face almost looks like tears……
Here is the photographic story behind the image… It was on one of the most magical safaris with some amazing friends this past Feb, new and old. After our safari in Tanzania we flew to Rwanda to trek with the Gorilla’s and that was over the top. We were on our way back to Kigali and were driving through the beautiful pouring rains of Africa. We were hungry and came upon this fruit stand. Of coarse our drivers knew the local people and they ran out to great us……
The teenagers had to get invalid, be cool, laugh with us and I as a photographer just becomed overwhelmed in the moment and had to capture it……
We were so excited… they were so excited. I started shooting through the window and they would look into our vehicle and stare into the camera (I have to confess that I got so excited I had to jump out of the car, in the rain, and started running amuck with my camera and having so much fun with them). We bought the banana’s and hung them from the post inside our land rover, along with some pineapple…
I shoot from my heart and I get so excited when I am sharing my passion of Africa with others…. but this post (on social media) really made me stop and think… about my responsibility of looking deep into a photograph before I post it….. and the depth of a photograph…. because it may not be sending the message in which it was captured.
As an example here are two other photographs that I took moments apart.. and they say something powerful and completely differnt ……
Disclaimer… if my spelling and grammar is not yet up to par… I am working on that with he help of an editor…… you may also refer someone….. I want to focus on what I do best.. and let someone else help me with what they do best 🙂
Very interesting post.
For me, photography is a form of storytelling and in both cases, I think it’s important to know the storyteller. In this case, I’m familiar enough with your work (through reading some of your posts) to not interpret that image as a desperate plea as much as it is an intense expression of a child. Likewise, someone not familiar with some of my writing style may take my sarcasm or snark to be mean, negative, or even rude.
However, you’re right in that some people will see work as one-offs and won’t have that background, and it’s just as important to convey the intended message to that audience as well.
Thanks for bringing up those points and for the reminder! 🙂
I like comments that make me stop and think about something. To look at it differently and keep me in check. It can be so easy to become narrow and focused. So the comment made about the photograph was a good reminder.
Great human interest!!!
Great photography, Piper! Just do your thing. How people wish to interpret is their choice.
Hi, gratulations to some amassing shots … they are powerful … and do magre with previous the interpretations is in the eyes of the viewer ! All the best Thorsten
Wonderful images and post. I always love to hear the story behind the photos.
Piper, your work is like a language. If one is not familiar with your language then yes, they will most likey interpret it through their own filter. Personally, I prefer to look first at the image before I read the photog’s story or explanation. That way my interpretation is not clouded. I read a post on FB recently that said “perception has nothing to do with reality”. I have always said let others own their perceptions for I cannot change it for them, only provide information. Of course we want to be understood yet we cannot control ones “filter” or perception.
Funny you mention the spelling and grammar, I said to myself after reading another post Piper could use an editor. I am a language teacher and when I read something I can’t help but notice those things though they don’t change my perception of you or your work : )
Let me know if I can be of help .
The portraits do tell a story and it speaks to my heart. I look forward to more!
I think it is great that you look at an image first from your own perspective. That is what this veiwer did. We all interpret things differently from our past experiences. This was also great reminder of the power of a single image compared to video where the film make is telling you the story.
We’ll the grammar and spelling really got out of control because I was so overwhelmed these past three months. I think I worked about 18 hours a day for almost 3 straight months and I was too tired to proof read or care. I now have some help so it should get better.
Thanks for all your comments, Piper, I enjoy reading your descriptions of your photographs!
I know you love what you are doing and keep up the good work! Love, Mom
powerful image
wonderful portrait
and good story too !!
Piper, thanks for a fabulous picture! I am sure the picture evokes sadness or perhaps pity in many people in the western world and it illustrates the stories we live within. This is our interpretation and in fact this boy could be much more happy and satisfied with his life than any of us. Your comment about dignity is right on the mark, who are we to judge?
I am always so blown away at your depth of description, and deeper details of your pics. Having shared these moments with you being in the same vehicle with a camera…I feel humbled and honored by your work. You are amazing Piper, and your eyes alone, are a bare canvas waiting to soak up colors, emotions and stories…..I am inspired every time I read your blog….:)
Thank you my dearest friend!
Piper, this photo is powerful in so many ways. And because of that, I believe that one could say that viewing a photo is much like reading a poem, or viewing a painting. That is, one reason that makes the image striking and powerful is because can be open to personal interpretation. The viewer can develop a story or simply have the image resonate in a way that evokes emotion. Often that can be incredibly healing, or motivating, or having the realization that we are all part of something bigger than just “me.”
FYI, when I first viewed it I thought the droplets were blood. Then I realized they were clear, so then I thought it was sweat. It never occurred to me that it might be rain–such is the state of my obvious biases about photos of children in Africa. Argh.
Thank you Christa. And this is why I will always continue to shoot stills. There is just something so magical when you connect with your subject and click the shutter at the perfect moment.