Where are the minority photographers?
From the photo walk. A typical downtown Charleston scene. Click here for more!
I’ve struggled for a title to this post that might bring people to the site to read it. I wanted the post to be somewhat provocative to generate interest and, even as I write this, I’m not sure that I have the title right. However, I’ll proceed with the post.
I must say that while I enjoyed the photo walk, I was a bit disappointed in the turn out of minorities. Put more bluntly, I was the only black guy there. Sorry, I don’t use the politically correct title “African American”. And I really don’t like to refer to myself by my skin color or country of origin, etc, but to make a point, I’ll do that here.
So, why was I disappointed? Let me try to explain: I believe that each culture is different. Not because of any predisposed genetic differences, but based on their historical culture and their shared experiences.
It’s no surprise to me that people from other countries come here and tend to huddle together in ‘pockets’. New York’s Chinatown is a great example. Many of the people from India that I worked with in Charlotte all live in the same neighborhood. It’s the same for Mexicans and Brazilians that I know. My wife, a Brazilian, has been kind enough to share her struggles with me about the difficulties of being an immigrant and trying to fit into American society. Further, of being a woman trying to fit into a male dominated career, software development.
It’s difficult to come from a culture having extended family where, for example, sons and daughters may stay home until they are 30. Then, when they do get married and move out, they stay in the neighborhood, or close by, and come to dinner every Sunday. Contrast this to American society where we celebrate individuality and independence.
Sometimes when I go into a new situation with the potential to meet new people, especially anything having to do with photography, I’m hopeful to see someone else who looks like me. It provides a comfort zone as well as some shared interests and an immediate connection. Also, I understand the approach better and friendships accelerate faster. There’s a common bond of experience. Most of the times, I’m pretty disappointed because it just doesn’t happen in the workplace or in photography. I just have to wonder why:
- Is photography not interesting to minorities?
- Is it a simple matter, perhaps, that we are not exposed to the possibilities? No well known, mainstream, minority photographers?
- Is it that the arts are looked upon as frivolous and unimportant?
- Is it because there are no role models?
- Is it an economic thing? Access to computers, digital cameras, etc.
Why is that I meet so few black photographers or software developers? I’m not a big fan of organizations that promote separation. So, I could not seem myself creating a group called “The Charleston/Charlotte Black Photographers Guild/Group”; however, I can see why it’s done. How else would you get into contact with like minded individuals? Now, one might say: What’s the difference? It’s all about photography and it doesn’t matter what color you are. Very true. Yet, if one were interested in race relations from a historical perspective, there might be a difference. I’ve only ever seen one point of view. Rarely do you hear the names of black photographers like Gordon Parks or James Van der Zee, who photographed Harlem intimately for 50 years!
Minority photographers offer a glimpse into lives, or ways of looking at things, that others simply cannot provide. I certainly cannot provide a detailed, poignant look in to the Brazilian culture, but my wife certainly could. Yet, she could not provide the detailed look into black middle class culture here in the U.S. I think that it is important that all sides be shown.
Sometimes, I just wonder what I could do to improve the situation. How could I encourage more minorities to explore their world with photography? It seems that this art form has so much potential for expressiveness that I just want everyone to become involved if they are interested. I just want to spread the word as far and wide as possible … to include everyone! Certainly, there is no one trying to stop this spread of knowledge, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone trying to spread it either. Food for thought.
Paul,
Very evocative post. If I remember correctly, you used to have a picture of yourself on your blog. I must admit that I “noticed” that you were black. And I was “surprised” (I’m not sure “surprised” is the best word, but it will have to do). Why was I surprised? I guess that subconsciously I noticed what you are bringing to light: there aren’t many “minority” (not so fond of that word either) photographers out there, and when you come across one, it causes a momentary double-take. As far as I know, that was my only response when I saw your picture–I mentally took note, then carried on enjoying your posts and pictures. I really didn’t think much about it again until now.
I grew up a “minority” in a couple of places in California (late 60′s early 70′s during the “race riots”), and also in Seattle and Guam. And I never really noticed, until, as a 19 year old, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona. I took a job at a furniture making business. Out of the 43 employees, two of us were not Hispanic. Everyone (including the other white guy) spoke Spanish. They listened to a Spanish-speaking radio station. It was not easy for me. Like you, it’s not surprising to me that people of a kind do group together–it’s comfortable to have those common/shared experiences/ideals. In fact, to my shame, it was so uncomfortable for me that I quit less than a week after starting.
My “thing” is fly fishing. Take a look at any fly fishing magazine or blog, or actual fly fishermen on the water, and where are the minorities? (One encouraging sign is that women have recently come into the sport in greater numbers.) Is it a culture that the anglers themselves have created that helps exclude minorities? Are minorities just not interested?
What can be done to change the shortage of “minorities” in not only photography, but many other aspects of life out there? I have no answers. Whatever answers there might be, I’m sure they are complex. And it is certainly something important to think about.
Thank you for the food for thought.
-scott c
Paul,
Have you thought about volunteering at a predominately black school in the SC area? Maybe teaching a photography class that included darkroom film developing, as well as digital? Might combine some of your passion for photography with a very worthwhile outreach effort. I think your comment about role models rings close to home.
Just my .02c,
–Eric
Paul, not only is this your finest piece of writing that I’ve seen, and you know I’m a fan, but this very well may be the best blog post I’ve ever read.
I’m going to spend more time this afternoon reading this and write later but I have to say again, bravo for such a wonderful post that is right from the heart.
Tom
@Scott: It doesn’t surprise me that you were surprised.
You cannot believe how many times I’ve had that reaction at a software interview. Of course, nothing is said until after I’ve been hired, friendships established, and boundaries understood. A coworker on my current job said that he was very surprised when I showed up for work because after having a phone interview with me, he just assumed, based on the way that I talked that I was white. Or, more accurately, he was surprised when a black showed up! LOL! I’ve heard that one a time or two in my 23 years of experience. I just have a nondescript, Ohio, non-accent.
The word minority is so negatively charged that I hesitated to use it, but couldn’t find an acceptable substitute. We know that being a minority is situational, as your comment clearly proves and it can be an uncomfortable place to be, even if you are used to it. It’s nice to have someone else along for the ride who understands you and your culture.
@Eric: I’m going to start looking into grant possibilities so that I can provide the cameras, chemistry, and film. I have no idea how to go about it, but I’m going to start looking. I’d like to do this at a recreation center, or perhaps a local university, or something. I don’t want to get involved with the school system and their bureaucracy, though I may check it out because I really have no experience with them. I’d like to limit it to about 10 kids at a time. Not sure about the ages, either. I don’t have a plan at this moment, only an idea.
@Tom: Thanks for your kind words, Tom. I look forward to seeing your comment.
Regarding your comments to Eric. I can’t believe this. I’ve been going thru this for the last 4 months. I have a section of my area here that is a bit depressed and have been working on setting up Photography and Darkroom classes for the children of this area, along with my son’s help.
I will write you more in much deeper details of my findings but regarding a local university you will find a LOT of red tape but most of all insurance challenges. The insurance challenge will haunt you as well with the Rec center. There are ways however. Beginning in October I take 3 children at a time into my own DR.
@Tom: Thanks! I need all the help that I can get!
I’ve noticed what you’re speaking about, but it only seems to be specific minority groups that are missing.
Living in Toronto, the world’s most multicultural city (Seriously, 48% of the population was born in another country) I run across a large number of minority photographers. Asians in particular seem to be photography-mad, as do Persians/Iranians. I also run across a lot of Arab and South Asian photographers and a reasonable number of South American ones of varying ethnicities. But one group is mostly missing, blacks. The ones I do meet are usually immigrants, usually from Africa (as opposed to the Caribbean). North American Natives also seem very rare.
The lack of minorities (especially blacks) in photography is real–there were no blacks on the photo walk I took part in and you are one of the few black photographers I know.
There’s probably a multitude of reasons for this and I’m certainly not qualified to offer legitimate views from the minority viewpoint. I agree that trying to improve the situation by promoting separation would not be my first choice–current mainstream photographers stand to also gain by greater minority participation.
Paul, I applaud you for addressing this subject and it’s certainly got me thinking what part of this I own.
@Earl: Unfortunately, I’m the only black photographer that I know! My friend Richard had a passing interest in it, but nothing that sustained his interest. As for your viewpoint, you probably have some ideas and I’d like to hear them. I just wish that I knew for sure. I think that it is just a lack of knowledge. That is, if you’ve never seen anyone on your ‘circle’ do photography, why would you want to try it? How would you even know to try it. When you see pictures, they are just pictures. There’s no thought about how they were made. As a kid I enjoyed National Geographic, but didn’t consider the photographic aspect of it.
I didn’t pick it up until high school and was working a part time job with two other guys, both white, Robert Terry (who visits this blog) and Robert Jennings; Both were deep into photography. After seeing their darkrooms and photos, I was hooked. Until then, I had never even seen an SLR. The only camera around our house was a Polaroid! After my initial exposure, it quickly became an all-consuming desire … that and bowling.
Perhaps it has to do with disposable income. My parents wouldn’t have bought be a camera, so I had to buy my own camera and supplies. I did have some friends that did pencil drawings. That is much cheaper. You need only a pencil and some paper.
Paul, It’s probably a combination of things (in no particular order):
- lack of exposure or opportunities;
- lack of disposable income;
- lack of mentors and role models.
There’s been similar struggles in sports. For years tennis and golf were considered to be strictly “white” and there are still some hold-out areas.
I believe exposure and mentors are two key areas. If a person discovers a driving inspiration for photography and has someone who mentally and emotionally supports that vision then they will find a way to make it real. It’s also about the numbers–the more people exposed the more who will discover they love making photos.
Off the top of my head….A summer photography “camp” focusing on minority youth would be a rewarding project. Perhaps even something much like a Vacation Bible School (half days for a week or two) through a local church group. I’d probably focus it on digital photography strictly because of the instant feedback and work with point and shoot cameras to make it affordable. Have guest photographers come in and share their passion. The church or other business might even donate inexpensive camera for the participants. Start at one location and expand it as a standard event/program/business….
Like I say…thinking out loud!
@Earl: Excellent ideas, Earl. I agree with you about the digital. Much less hassle and instant feedback. The church idea is great, as long as there is no requirement to be a member of that church, of a particular religion, or constraints on content. Of course, all content would be age appropriate. Thanks for the ideas!
This may be the most thought provoking photography posts I have read in a good long while. Thank you so much.
Of the two dozen photo blogs I follow I can only think of two black photographers, you and Gordon Lewis. http://shutterfinger.typepad.com/shutterfinger/ Much the same is true with gender, only two females keep me interested. Why that is, I don’t have the answer, but I suspect Earl has the high points covered.
The lack of exposure to photography (no pun intended) in one’s youth may be the real issue. Familiarization with the history and process could make the difference. If school or church involvement seems wrong to you, I suggest a local YMCA/YWCA type of venue.
I hope as a world we can get past the color/gender issues, but the heritage/life history part of us should be explored and shared. Therein lies the richness of this journey we call life.
Now if you want to talk about minority photo clubs, try finding one that fits my lineage. Danish dairymen on the father’s side and red neck Mormon polygamists on the mothers.
It would be interesting to get a lot of responses to the question “how did you become interested in photography”.
In my case I did not have a mentor and did not have much in the way of disposable income. I do remember my mother using one of those old foldout Kodak cameras to take pictures of us when we were kids and I also remember my friend in college using an Instamatic to take pictures of various things our group did together (I regret now not doing the same thing), but when I bought a camera it was mostly an “arts” thing after seeing some great photos being displayed at a museum. I’m not sure why exactly, but until I saw those photos on the wall I never really associated photography with fine art. Once I started taking photos I got more interested in nature photography. I did this mostly on my own.
It would also be interesting to find out what people use their photos for. I know a lot of younger people who use their phone for photos, and think of the images they take more as a temporary capture of some sort of social activity that they can share with friends, than as something permanent to be displayed. There could definitely be a cultural aspect to that as well. Schools could have some influence by displaying student photos. Newspapers, who are complaining that no one cares about them anymore, could do more to encourage photos (or other work) from neighborhoods.
It might also help to donate your old camera when you get a new one. If we all stopped by the high school to pass along our one-generation-old cameras it could be the start of photography clubs.
If I think of how the people I work with use photography, a lot of it begins with wanting to take photos of their kids doing some sort of sport. That would be a good way to introduce otherwise uninterested people to photography
Paul, it’s the second time now that I come back to this post, so obviously it has quality
Some thoughts: My father had a camera, and I have used it some times in my youth. There was also a Polaroid that we probably won somewhere, at least I can’t remember that my parents bought it, my father certainly wouldn’t have done so. Thus there was some exposure to photography, but I never did anything like developing film, making prints, etc. It was also mentally tagged as expensive. Basically it was something that you would use sparingly to document vacations.
Later I did the same thing, just not sparingly. I had a Minolta film point and shoot camera with two focal length settings, something around 35mm and maybe 80mm, at least that’s what I remember.
I was always interested in visual arts though, I did some drawing and I was not too bad at it, I had kind of a feeling for proportions and basic composition skills. I think that I always saw photography as just another way to make pictures, i.e. I was fully aware of the artistic potential, I had some recognition when an image was better than others, and, as sparingly as I did take photographs, when I did, I at least tried to do it well.
My mother was always interested in drawing, in fact that’s how I came to do it. Thus I suppose there always was a base interest in visual arts, and that is due to early exposure, albeit not in the field of photography.
I never did any sports though. Yes, I did some skiing and biking, but never as a collective activity.
Now where does this get us? Well, you don’t see many black photographers, but I suppose we can agree that some sports like basketball are seen as almost dominated by blacks. I do one and not the other, but I would not attribute either of these facts to the “culture” that I grew up in.
It was much more chance, being born to the parents that I have, having had the few childhood friends that I had, etc. This may also sound a bit like “culture”, but it actually is not. It is a specific situation. There were not many children around when I grew up, and none of my approximate age. My cousin was nearest, two and a half years older, and he went to kindergarten while I did not. Thus I was alone for long stretches of my childhood. School did not help either, because I was living 20 minutes by bus outside of the town where I went to school, and that fact made me an outsider.
This isolation kept me dreaming, playing solitary games, and probably that explains why I am so visually oriented. I had the time to look at things, dream of things, and that’s what I did.
Paul, can it be that minorities tend to stick together? Can it be that this fosters team sports? And once your in it, you get your rewards from that side. Do photographers have to be lonely, or at least once in their life have had to be lonely? And if this is true, is it true for other arts (maybe not performing arts) as well? Does growing up in a minority group keep you from being lonely? Were you ever lonely? I guess with your current life you sometimes must be. Or is this all rubbish?
@Neil: You have some great ideas for helping out the situation. I like the idea of donating our ‘old’ cameras. Something to consider.
@Andreas: I’ll approach your comment from the bottom up. You pose a great question about loneliness and its possible contribution to being a photographer. I’d like to make a distinction, if I might, between being alone and being lonely. Being alone is a condition of fact. If no one else is here. I’m alone. Being lonely is subjective. If I am alone and don’t like it, I’m lonely. If I am alone and have no issue with it, then I am not lonely, simply alone. OK. That said, when I was younger, I was what they called a latch-key child. A child who had a key to the house.
I would arrive home before my parents, so I was alone. My thing at the time was reading. I could read for hours and hours. Of course, I liked to play outside, but reading was really my thing. So, I didn’t mind being alone and, to this day, don’t really mind it so much. So, maybe that has something to do with participating in a solitary endeavor, such as photography.
Although my father had a camera, a Polaroid, I was not allowed to use it, so that avenue of exploration was not available. I never had much interest in drawing, but have always been very visually stimulated.
When I got my hands on my very own camera, the rest, as they say, was history. I think that you raised some really good points. Points that I had not considered.
There are many reasons for the relative scarcity of black photographers and software developers (some of whom are friends of mine, btw). In my opinion these reasons are pretty much the same as for the scarcity of black Olympic swimmers, ballet dancers, astrophysicists, and mimes. The main reason is that in most parts of the country we’re less than 10% of the population, so there are fewer of us, period. Go to places where there are higher concentrations of black folks and you’ll find more black photographers.
Also keep in mind that although practically everyone has a camera these days (camera phones, etc.) photography as a hobby or profession is relatively expensive–and since black folks suffer proportionately more from poverty and unemployment than white folks, you’ll see fewer of us with higher-end equipment or shooting “just for fun.”
Good question, of which certainly I don’t have an answer. I think this can be expanded to a question about arts of any forms. Of all minorities living in my region I think most come from Africa and the Middle Eastern. Many come also from other European countries, but for some reason these are not regarded as minorities. There are also native minorities, living in the very North of my and neighbour countries. It has been mentioned already, that culture could be part of the reason why you don’t see many photographers among certain minorities. I believe so, anyway. If you come from a country with strong interests in culture and arts, your likely to bring this with you, even if you’re in minority at your new home on Earth. Segregation forces will however make it very difficult to mix this into existing, local culture. Likewise, people coming from a culture with less interest into arts and such will face the same challenges taking up the local culture. In the long run, I believe all will blend nicely, but I think we’ll have to wait a few hundreds of years. I’m pessimistic, by nature, not culture.
Paul…I think your own words answer the question best.
“Sometimes when I go into a new situation with the potential to meet new people, especially anything having to do with photography, I’m hopeful to see someone else who looks like me. It provides a comfort zone as well as some shared interests and an immediate connection.”
I think when people come to a new place, as immigrants in particular, this is what draws them to live in communities of people with the same backgrounds. My German Grandparents did just that, and I think it holds true for many today. It is a comfort zone issue most of all.
I live in a naturally polyglot community so I grew up not really noticing differences since it was just always there…second nature.
Now that I think about it there was a distinct difference in the photowalk group than what I see day to day. The only significant minority group of represented in our group were of various Asian descent. (I hate that word minority…not sure why but it just bugs me…seems divisive I suppose.) It is interesting. When I am out shooting for the sake of shooting though I see all races and nationalities represented but not so much in this group walk.
Interesting thoughts. I wish we could live without the compartmentalization we impose on ourselves by defining ourselves so narrowly by race, religion, politics, etc.
Dam, I was hoping you would have the answers here Paul. I wondered the same thing!
@Mark: Sorry! Only questions today.
Wow. It sounds as though the photo walk set you off on quite a journey. I am looking forward to following this story.
I think everyone is beating around the bush. Because if you’re an amateur there is no problem. You can pick whatever you can afford or like and you can click your day away, because it is a very satisfying hobby that doesn’t require to get too involved like fly fishing tennis, or golf. The possibility is unlimited especially if you’re a lonely person because you can invite yourself to many occasions. However, if you’re going to take it as a means to make a living you’ve to choose either to make it a full time career or a part time thing. The part time thing is not a problem because as a side income if you don’t make it you can go on with life and you can enjoy it as a hobby. The problem here is you didn’t say what kind of photographer you’re. If you’re a pro and if you had seen the potential and you’re wondering out loud why on earth, at least some black people don’t make a living using photography while they are doing many other things they might not enjoy you are right. Other that what you mean sounds like you are not seeing many black people going around taking pictures. That question remains to be answered, because a group of people who can master more sophisticated musical instruments or sports are not turned on by photography might mean that it had never been part of their culture.
That’s even difficult to assume because movies, TV, and show biz in general had been part of their culture. In sports wherever they are involved they must have photos of many black athletes to the point where they should have asked why not they venture out to take their own photos. I also have the same problem you’re having, but in my case I want to be a professional photographer and I don’t want to limit myself to the black community only, because it won’t be lucrative, but I might be wrong. To cut a long story short I’m struggling to get the right equipment together to at least reply for some of the ads whether I got the job or not, because like in anything else, everything that is a source of income is controlled by certain groups because they are somehow in a position. If they are member of the majority they are in a position to control the field because they get all the offers and it’s difficult to change that. There are preferences too depending where you’re living in spite of the fact the competition is among minorities such as Asians, Hispanics, and blacks who’re non-existent as you said it. As a black man myself I know it isn’t encouraging where everyone is not going to slap your back, but if you enjoy doing it, you’ve to do it even if it doesn’t pay, but if you don’t enjoy it for some reason such as culture, you shouldn’t bother with it. Those of us who enjoy it will feel we’re out in the cold alone. But I believe it should change and blacks wherever they are should enjoy photography, because the possibilities are unlimited and it’s a little bit expensive hobby that can have payoff too.