copyright Advocate Photography

Recently I shot photographs of 2 very special people in my life!!! They are expecting an addition to the family (I’m super EXCITED) and asked me to capture a part of that journey.

My favourite pictures to take are silhouettes – my inspiration also came by the photograph I featured in my Post Straw Hats in the City by K. John LaSoul. There is something about a subtle touch and a tender gaze that gets me every time

Love to Love,

AdvocatePhotography

Last week I attended the Colour Me Documentary viewing (for the website, click here) at the Tiff Bell Lightbox Theatre (350 King Street West). After viewing the film and hearing the cast and the creator (Sherien) speak on the issue of “Black” and what that means,  it reminded me of one of many discussions I have had with some of my girl friends over the years. It was refreshing (in a weird way) to know that I was not the only one who thought this way. By “this way”, I mean not knowing what culture to identify with, the black or the white. Where do I fit in? This might sound strange since I am not mixed biologically, however being an African women who grew up in London Ontario, I relate to a lot of the thoughts and experiences Anthony Mclean (the main character who is half black and half white) explained in the film, while he was growing up in a rural location (the mixing of cultures/races).

It was such an inspiring film, and also helped me decide to delve deeper into the issue of the images of black women, not just in North America, but all over the world. Mainly because it really upset me that Little X (video director) said he would not have any problem if he had a daughter who decided she wanted to be a video girl when she grew up. I don’t agree with that. Also, I am disappointed by the Nicki Minaj worship that has been demonstrated in the younger generation, as mentioned in the Colour Me film.

I hope to explore what black women think of themselves personally (myself included), as well as the image of a black women, how it was formed, and also how we can encourage young black women not to associate their identity with negative images and stereotypes, rather, seek out who they are created to be.

The journey continues…

AdvocatePhotography

Photo Source: http://blackfashion.tumblr.com/

If you haven’t already, please check out my tumblr account at http://advocatephotography.tumblr.com/ it only has one photography so far (the one below), but bear with me!!! Also, if you have a tumblr account, please follow me and I will follow you back.

Below is a self-portrait I took a couple of weeks ago, If you have not already seen this (I have posted it on almost all my accounts) please enjoy!!! It’s a celebration of my dreadlock journey over 2 years and counting!

I searched on Wikipedia and found the following information:

“In a dance culture there is often no distinction between ‘dance’ spaces and ‘non-dances spaces’. Dance and rhythmic movement are as much a part of everyday life as language. In many cases dance has played a more central role than literacy (especially during slavery), particularly in the communication of history, tradition and culture between generations, much as has oral culture.

Competition has long played an important role in social dance in African and African American social dance, from the ‘battles’ of hip hop and lindy hop to the cakewalk. Performances have also been integrated into everyday dance life, from the relationship between performance and social dancing in tap dancing to the ‘shows’ held at Harlem ball rooms in the 1930s..”

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American_vernacular_dance

Watch the short video below for more information – makes me wanna dance! Enjoy

Simpson’s’ photographs contain layers of messages, the aesthetically beautiful images draw you in, and the text gives you part of a story and a lingering thought.

Waterbearer, 1986 , Gelatin silver print, vinyl lettering.
Photograph 45 x 77 (framed), 55 x 77 inches overall.

Photograph Source:http://lsimpsonstudio.com/photographicworks02.html

Please go and check out more of Lorna Simpsons photography at http://lsimpsonstudio.com/index.html

If you would like to be a part of this project, please send a picture of your feet to advocatephotography@gmail.com. You can find the original post here, and the January post here.

Photographer Unknown (If you know who the Photographer is of this photograph please let me know)

Photo Source: http://fashionbombdaily.com/ (Oyster Magazine – Photo by Dominic Hayden)

Click Photograph for full Series