This intimate photography book of 170 color global portraits celebrates the diversity and connectivity of our beautiful and unique human tapestry.
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (September 2017)
ISBN-10: 0764353969
Hardcover: 180 pages
Book Dimension: 8x8 inches
Human Tribe
Introduction
The emotive beauty and grace of the human face, in all its diversity, will never cease to inspire me but it’s the enduring spirit of our...
more »This intimate photography book of 170 color global portraits celebrates the diversity and connectivity of our beautiful and unique human tapestry.
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (September 2017)
ISBN-10: 0764353969
Hardcover: 180 pages
Book Dimension: 8x8 inches
Human Tribe
Introduction
The emotive beauty and grace of the human face, in all its diversity, will never cease to inspire me but it’s the enduring spirit of our collective tribe of humanity that will always certainly amaze me. One of the many things I have learned during my years of global travel as a documentary photographer is that no matter how unique we may look in appearance, from the exotic to the mundane, we basically have the same universal desires and concerns. Our needs are actually quite simple: to love and be loved; to have a useful place in our society with some meaningful and fulfilling occupation in our life; work that will hopefully provide us with enough money in our pocket to get by; food on the table; education, health and safety for ourselves, our family and our children. The freedom to be oneself is a right that creates the exquisiteness of our human race.
These portraits are an unguarded moment in the lives of a few of the people I have photographed from our remarkable human tapestry. Some are celebrating significant events, while others are living out ordinary days. Others are merely struggling to survive. Many are from countries whose lives are in flux or change due to war, natural disaster or the inevitable rapid progression of modernity. I feel drawn to those who live close to the land, documenting communities that may not last even another generation. Most are surprised that I actually wanted to stop and photograph someone who is considered in their culture to be such an ordinary looking person.
From tribes in Africa, to nomads in Asia, survivors of post conflict and disaster, families and individuals around the world have graciously opened up their homes and hearts to me. Surprisingly, I have discovered that it is often the ones who have the least who share the most. I find compassion in what can seem to be a world of chaos. The planet, at times, can seem so vast, with the numbers almost too large for us to comprehend. But when you capture the look in someone’s eyes, an intimate stare, a knowing glance, his or her situation becomes a shared experience, a more personal connection. Their eyes seem to radiate a dignity, a claim for a right to be seen, no matter what their circumstances. These eyes are what initially draws us in and connects us together.
This book is a celebration of the universal human spirit within us all. It is what bonds us as humankind, a continued thread, as together we continue this journey on the pilgrimage of life.
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