Saturday, August 3, 2013

I Used to be Good


I was looking for some garden photos so went back through my collection and when I saw this portrait, I realized that I wanted to post it, even though it was taken about 6 years ago.  Hey, I used to be a good photographer!  I realize I like the idea of having more portraits in the blog.  Anyhow, the story is, that the paper decided to do a series of interviews with civil rights activists in the 60's and 70's.  This distinguished gentleman was the first black principal of a school on Long Island.  And one stunning story that he told was that he was accosted by one of his teachers in a department store, who was also black, and she said "Why don't you go back where you came from!  We don't need you here!"  Wow.  I remember be stunned when he told that story.  What an amazing face he has - the signs of years of living.  I tried to light his portrait to accentuate his character.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a sensitive portrait of the Principal. I wish space had permitted more of the man's story to be told.

Sam

Jackie said...

This is incredible. What a portrait! Wow.

You are an excellent photographer. I would love to see more of your work like this-I am sure there is so much more to share.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photo and lighting. I agree with Sam.
Joan

Ken Spencer said...

Thank you all for the nice comments. I do miss doing formal portraiture, when I can make use of my lighting skills. Thanks!