We had such a great time with our students in our People & Culture of Belize photo workshop, it’s hard not to continue with Same Place — Different View. Those of you who follow know what this is about. Those who are new to us, check back articles, but the title says it all.
We headed down to a coastal Garifuna town. The Garinagu (generally, Garifuna is the adjective, Garinagu, the people) originally were Carib Indians who, after their defeat by the English in the 1790s, were sent to encampments on Baliceaux in what is now known as the St. Vincent Grenadines. The 50% who did not die in this concentration camp were deported to Roatán, Honduras. Later, in the early 1800s, they escaped and made their way into various parts of Central America, including Belize.
We had a couple of Garifuna guides to share their culture, traditional ways and beliefs. Our hosts were charming and interesting, and we were enchanted with the village and can’t wait to return next year. We’ll definitely spend more time there.
There is something about traditional wood buildings that is compelling. It may be the textures and faded colors that attracts both Arnie and me. This was our first stop in our tour of the village.
One of us took the wider view, showing the surroundings. Arnie, of course, giving the building a setting.
For some reason, I have always been drawn to doors and windows. Perhaps it is my love of architecture and history. Here, I homed in on the textures of the boarded window.
As we walked the dirt roads of the village, we were greeted and welcomed. Some of the children were shy, as this little girl sitting on a convenient stack of tires, probably put there for just this purpose. With her plastic cell phone in her mouth as a security blanket, she was just like any other small child anywhere. Some things are just universal these days.
See how different angles can produce different effects. There is no right or wrong here.
Both Arnie and I were attracted to this historic house that was built in the 30s. It is old by Belize standards where wooden structures like these don’t withstand many hurricanes or earthquakes before collapsing. The villagers are very proud of this building, and it is slated for restoration.
We had been given a tour of the local museum, a tiny little building that could barely contain our group. It was hot and stuffy, and Arnie and I quietly slipped out for a breath of fresh air. The sky was magnificent — dark and ominous. Again, we found different angles and different viewpoints.
Having learned about the Garinagu, we were delighted to meet the host at the museum outside after our tour. He was a charming man whom we both photographed, each capturing totally different looks in our portraits. Perhaps part of it stems from the difference between a man and a woman behind the camera. We each bring out different personalities in our subjects.
We’ll share a few final examples of our Belize adventures in our next Same Place — Different View blog before we head off for Savannah & Her Lowcountry.
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The way different peoples’ eyes are drawn to a subject is likley the first step to interpretation. Two very talented people see the same things a bit differently. This is really a part of the creative process……and a crucial part. And, as you know, it is often difficult to explain exactly why you shot something one way. It just “feels” right.
I really liked all of the images in this set and they each said something a little different.
Cheers.
Dick
Thank you, Dick. You obviously understand the creative process, how is is based on one’s experiences, personal style and sense of composition, and instinct. It is fun photographing with Arnie, because we challenge each other. One isn’t better than the other, but we challenge other to see in different ways. Our approaches are often different, yet sometimes we flip-flop. I am hoping with these Same Place — Different View series to show people there is not one way of looking at something.
Take care,
TBC
Thanks for sharing your great adventures and background stories and viewpoints relating to the photos. Same Place, Different View offers a vision into the interesting mind of the photographers eye. The blog shares the insight to the photographers eye through story telling as if you were actually there setting up the scene yourself. The adventure blog is one of those very rare finds for people interested in history and photography.
Thank you, C. for writing. Often in our photo workshops, people will ask me to take them through my thought process as I approach a scene. I do it very instinctively, but it is fun to break it down in slow-mo!
Take care,
TBC