Why I Shoot People

There was a time when I thought that picking up a camera was the quickest path to becoming an artist. And so there I was, with a pink Casio point-and-shoot, ready to bestride the world with effortless artistry. Silly rabbit. Ten years down the hole, and I’m still nowhere close to creating what I’d call ‘art’. The only difference is, now I have a camera that has more functions than my TV remote.

In the early days, I was smitten with the idea of freezing time with a single click. It seemed so… easy. But as the clicks turned into thousands of shutter snaps, the naïveté faded, much like the memories of my initial photos that were more blur than beauty.

I feel no shame in saying there was a stage where every like was a standing ovation, every comment a review. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t give me a rush. Posting a photo and waiting for the likes to roll in was like waiting for rain in a drought. Or electricity after a GPL interlude. But then came the question, was I doing this for art or affirmation?

Now, a decade later, the reality is clear and, ironically, captured in high resolution: I am hooked. It’s not about chasing the elusive dragon of ‘art’ or the digital nods of approval anymore. It’s about the urge to capture the light just right, the colours vividly, the world in a frame – likes or no likes, art or fart.

The addiction is real. There’s no morning without wanting to capture that golden glow off a building. No walk on Regent Street without seeking a story in a single frame. It’s a compulsion, a need, a reflex. My camera has become an extension of my being, a companion in my daily sojourns into the mundane and the magnificent.

I may have embarked on this journey with a naïve ambition, fueled by the simplistic idea of creating art. But over time, the journey has become the destination. Each photograph, a reflection of my growth, each snapshot, a lesson in humility.

So, the learning quest continues. Point-and-shoot in pocket (ninja black), I step into the light, chasing shadows, textures, and the endless stories that lie in wait. There’s a subtle joy in this routine, satisfaction in the click of the shutter, a quiet dialogue between me and the myriad hues of life.

I’ll still take likes though.

Click click.


Kwesi is a communications specialist who spent over a dozen years as a practicing journalist.

Follow him on Facebook, and on Instagram.

Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, Vol 3

For the third weekend of our Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, there were six planned photowalks, each one had varied participation numbers and equally varied submissions.

This third and final volume contains images submitted by the participating photographers, from the following photowalks held on the weekend of July 4th – 6th, 2020: Bourda Market Walk led by Fidal Bassier, Avenue Walk led by Darrell Carpenay, Hope Koker Walk led by Tana Yussuff, Cummings Lodge / Industry Village Walk led by Michael C. Lam, Drive to Linden led by Dione Vanderhyden, and the Unity Walk led by Michael C. Lam.

We thank all the participating photographers, and we thank all our members and supporters who have made this ten years possible and who have made these Tenth Anniversary magazines possible.

This volume, and the previous two volumes as well, can be previewed and purchased on Blurb here.

You can also view the full volume on ISSUU here.

Also, here are the links to other publications that were produced in observance of the 10th Anniversary of the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group:


PHOTOWALKS: Through the years – through the Lens 2010-2020, Volume 3

Continuing our celebrations for our tenth anniversary, we are happy to bring the third and final volume in the virtual books PHOTOWALKS: Through the years – through the lens, 2010-2020.

This volume takes up where Volume 2 left of and contains curated images from photowalks held between April 2014 and May 2019.

Click on the magazine cover above to see the full Magazine on ISSUU.

Some other publications done for the 10th Anniversary:

Again, we thank all our members, without whom the group would not be what it has become.  We hope you enjoy the three volumes, please share with friends, and we hope you join us in making memorable the next ten years.


Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, Vol 2

In order not to saturate you by providing all six volumes of the books published in observance of the 10th Anniversary of the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group, we staggered the releases. This second volume focuses on the tenth anniversary photowalks conducted on June 20 and 21, 2020.

On June 20, 2020, three walks were conducted: Mon Repos Market Walk led by Michael C. Lam, Seaside Walk led by Darrell Carpenay, and the Clock Tower Walk led by Brian Gomes. The following day, Tana Yussuff led the Canal #1 Walk. We hope you enjoy the beautiful images of Guyana featured in Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, Volume 2.

This volume can be previewed and purchased on Blurb, here.

You can also view the full volume on ISSUU, here.

Link to other publications that were produced in observance of the 10th Anniversary of the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group:

PHOTOWALKS: Through the years – through the Lens 2010-2020, Volume 2

Continuing our celebrations for our tenth anniversary, we are happy to bring the second volume in the virtual books PHOTOWALKS: Through the years – through the lens, 2010-2020.

GP PhotoWalks 2010-2020 Volume 2.cdr

This volume takes up where Volume 1 left of and contains curated images from photowalks held between August 2012 and January 2014.

Some other publications for the 10th Anniversary: PHOTOWALKS: Through the years – through the Lens 2010-2020, Volume 1 and Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, Vol 1.

Again, we thank all our members, without whom the group would not be what it has become.  Look out for the final volume scheduled to be published  next Saturday.


Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, Vol 1

A key activity for the tenth anniversary of the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group was the organization and execution of three sets of photowalks, on three different weekends, leading up to July 25, 2020. These walks were spearheaded by Michael C. Lam, who was assisted by Darrell Carpenay, Brian Gomes, Tana Yussuff, Fidal Bassier, and Dionne Vanderhyden.

Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, Volume 1 features the images from the first weekend. On June 6 and 7, 2020, there were four photowalks: (1) Hear of GT Walk with Darrell Carpenay, (2) Lusignan – Annandale Seawall Walk with Michael C. Lam, (3) Vreed-en-Hoop Walk with Tana Yussuff, and (4) Cuffy Monument Walk with Brian Gomes.

It must be noted that all the participants on these walks adhered strictly to national and international guidelines and safety measures regarding COVID-19.

Our sincerest thank you to all the photographers who participated and for the support of our community.

Link to other publications that were produced in observance of the 10th Anniversary of the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group:

Click on the cover image above to be taken to the Blurb site where you may purchase the first volume, or click here to view it on ISSUU.


PHOTOWALKS: Through the years – through the Lens 2010-2020, Volume 1

July 25th, 2020

Happy Tenth Anniversary to the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group.  As part of our anniversary celebrations, we took a look back at our past photowalks; we present today the first volume of our PHOTOWALKS: Through the years – through the Lens, 2010-2020.

Volume 1 - B.cdr

We say thanks to all our members, and hope that this three volume set will remind them of what has been accomplished and inspire them to do even more.  Enjoy volume 1, and look out for the next two Volumes, to be Published on subsequent Saturdays 😉


GP turns 10 years old!!!

Today, July 25, 2020, marks ten years since the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group (fondly referred to as “GP”) was created by Fidal Bassier, with the support of Michael C. Lam, Kojo McPherson, and Nikhil Ramkarran. The creation of a space for us to interact marked a rejuvenation of organised photography in Guyana – the last known group of this kind was the British Guiana Photographic Society which existed in pre-Guyana (before we became an independent nation). Over the last decade, our group has grown from a humble beginning of a few curious photographers who shows up for a model shoot on the Kitty Seawall – by the Bandstand, to comprising over 4,000 members. We are truly fortunate to meet this milestone – something that would not have been possible without the humongous support we have received in Guyana and from the Guyanese diaspora.

As we celebrate this momentous event, it is only right for me to highlight some of what we have accomplished over the years. GP can be likened to a catalyst, a strong foundation for many photography related activities in Guyana over the last 10 years. We have organised 50 photowalks (13 in observance of the 10th Anniversary) around Guyana; participated in exhibitions and competitions – both local and international; engaged in 41 theme-based challenges and six (6) instalments of “Project 52”; and, have increased networking among stakeholders for the growth of photography as an art in Guyana. In addition, two of our members – Michael C. Lam and Karran Sahadeo, have spearheaded two instalments of “VISIONS” – a local, curated exhibition where photographers showcase their work. Today, individuals from a variety of organisations – at the national, regional, and international levels, consider GP as a key resource for all things photography in Guyana. However, apart from these accolades, the most important aspect can be seen in the interactions among the members. The positivity and the comradery are ever present.

What have we done to mark this occasion? The COVID-19 situation definitely put a damper on things but we still managed to get a few activities in. In summary: we had 13 photowalks (in keeping with COVID-19 protocols); compiled, curated, and published two books (with a total of 6 volumes) – one featuring photowalks’ images from 2010 to 2020 and the other specifically focused on the 10th Anniversary walks; and, today we are creating an album for photographers to upload one image each taken on July 25, 2020 to mark the occasion. (Keep watching this space for updates regarding the virtual books!!!)

With such a vibrant history, where do we go from here? What does the next decade hold for us? Here is a secret: we are starting the process of having GP formally registered under the name VISIONS. With this in mind, please enjoy a few group shots from our past photowalks.

Out of sight…

PhotoTalk 2020/21

A few of us were out on a documentary project, and I noticed Darrell eyeing up a particular shot, I suspected but wasn’t sure what he was looking for. On asking a bit later, his description pretty much met a photo I knew well, and one that I thought most people knew, well, most local people. He didn’t know the one I was referring to; which brings me to today’s PhotoTalk image.

Before turning his attention to Video, John Greene was well known in photography circles, and in society at large who needed photography services.

2020-21.cdr

This image of his has remained with me for several reasons:

It had the typical John Greene processing in terms of colour and tonality

It captured a scene that was well-known but not often photographed (or publicised through photography)

The composition made it uncomfortable and memorable – and for this I would like to elaborate in comments)

I saw it in more than one local calendar and in printed news media

Paintings like the DaVinci’s Mona Lisa, Van Goth’s Starry Night, Photos like McCurry’s Afghan Girl remain with us because they keep popping up, they are talked about, they remain in reproduction in some form (these days, print and online), they are discussed and they are written about.

For local photographers’ work to achieve this level of recognition, should certain images be identified and promoted? Do any local works stand out? Let’s Talk!!

#PhotoTalk


Original comments and discussion can be seen on the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook post.


Through the eyes of a Foreigner

PhotoTalk 2020/16

  I came across Jean Ross’ images of Guyana recently, and the selection she had on her website had me thinking about a few things.

2020-16.cdr

  When I first began an interest in Photography, it was usually the case that when photographers came to our country, the images that they got were of a different calibre to those taken by locals; due to different factors, including training, access to better cameras, and also they saw things differently.

  That has changed a lot since then, and I think that with the talent available locally, that gap has narrowed and may even be non-existent to some extent.

  In looking at Jean’s selections, I do see that seeing Guyana from the perspective of an outsider has had a distinct influence on the images, but I dare say that images such as these have been produced in recent years by locals.  I had found the Guyana images on her website.

  What are your thoughts?  Whose work so you think may resemble some of Jean’s own?  Can we as photographers compete on par on the world stage?

Let’s Talk!


Original post can be seen on the original post Guyana Photographs’ Facebook Group and along with comments and discussion.