Photo of the Week (24/52): Carry Me on Your Shoulders
This was for Daddy day. She’s on top of the world, the crowds ain’t got nothin’ on her.
Taken during the Labor Day parade in Brooklyn, NY, September 2010.
Photo of the Week (23/52) – (WordPress Photo Challenge: Morning)
Just in case you have to wake up extra early on the weekend, there’s consolation that you’ll get to see beautiful vistas that only the early birds share.
Enjoy
L
Dawn on the lake at Camp Kekoka, Kilmarnock, VA
Photo of the Week (21/52)
This week, lets begin to focus on DC Carnival since it’s really going to happen. The photo below is one of several of mine on exhibit at the New Horizons Gallery at Children’s National Medical Center. Exhibit ends June 17. Stop by and have a look, it’s free to look. Contact gallery staff listed in the atrium about purchasing any piece you see on exhibit.
Now, wouldn’t it be nice to have an exhibit, like for example, a decent photo exhibit, showcasing what Caribbean carnival is all about, particularly showcasing DC Caribbean Carnival. After all, by the time it gets down to Banneker field it’s crowd, mud and random strings and plumes. No wonder even Caribbean-American babies think carnival is all about floats, flags representing your country and dancing in the street. Wonder where we could find that type of material to put on an exhibit, hmm….
I’m just sayin’! 
Peace
L
Photo of the Week 16/52
Happy Easter folks. I don’t know if it’s a coincidence that The Feast of the Resurrection coincides with the pagan feast of spring (and an orisha feast too, I believe). But there are spring lambs all around, new shoots from gardens, bright green leaves on the trees. Spring is definitely here. Babies give us another chance for the optimism of spring. Bright-eyed and vulnerable they make us want to do better, care more, work harder. We get a new chance for rebirth and to try again to make the world a better place.
Enjoy your day!
L
Photo of the Week (15/52)
For this (last) week’s Photo of the Week you’re getting a “twofer”. The first is the actual shot that made me smile, and the second is context. These were taken at Malcolm X Park last week during the weekly drum circle. Drum circle is open to anyone, just bring your drum or percussion instrument from 3:00 PM until sundown (or the babylon shuts it down). This woman was standing, then dancing a little, then she had her shirt above her waist, then de beat must have been so sweet that she and this man had to take a lil wine. Don’t know whether they knew each other or not, that’s the great part about the space.
PS: I’m in the midst of lots of things, including, preparing to exhibit at New Horizons Gallery at Children’s National Medical Center (starts April 25). So I humbly apologize for not posting this on Friday – my brains on multi-tasking overdrive.
Enjoy
L
Photo of the Week (14/52)
It’s so grey outside today. Here’s something to brighten your day. Laugh, do something you enjoy.
L
Photo of the Week 6/52
Pan Practice at CAFÉ
This week’s photo of the week was difficult to decide from the choices I gave myself. In the midst of all this carnival activity, I want to share something related that speaks to how Caribbean people around the world hold on to their culture and pass it on to their children. Even if you don’t care about that. These kids are just cute 
Enjoy
L
Little girls from the junior pan class practicing “Move It!”, CAFE, Hyattsville, Maryland
Did some work for the Cultural Academy for Excellence last week – one could say “A Day in the Life of CAFE”. The Cultural Academy for Excellence is a music and academic program focused on the steelpan based in Hyattsville, Maryland, USA. CAFE includes a youth orchestra, Positive Vibrations Steel Orchestra, a beginner’s band, and now, I understand, a newly minted adult pan class. On Saturdays they have academics during the morning, the older students are preparing for the Maryland Mock Trial competition, and art and chess classes. You can find more information on CAFE at www.cafeyouth.org
Goodbye Winter, Hello “Canaval”
Tonight dear friends I bid farewell to winter. The ground hog has not reared his face and tonight we’re expecting an ice storm lasting into tomorrow morning. But tomorrow brings the dawn of February 1 and although Trinidad Carnival 2011 is in March this year – a rarity – the season has begun. So as long as there is pan playing, costumes making, people feting and sun in my heart, we will celebrate, commemorate and venerate our ancestors – most especially EGR (my personal Mas Man ancestor) and the Africans enslaved and kidnapped to Trinidad and all the other islands of the Caribbean, Latin America, and the rest of the “New World” who created this new, old innovative and crafty rebellion/celebration. For the next 36 days I hope to share images of carnival with you. During this journey I welcome your comments and your contributions. Feel free to share your own personal carnival story. I hope you are enlightened and entertained. If you wish for a more intellectual, or at least literary twist on the discourse, you can check out Zee Speaks. Until the end of the reign of the Merry Monarch folks, carnival is my religion.
Enjoy
L
Searching for Blue Skies
I went to – some would say – ridiculous lengths to capture this. We’ve had snow for the past two days (yes, I know, folks from New York, Boston, the northern and prairie states would laugh at us wimps, but we just don’t have the infrastructure for it okay)! Right now light snow is coming down outside my window, as it has been for the past two hours. On Wednesday, when I’d hoped to post, we had an odd, wet snow storm with lightening and thunder, and drifts that caused commuters to abandon cars or made 20 minute drives into 6-hour drives. I have colleagues who left the office at 5:00 pm and got home at 11:00 pm. So yesterday, when I spotted a glimmer of blue, I trecked all the way out to where I could get a good enough sighting of it to share with you folks. No matter how cold, or slushy or ridiculous it is, after more than a week of grey skies, I’d like you to feast your eyes folks, on that spot of blue. Even the snow man is pleased.
Enjoy
L
Hit the Beach
I’ve been using all of my mental powers to make it through the cold weather. This image has come to mind frequently. I shot it casually on a sunny (what else is there) day on Station Beach, La-Brea. It was quiet, there were few people there, some “fishermen” (and woman), a few children playing, and a poet I know . I ran away to the beach with my camera as I was getting ready for a trip to Point Fortin. The beach sometimes breaks my heart because some of the vistas have been crowded out by industrialization. But there is still peace and quiet. As I hurried away to get back to my scheduled tip, I stopped to see this young man playing football with another little boy. I think it was the colour of his shorts contrasting with the colour of his skin that caught my eye. I really love red. And, what couldn’t be more liberating than a game of “small goal” or just kicking ball on the beach. For those of you in the warmth, or those of you with good imaginations
Enjoy
L
A New Year, New Beginnings – January 1, 2011 (Photo of the Week 1/52)
Hello my dear viewers!
I say viewers because this is a photo blog, though I do write a bit. I hope the new year finds you in uplifted spirits, open to the blessings that the universe will send your way be they material or ethereal. So I owe you some posts. I started the new year in warmth and I’m going to share a peaceful familiar scene with you. I returned to the Pitch Lake in La-Brea, Trinidad to catch a sunset, a flower or something as satisfactory as I had shot before. Three years ago my camera fell. Luckily the main damage was minimal, a clasp and the filter broke. I ventured to the Pitch Lake to introduce someone new, and do what children in La-Brea do to this day – take a splash in the water (never mind those huge signs I noticed for the first time this year warning not to trespass or bathe ).
Sadly, the Mama D’Leau and the orishas of nature were in an onery mood and didn’t give me anything near what I wished for. The sun was gone, the lilies were asleep (how dare they!) and it just wasn’t what I’d captured before. But here you have it nonetheless folks. My lake, home. It never fails. It’s hard to stand in a lily pond at the edge of twilight with the faint sound of cars heading to Point Fortin in the distance, children laughing and splashing in the center of the lake, birds chirping in your midst and this other “quiet”, and not think you’ve found your own little piece of heaven.
Enjoy
L
PS: I’ve included some of my previous photos of the lake so you can see what I mean).
The Pitch Lake, January 1, 2011
And a look back in 2007
And in 2002
The Market and Beyond
I went hunting for “authentic” market scenes at the San Fernando market yesterday. My best friend and I (we use that childhood term with enthusiasm) confessed to hating (I, as a child) and loving (she, currently) going to the market. Sadly there wasn’t much to behold, this being an ordinary, during the week, after Christmas market. But since we bought some lovely sorrel, and the lady obliged us for a photo (being that we “came from away and buying sorrel tuh take back tuh dey famalee”), I offer you these.
So, until the feast of Epiphany, or Imani, wherever you are, in the cold or warm suns, with family or without, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, Happy New Year, and peace.
Enjoy
L
Ray of Sunshine Outside My Window
Although it’s still fairly warm outside, fall is quickly disappearing. So if you’re looking to avoid commerce and get some quite time this long weekend, check out the foliage while it lasts.
Enjoy
L
Photographing to Restore Sanity… or Fear… or Jouvert!
I inadvertently made a decision to forgo my alma mater’s homecoming today in order to check out some of the Jon Stewart-Stephen Colbert rally on the mall. I wore my Howard gear with the hopes of heading up there after (I know, what was I thinking). An unexpected auto snafu, along with a huge turn out meant that I had to choose one.
It was delightful to see this random, chaotically organized non-angry non-mob, walking towards Chinatown, dancing in a float, protesting with bull horns on the sidelines or just being there. Several signs were based on sound bites from Stewart or Colbert; however, a majority were inspired by attendees own interpretations of our current socio-political landscape, media coverage and our politicians.
As I left this evening I was thinking, “This is exactly like Jouvert – socio-political commentary and people in costumes!” Since the post-emancipation period, or even before, Africans and other oppressed persons in the Caribbean have used this method to protest or highlight injustice or idiocy of people in power. In Trinidad & Tobago, it’s known as Jouvert from the creole for jour ouvert – the opening of day or dawn – because it was only permitted to happen from the wee hours of the morning on the first day of carnival. So my friends, people with mostly individually conceived, homemade costumes and signs making satirical statements about political and social issues have been having their own rallies to restore sanity and fear for more than a century before what happened today. (The Trini ones just happen to include DJs on 18-wheelers, steelbands and lots of liquor/revelry on the streets during an ongoing festival ). But just as with Jouvert, it was hilarious, it was great!
Here are a few of my favorites, for more photos go to the Studio Lafoncette Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-Lafoncette-Photography/45398357245 or the Studio Lafoncette Photography website http://www.studiolafoncette.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=43.
Enjoy
L
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I Follow the Sun
At my Eastern Market booth a couple weeks ago, as I answered the frequent question, “Where we these photos taken?” I found myself listing places, and adding, “wherever it’s hot.” My fellow sun worshippers might appreciate that as summer ends and autum eases in, we begin to dread the coming winter. In the first few weeks of fall, I didn’t think much about the leaves, hay rides, apple orchards or halloween, I thought about loosing the warmth of the sun. Autumn brought my fears of suffering the cold dark winter.
The reality is that there is sunshine year round in these parts. You might just have to work a little harder to feel it and appreciate.
So here are a few bits of autumnal sunshine (plant and human) for you to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of nature or just like to see a big kid smile, I think you’ll like these.
Enjoy
L
Photo of the Week – September 27, 2010
My faith is full, and vast, and wide. Bigger than time itself, bigger than Africa.
I attended my friend’s feast this Sunday – a dance for the ancestors. This photo is of her spiritual leader, Nana Okomfohema Akua Amoabaa Botwe I - Chief Priestess and head of the Shrine House for the Akan Spiritual United Order. She is giving praise to the ancestors, and honoring the drummers in this particular shot. She was dancing (I always like to see that lady dance, in fact, I like to see them “worship” if that’s what you would call it. The theme was “Party and Pray” and when I arrived the drum session was live and vibrant and rich, and people were in the circle dancing. As far as worship is concerned, it’s so different to what I’ve always known. And I like that. I like that there are people who’s spirituality is different, that we can experience a different type of spirituality to what is generally considered mainstream. I like it because, as a person of African ancestory, it’s familiar – in a way that you’ve never known things in this life sometimes seem familiar. ”Party and Pray” my friend’s annual dance for the ancestors, is more vibrant and festive than some of the ones we know (too) well.
Rich.
Vast.
Full.
Lovely.
Enjoy
L
Photo Info
Dimensions: 3348 x 2418
Original size: 1.72 MB
Image Type: jpeg
Colour Space: sRGB
Date taken: September 26, 2010
Shooting Conditions
Camera make: Nikon
Camera model: D200
Focal Length: 48mm
Max Lens Apperture: f/2.8
Exposure: 1/80 at f2.8
Flash: Optional, TTL-BL
Exposure Bias: 0 step
Exposure Mode: Manual
Exposure program: Manual
ISO speed: ISO 400
Metering mode: pattern
Photo of the Week – September 21, 2010
I attended a pow wow last year – Piscataway Indians in southern Maryland. Today I’d like to share two photos from that event. There is something about native American ceremonies that draws me in. They seem spiritual and grand, yet so simple. A lot of the participants you wouldn’t know by looking at them in their everyday clothing, that they are Native American. Many of them are mixed, appear to be largely of African or European descent, but claim their first nation identity and hold on to the practices of the elders who taught them. I find the pow wows interesting and I see in them, some of the elements of African spirituality and cultural community buliding that lead me to think that if we take interest in, and respect ourselves and each other, we could find more peaceful solutions for world problems.
I am looking foward to capturing more not-so-mainstream aspects of life in the DC Metro Area in the near future, such as an Indian or Ethopian or West African wedding. All of this is in my effort to ”discover a culture beyond your imagination.”
Enjoy
L
Photo of the Week – Grenada Spice
It’s hard not to love jouvert. Afterall, what’s not to love about getting up after midnight, doning old clothes you don’t mind ruining, and heading out to a pre-dawn ritual that dates back to at least the late 1800s. Trinidadians, Grenadians, Bajans, Jamaicans, Lucians, Haitians, this year I even saw a Garifuna band. Although I love going home to Trinidad for Carnival, it seems to me that the NY Jouvert had maintained an essence of old times that is lost in Trinidad. For one thing, the bands are overwhelmingly accompanied by steelbands or rhythm sections. In fact, there wasn’t a single band I saw with a DJ (except the Gren mob with their little cart and speaker boxes).
And that feeling at the end of a good sweet jouvert, where you’ve bounced up so many old friends, laughed at the satire and political commentary, and thrown your cares to the world – there’s very little that beats that feeling, no matter how tired you are at that point. About 3 hours after the sun rose and we were getting ready to head back to the house I decided to keep shooting. This woman passed by wearing the “flyest” (IMHO) Grenada pride get up I have ever seen. It was amazing, just look at her. And to top off this visual feast, as I kept hitting the shutter button she kept getting closer – until I stopped her before the camera did. It was lovely! So here you are folks, courtesy a proud, creative Gren on Nostrand Avenue at the end of Jouvert in Brooklyn, NY for Labor Day 2010, is my photo of the week (above, the two below are just gravy – FYI ).
Enjoy!
L
It’s Labor Day Carnival Again!
Well folks, the pilgrimage to Brooklyn is on again. We got down to Eastern Parkway and Franklin Ave. this morning just in time to catch the kiddies crossing towards the Museum. Nothing like a bunch of giddy, dressed up children, shaking, wining, jumping their little ancestors spirits out to get you excited about carnival.
Surprisingly the streets were clear by 1:20 pm. However, WIADCA seems to be having a bit of a “in de Savannah by de track” problem as despite all of the bands making it into the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum by 1:30, the last one didn’t cross the stage until after 4:00 pm.
I do not yet know the details on this young lady, but I’ll get back to you. Whomever she is, she brought tears to my eyes and made her people proud. Miss lady was dancing the hell out of that costume. Yes folks, she knows what’s she’s doing. Looked like about 14 years old.
Saw a few friends, people come up from DC to put their children in mas up here (you hear that!) and I’m sure they had a good time. Keep posted for more updates.
Enjoy!
L
Sacred Water
I was having a conversation with a dear friend yesterday about this photo. I’ve titled it Sacred Water, which is related to symbols in the image, but ironic, I suppose, considering it’s location.
I shot this behind the San Fernando General Hospital. It is on the shore leading up to the San Fernando wharf. Hindus and those who practice Ifa (commonly called Shango Baptists in Trinidad & Tobago) plant flags as a part of the devotion ritual. Dotted around T&T are many homes with flags tied on bamboo posts. I’ve witnessed the practice before when I was younger, and I believe, if my memory serves me correctly, offerings are planted below the posts and then the flags are placed in the earth. These however, are in the water, or near enough to it. Dotted along Otaheite Bay, where a substantial Hindu community lives, and in the area where fishing boats are moored, people go to be baptised, and sometimes people go sea bathing, you can also see some flags planted in the sea.
DC Caribbean Carnival 2010 is Here!
Greetings all,
In honour of DC Caribbean Carnival, I’m sharing a few Photos of the Week with you (plus I owe you a few). Stay safe, hydrated and cool on the roads tomorrow and have fun! More photos to follow from this year’s DC carnival. View the website www.studiolafoncette.com for more photos.
L
Photo of the Week – May 1, 2010 Connected to the Divine
Connected to the divine
One of my favourite photos. This was taken in 2007 with my Nikon N65 (film camera). He seems like he’s in heaven doesn’t he – or at least that far away spiritual place between your talent, your love for it, and pure joy. Connected… indeed.
L
Photo of the Week – April 11, 2010 – Cuna lady
So this is the photo I “owe.” I was summarily upbraided (in the Cuna language to boot) by this woman for attempting to take her photo without asking. I admit felt guilty even doing it, but I thought she might refuse, and I just couldn’t resist. She was much friendlier and more ammenable to the portrait after I purchased a few precious molas. My subject is a Cuna woman, vending in Panama City, Panama. This was taken in February 2010.
The Cuna are an indigenous people of Panama, primarily from the San Blas islands. Like so many other indigenous peoples in the world, their population has diminished and many of them come into the cities, leaving elements of their traditional lifestyle, to live and work among non-indigenous city dwellers and survive. Many Cuna women vend in the tourist areas of Panama. They are well-known for their beautiful hand crafted molas – hand-stitched squares usually with intricate designs mapped out on two or more layers of fabric. I couldn’t help myself, I just couldn’t get enough of the molas. And my two guides, Francisco “Cholo” and Hannibal - both gracious gentlmen - were quite amused at my fascination with them.
Cuna women are typically seen wearing traditional wear which consists of beaded chains on the calves and lower arms, face piercings and skirts and tops comprised of molas. I suspect the “western” type blouses worn underneath the molas came in more recent decades. The men typically wear westernized street clothing and it seems they work in the general labour force, whereas the women I saw were all vending their wares. Here’s a link I’ve found with some historical information. I cannot attest to the validity of it, it’s simply something I came upon. I’m curious to know more about them. http://countrystudies.us/panama/29.htm
