Building a golden-age photography tradition - Guyana Chronicle

Building a golden-age photography tradition

By Francis Quamina Farrier

ONE does not have to be a youngster to commence a tradition. I say that because when at age 80, and already a veteran journalist contributing weekly feature articles to the Chronicle Pepperpot Magazine, I submitted 12 of my favourite photographs in January 2019 and again in January 2020. The trend continues in January 2021. So here are the 12 photographs which I took in 2020 and which I admire the most:

This is a candid photograph of Mayor Ubraj Narine of the Garden city of Georgetown, in discussion with two citizens. The citizens were accommodated by Mayor Narine without an appointment. The First Citizen listened attentively to their concerns and requests for assistance. What I detected in this photograph is a reflection of service being given by someone in authority to others in need of assistance (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

Having been a fan of the international entertainer Engelbert Humperdinck for over 50 years, and attending a live concert of his on February 13, it was a given that I would take a photograph of the now 84-year-old on stage. Technically, it may not be the best photograph I’ve ever taken, but there are those times when the subject and event are paramount and should be embraced. Fifty years ago, I never imagined that I would have seen him performing live. He is regarded as the singer of some of the most romantic songs in history – “There Goes My Everything,” “Winter World of Love,” “Lonely is a Man Without Love,” “Please Release Me,” and “Blue Spanish Eyes” among many others (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

Travelling to Georgetown along the West Coast Berbice Public Road, this lit-up arch loomed in the distance giving me enough time to prepare to photograph the sight. It was not too difficult for me to take this photograph, seated in the front passenger seat, as the vehicle was going at about 55mph. It made my “Favourite Twelve” particularly because it is, what I consider, the best of my night-time photographs of the COVID-19 year, 2020. (Photo by F.Q. Farrier)

These are the Bell twin brothers – minibus operators of Route 40, in Georgetown. They have been on this route for many years and I know them fairly well as one of their many satisfied customers. If you are looking for the very best in minibus service, then just “ring the Bell Brothers.” My camera felt delighted in taking this photograph in February, in the Stabroek Market Route 40 minibus Park (Photo by F.Q. Farrier)

Beyond the flowers, across Main Street, is the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology in Georgetown, Guyana. In this iconic wooden building is a wide range of indigenous artefacts for viewing, as well as items such as books and recordings for sale. A place for a visit. Some inspiration preceded the taking of this photograph (Photo by F.Q. Farrier)

Prominently displayed on the backdrop is the statement “A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE,” which is being supported and in a way “constructed” by BANKS DIH Limited. The popular Guyanese enterprise traditionally presents cheques to a number of schools at the Annual Shareholders Meetings in Georgetown, Airy Hall, Bartica, Linden and New Amsterdam. In this photograph Chairman of BANKS DIH, Clifford Reis, CCH, is presenting a cheque to a student of one of the schools in Berbice on February 2, 2020 (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

First Citizen of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray, have been married for 26 years and are the parents of two children. However, when they displayed this romantic moment I was quick to photograph it. The backdrop was a function at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the First Couple of the city of New York. They had hosted Guyanese on the occasion of the 50th Jubilee Republic Anniversary Celebrations. As such, those Guyanese who were guests at the function witnessed this romantic scene in real-time (Photo by F.Q. Farrier)

It was sometime after I took this photograph that I observed the racial dynamics – African, “Dougla” and Indian. What is also obvious is how happy they are in each other’s company. This is a candid photograph and was not ‘set up’ with any public relations objectives, whatsoever. And that is why it was a strong contender to be selected from the scores of photographs which I took in 2020, to be included in my “Twelve Favourites” of 2020 (Photo by F.Q. Farrier)

This is my most unique “favourite photograph” of 2020, simply because I am the subject. But how am I the subject when I am also the photographer? Simple; this is a Selfie! Since I am so proud and pleased at what I have been able to achieve in taking this photograph, at age 82 – wearing my Indigenous Australian t-shirt, and balancing myself between the portraits of Plaisance-born celebrities Wayne “Big Truck” Braithwaite and Eddy Grant, as well as the two Golden Arrowheads, the nominating panel of ONE has selected this selfie/photograph to be included in the list of my 12 favourite photographs of 2020 (Photo by F.Q. Farrier)

Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. This photograph displays a blend of the past and the present; (a) a canal dug by enslaved Africans centuries ago and for which Reparations must be considered; (b) the chimney of a once-grinding sugar factory when sugar was produced in Essequibo over a century ago and (c) the regional office at the left where the business of the People of Region Two is discussed by elected officials in this the 21st century (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

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