The first sentence is always the most difficult to start, because it truly does set the tone for the story. I am never good at starting the story, but you have to start somewhere and I decided to start here. So I am writing this in my dining room while my children are having their bedtime snack, and my house is very loud, but it keeps me motivated. My experience previewing the upcoming exhibit today at the National Museum of African American History and Culture was motivating, humbling, and amazing and I only wish that you take the opportunity to experience it when it opens on May 5th.
The "More Than a Picture" exhibit is an amazing collection of photographs taken by some of the most amazing African-American photographers and today I had the pleasure to see an early preview of the exhibit before it opens to the public. My goal today is not to share with you a bunch of photos of photos, because that would be boring but what I would like to do is share with you a few things that will maybe inspire you to experience it for yourself.
Robert Whitman captured this photo of a young artist named Prince in 1977 which was a year before the release of his first album outside of Schmitt's music store in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
With all things, there are things that truly stand out amongst others, and that is the person behind that lens. I love the spirit of a truly gifted photographer, because the way that they see the world resonates through their personality and that is a very admirable trait. Today I had the opportunity to meet Sharon Farmer, who was the first African-American woman to be hired as a White House Photographer, and the first female to be director of the White House Photography office. You would not believe her spirit, her energy, and her humility. There are so many egos in the world of photography in todays age and that positive spirit is always very refreshing.
I want to leave you with a quote that Ms. Farmer gave us and also a couple of minutes of her speaking to a group of us today. Please take the time to view the video in it's entirety and share if you wish.
"The thing about humanity is being a human" - Sharon Farmer
