PHOTOWALKS: Through the years - Through the Lens, 2010-2020 Volume 1 by visions.gy

P R O D U C T I O N

PHOTOWALKS THROUGH THE YEARS - THROUGH THE LENS

2010 - 2020

VOLUME 1

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP All images are the copyright of the respective photographers. No image may be used without the permission of the respective photographer. No part of this book may be reproduced. This publication is not-for-proﬁt. Cover photograph by Taijrani Rampersaud.

GUYANA

PHOTOGRAPHERS FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS THROUGH THE YEARS - THROUGH THE LENS

2010 - 2020

VOLUME 1

P R O D U C T I O N

PHOTOWALKS: Through the Years - Through the Lens, Volume 1 is curated and edited by Fidal Bassier, Taijrani Rampersaud, and Michael C. Lam as one of three virtual books focusing on past activities in observance of the GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ 10th Anniversary. Published by VISIONS Publication date: July 25, 2020

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ Facebook Group

www.facebook.com/groups/guyanaphotographer/

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ Website

www.guyanaphotographers.com

Introduction Although we do not paint with brushes or sculpt with our hands, we are artists and photography is our medium of expression. Through our lens, we aim to bring out the beauty in the ugly, to capture common things and make them conversation pieces, to share the smallest details within a large landscape, and to make you relive moments in time captured for eternity. Whether a professional or hobbyist, a critic or enthusiast, the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group comprise a variety of individuals who support this growing artform in Guyana. As we observe the 10th anniversary of the group’s creation, we take a moment to reflect… In 2010, Fidal Bassier noted the presence of other photographs through social media, specifically Facebook. In an effort to build his network and interact with other photographers, he contacted fellow photographers Michael C. Lam, Kojo McPherson, and Nikhil Ramkarran. Following the initial interaction, he then created the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group on July 25, 2010. Prior to this initiative in 2010, there has not been any organised group since the British Guiana Photographic Society in pre-independence Guyana. Furthermore, before 2010, only a few who were actively earning a living from photography tend to identify as photographers. Despite this, many were intrigued by the idea of an organised group and the first activity – a model photoshoot organized by Fidal near the bandstand by the seawall, resulted in photographers meeting physically for the first time in decades for leisure. Some stayed for the entire photoshoot, some came and left; however, that day marked the beginning of a new age of photography in Guyana. Over the last decade, various photowalks were organized. The diversity among us and our different approaches quickly became evident on each successive photowalk although we visited the same places together, our images often differed noticeably. This three-volume set is a curated collection of images from those photowalks. It is a selection of works to reflect the diversity in approaches and images taken of each place. They are mostly “as submitted” by each photographer to the albums created for each walk in the Facebook group. We hope you enjoy the collection. Fidal Bassier, Taijrani Rampersaud, and Michael C. Lam

Around Georgetown The ﬁrst photowalk was intended to be “Around Georgetown” but was narrowed down to Brickdam and Stabroek Market. Since it was the ﬁrst walk, there were only a few participants, and only two members shared some pictures. From this walk, much was learnt about the participants as they interacted with each other and with the public. It also helped to guide the way future walks were organized.

01 - Around Georgetown

August 07, 2011

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

01 - Around Georgetown

August 07, 2011

Botanical Gardens The walk to the Botanical Gardens was ﬁlled with a variety of opportunities for the photographers as they undertook a second walk with a larger group.

02 - Botanical Gardens

August 21, 2011

Located in almost the centre of Georgetown, the Botanical Gardens offer photographers, and artists in general, a serene space for their creativity to flourish. Filled with beautiful flora and fauna, especially the sounds of animals from the nearby zoo, it fuels the imagination and entices the senses – as is evident from the small collection of images submitted.

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

02 - Botanical Gardens

August 21, 2011

02 - Botanical Gardens 8

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

02 - Botanical Gardens

August 21, 2011

ECD Without a deﬁnite destination in mind, we planned a photowalk along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). While en route, we randomly picked a road that led outwards to the seawall which led to us walking along the coast from Mon Repos and Lusignan Villages. At the seawall, we were able to capture some lovely landscapes featuring boats, kokers, and some aspect of Guyana’s sea-wall life.

03 - ECD

September 04, 2011

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

03 - ECD

September 04, 2011

03 - ECD

September 04, 2011

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

Canal #2 We decided to explore an area west of the Demerara River and Canal #2 was suggested by a local and budding photographer. However, contrary to the name of the walk, the images were taken at the Conservancy at the end of Canal #2. The afternoon light combined with the water were very appealing. This area had a deﬁnite countryside feeling to it which resulted in remarkably diverse images that bore a strong representation to the life in the area.

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

04 - Canal #2

October 07, 2011

04 - Canal #2 14

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

04 - Canal #2

October 07, 2011

Hope Beach Flags, boats, waterscapes – this walk cemented our love for these things (as is evident in these and following images). It was on this walk that we realised we were also using our photography activities to explore various parts of Guyana that were easily accessible. We began to strengthen our friendships and photography networks as in evident in the friendships being formed as we met and carpooled to the location.

05 - Hope Beach

October 23, 2011

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

05 - Hope Beach

October 23, 2011

05 - Hope Beach

October 23, 2011

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

05 - Hope Beach

October 23, 2011

05 - Hope Beach

October 23, 2011

(Standing, L-R): Michael Lam, Phillip Williams, Ryan Dos Santos, Savita Balkaran, unknown, Angela Singh, Carey Sutherland (child), Krysta Bisnauth, Hilton Chan (Stooping, L-R): Roshana Mahadeo, Fidal Bassier, Taijrani Rampersaud, Laljeet Ramdular

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

Kingston Jetty An Impromptu Walk The Kingston Jetty is a place for some lovely photographers with ﬁshermen and boats. Also, being at the mouth of the Demerara river, it allows for some magniﬁcent waterscapes as twilight approaches. This walk marked a transition to smaller groups as photographers began to socialize and plan their own mini-walks.

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

06 - Kingston Jetty

November 07, 2011

06 - Kingston Jetty

November 07, 2011

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

06 - Kingston Jetty

November 07, 2011

Le Repentir Cemetery After a few walks that featured life and beauty, we wanted to try our hand at something new – a cemetery. We decided to visit the Le Repentir Cemetery as one photographer mentioned the lovely tombstones there and the iconic line of coconut trees are always lovely to behold. Some would argue that this is not an ideal place for beautiful photographs, but the collection of images proves otherwise. From pictures of tomb stones, and some featuring the life in the cemetery, we quite enjoyed this walk.

07 - Le Repentir Cemetery

November 12, 2011

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

07 - Le Repentir Cemetery

November 12, 2011

07 - Le Repentir Cemetery 26

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

(L-R): Taijrani Rampersaud, Roshinee Latchana, Laljeet Ramdular, Michael Lam, Fidal Bassier, Ryan Dos Santos, Roshana Mahadeo, Savita Balkaran PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

07 - Le Repentir Cemetery

November 12, 2011

Tiger Bay

An Impromptu Walk

One of the things photographers ﬁnd interesting is to highlight the beauty in often overlooked places. This photowalk to Tiger Bay provided such an opportunity. Tiger Bay, or “the Bay,” is mostly known for its social status as a “ghetto” or “shanty town.” Mostly, it is an area often described as a depressed neighbourhood that houses many families living in poor conditions, although there are several businesses that operate in the Bay. In these images, the beauty of “community” can be found through portraits of the people living there. From the conﬁdent youngsters challenging the photographers to pictures of community activities, here is a glimpse into the life of the residents.

08 - Tiger Bay

November 20, 2011

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

08 - Tiger Bay

November 20, 2011

08 - Tiger Bay 30

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

08 - Tiger Bay

November 20, 2011

Diamond to Castles Having explored some of the coastal areas of Demerara, we went a bit inland for this walk. The original walk to Diamond quickly turned into a need to explore an old “castle” one of the photographers mentioned. This mix-match set of images provide beautiful macros and establishing images of select locations within Diamond.

09 - Diamond to Castles

January 08, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

09 - Diamond to Castles

January 08, 2012

09 - Diamond to Castles

January 08, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

09 - Diamond to Castles

January 08, 2012

09 - Diamond to Castles

January 08, 2012

(L-R): Ferlin Pedro, Krysta Bisnauth, Kevin Jardine, Ryan Beharry, Ray Beharry, Fidal Bassier, Kojo McPherson (stooping), Amanda Richards, Savita Balkaran, Taijrani Rampersaud GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

Linden We decided to drive to Linden for a sunrise one weekend – our ﬁrst “long-ish” road trip. While some were able to sleep a bit longer, those of us from the outlining coastal areas had to wake up a bit earlier. However, we were energized by the opportunity to photograph a diﬀerent environment – the beauty of the Hilly Sand and Clay natural region. A peaceful morning spent enjoying a new sunrise spot, followed by an hour exploring the hills on the outskirts of Linden, brought some new perspective to our artistic eyes. While there is a lengthy selection of landscapes, they are contrasted by a few detailed macro photographs – all of which depict Linden in the morning light.

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

10 - Linden

February 06, 2012

10 - Linden

February 06, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

10 - Linden

February 06, 2012

10 - Linden

February 06, 2012

(L-R): Joseph Lewis, Laljeet Ramdular, Roshinee Latchana, Kwesi Isles, Taijrani Rampersaud, John Green, Ryan Dos Santos, Roshana Mahadeo, Savita Balkaran (sitting), Phillip Williams, Angela Singh, Seema Dass, Michael Lam, Krysta Bisnauth, Naseem Nasir, Ferlin Pedro, Dwayne Hackett, Wazir Hassan, Fidal Bassier GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

Ogle Seawall to Sparendaam We were definitely not disappointed on this afternoon walk from Ogle to Sparendaam and back along the shoreline. This different location brough into focus how some people pass their time on the weekends. From images of groups of people fishing to stunning waterscapes, we were enticed to document various aspects of sea-side life - of which this selection does not do full justice. So, please ensure you visit the album (the link is shared at the end of the book).

June 10, 2012

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

11 - Ogle Seawall to Sparendaam

June 10, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

11 - Ogle Seawall to Sparendaam

June 10, 2012

11 - Ogle Seawall to Sparendaam

June 10, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

11 - Ogle Seawall to Sparendaam

June 10, 2012

11 - Ogle Seawall to Sparendaam

June 10, 2012

(R-L): Krysta Bisnauth, Ferlin Pedro, Jermaine Fordyce, Amanda Richards, Nikita Blair, Savita Balkaran, Fidal Bassier, Ryan Beharry, Taijrani Rampersaud, Laljeet Ramdular, Ayanna Waddell, Angela Singh, Dwayne Hackett GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

Emancipation Day Emancipation Day provides an opportunity to explore the Afro-Guyanese cultural heritage. From food and crafts to beautiful family-themed outﬁts, the walk through the National Park on this day was truly memorable. While we did manage to capture a lot of the activities from that day, only two photographers uploaded images. Here is a brief glimpse of Emancipation Day celebrations in Guyana.

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

12 - Emancipation Day

August 01, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FACEBOOK GROUP

Album Links Below are the links to the full albums on the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Page, which contain all the images uploaded by members from the various Photowalks.

1. GP Photo walk #1 – Around Georgetown [August 07, 2011] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.230899650284759&type=1 2. GP Photo walk #2 – Botanical Gardens [August 21, 2011] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.237676302940427&type=1 3. GP Photo walk #3 – ECD [September 04, 2011] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.244403222267735&type=1 4. GP Photo walk #4 – Canal #2 [Octpber 07, 2011] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.259538947420829&type=1 5. GP Photo walk #5 – Hope Beach [October 23, 2011] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.265654740142583&type=1 6. Kingston Jetty, An Impromptu Walk [November 07, 2011] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.272169686157755&type=1 7. GP Photo walk #6 – Le Repentir Cemetery [November 12, 2011] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.274609812580409&type=1P 8. Tiger Bay, An Impromptu Walk [November 20, 2011] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.278815148826542&type=1 9. GP Photo walk #7 – Diamond to Castles [January 08, 2012] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.306500056058051&type=1 10. GP Photo walk #8 - Linden [February 06, 2012] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.325177537523636&type=1 11. GP Photo walk #9 – Ogle Sea-wall to Sparendaam [June 10, 2012] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.402190629822326&type=1

Links

12. GP Photo walk #10 - Emancipation Day [August 01, 2012] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.423956087645780&type=1

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

PHOTOWALKS THROUGH THE YEARS - THROUGH THE LENS

2010 - 2020

VOLUME 1

P R O D U C T I O N