PHOTOWALKS: Through the years - Through the Lens, 2010-2020 Volume 2 by visions.gy

P R O D U C T I O N

PHOTOWALKS THROUGH THE YEARS - THROUGH THE LENS

2010 - 2020

VOLUME 2

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 Raval Seojattan.

GUYANA

PHOTOGRAPHERS FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS THROUGH THE YEARS - THROUGH THE LENS

2010 - 2020

VOLUME 2

P R O D U C T I O N

PHOTOWALKS: Through the Years - Through the Lens, Volume 2 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: August 1, 2020

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ Facebook Group

www.facebook.com/groups/guyanaphotographer/

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ Website

www.guyanaphotographers.com

Introduction Photowalks are a way for us to meet each other in person and learn from each other as we explore Guyana. Sometimes, we need to meet like-minded individuals and explore new places for inspiration. A not so big secret is that after a while, after that initial and quite marvellous step into this new world of photography, we do reach a point where our growth stalls. We find that we are replicating the same images within the same situations; we take less photographs and get bored with old processing techniques. As artists, we need to find inspiration, change our muse, and try new things to keep on growing. Through photowalks, we get some much-needed fresh air – both figurative and metaphorical. Today, the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group has over 4000 members comprising professionals, hobbyists, enthusiasts, and supporters. The members have organized 36 photowalks around Guyana as of 2019, participated in exhibitions and competitions – both local and international, ensured growth in their skills through participation in 41 challenges and six instalments of “Project 52”, and have increased networking among stakeholders for the growth of photography as an artform in Guyana. Without a doubt, the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group has metamorphosized over the last decade. Today, individuals from a variety of organizations - at the national, regional, and international levels, consider the group as the place to source photography related resources with regards to Guyana - whether they need photographers to cover events, images to publish, or resource persons to deliver “talks” about photography. However, apart from all these accolades, the most important can be seen in the interactions among the members. Photographers (professionals, hobbyists, and enthusiasts) are now more connected than ever: there are collaborations to cover events, sharing of equipment, and general assistance in one form or another from one individual or another. The comradery is ever present. Though many of the “older members” have taken a backseat over the years, there are many new members who bring new perspectives and new enthusiasm to photography in Guyana. With this in mind, we hope you enjoy Photowalks: Through the Years – Through the Lens, 2010-2020, Volume 2. Taijrani Rampersaud, Fidal Bassier, and Michael C. Lam

Bandstand to Jetty, Kingston The seawall at sunset is, truly, one of the most beautiful and peaceful things to experience. The soothing sounds of the waves, the change from a bright day to one tinted with glorious colours of reds and oranges, and ﬁnally that calming blue that takes the day into night are all truly memorable. The idea behind this photowalk was to take in the views along the Kingston Promenade from the seawall’s Bandstand by Eve Leary to the jetty at the mouth of the Demerara River. From beautiful silhouettes and experiments with light and shadows, to landscapes and seascapes, this walk truly highlighted the magniﬁcence of a tropical evening and sunset from these vantage points.

13 - Bandstand to Jetty, Kingston

August 07, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

13 - Bandstand & Jetty, Kingston

August 07, 2012

13 - Bandstand to Jetty, Kingston

August 07, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

13 - Bandstand & Jetty, Kingston

August 07, 2012

13 - Bandstand to Jetty, Kingston

August 07, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

13 - Bandstand & Jetty, Kingston

August 07, 2012

Mahaica Old Bridge & Hope Beach This walk showed a lot of artistic poetry with regards to the images submitted. Many of the selections highlighted the beauty in documenting aspects of everyday life for the people residing near Mahaica’s old bridge and Hope Beach.

14 - Mahaica Old Bridge & Hope Beach

September 02, 2012

Through images highlighting land and water life, we get a feeling of life, of ﬂuidity, in these images. Landscapes, macros, black and white, and portrait photography come together to tell a wellconnected story.

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

September 02, 2012

14 - Mahaica Old Bridge & Hope Beach

September 02, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

September 02, 2012

14 - Mahaica Old Bridge & Hope Beach

September 02, 2012

(L-R): Ayanna Waddell, Simon Moses Kothapalli, Adhikar Ramjoo, Vishal Rooplall, Fidal Bassier, Savita Balkaran, Laljeet Ramdular, Taijrani Rampersaud, Brian Gomes, Roshana Mahadeo, Avinash Richard, Lydia Seojattan, Raval Seojattan, Nikita Blair, Joseph Lews, Nikita’s Dad, Local Fisherman

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

Bird Photography, Botanical Gardens During this walk through the Botanical Gardens, we were able to practise our bird photography skills. The wide variety of birds, ranging from blue and yellow macaws, toucans, and juvenile night herons to pigeons, snail kites and cranes, were beautiful to behold in the morning light.

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

15 - Bird Photography, Botanical Gardens

September 22, 2012

It was an early start but well worth it as it marked our venture into bird photography as a group.

September 22, 2012

15 - Bird Photography, Botanical Gardens 16

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

15 - Bird Photography, Botanical Gardens

September 22, 2012

15 - Bird Photography, Botanical Gardens

September 22, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

(L-R): Kester Clarke, Amanda Richards, Fidal Bassier, Sean Mendonca (our guide), Ryan Beharry, Ian Rogers (Picture by: Taijrani Rampersaud)

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

15 - Bird Photography, Botanical Gardens

September 22, 2012

Parika As a group that promotes photography relating to Guyana, we have photographers from around the world with ties to Guyana. This was one walk where a Guyanese residing in Trinidad and Tobago visited and wanted to do a group activity. Sadly, not a lot of photographers made the walk. These pictures, taken on the way to Parika from Georgetown, provide a glimpse into the various scenes to behold from seascapes and rice ﬁelds to canals and riverside life. While few in number, the images cover a variety of scenes as well as the photographers’ own visions and perspectives.

16 - Parika

December 2, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

16 - Parika

December 2, 2012

16 - Parika

December 2, 2012

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

16 - Parika

December 2, 2012

Felicity The ﬁrst walk for 2013 took us back to our favourite location – the seawall. This time, we choose Felicity in the afternoon as it would mean our friends from further up the East Coast of Demerara would have less of a commute. This mixture of documentary and artistic photography portrays both the beautiful and morbid aspects of life. Portraits of people, macro photographs of various elements, and photographs of animals and waterscapes make for a well-mixed set of images that both go together yet still focus on the diﬀerences to be found.

17 - Felicity

January 13, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

17 - Felicity

January 13, 2013

17 - Felicity

January 13, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

17 - Felicity

January 13, 2013

17 - Felicity

January 13, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

(Standing - L-R): Ian Rogers, unknown, Fidal Bassier, Natasha Robinson, Brian Gomes, Ronald Nandlall, Ryan Dos Santos, Marcus Antonius, Duane De Lima (Sitting, L-R): Kia Beharry, Ryan Beharry, Amanda Richards, Jonathan Yearwood, Michael Lam, Savita Balkaran, Angela Singh, Taijrani Rampersaud, Anusha Jodhan, Roshana Mahadeo, Radha Jodhan, Nyall Jodhan PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

17 - Felicity

January 13, 2013

Regent Street Those who would have been part of the Facebook group in the early years would know about the Friday afternoon hangouts. We especially enjoy spicy lemonades at the end of the week coupled with good conversation. Considering that we are normally in Georgetown, it is a surprise that a Friday afternoon walk was never done before! The Regent Street walk proved to be a gold mine for portraits. From working people to those sauntering by, the hustle and bustle of the afternoon happenings can truly be felt. The photographers were able to capture some very unique moments within the chaos of life.

18 - Regent Street

March 15, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

March 15, 2013

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

18 - Regent Street

March 15, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

18 - Regent Street

March 15, 2013

18 - Regent Street

March 15, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

18 - Regent Street

March 15, 2013

Kingston An Impromptu Walk A somewhat cold and dreary afternoon is not ideal for photography – moisture and camera equipment do not really go well together. However, some of us brave photographers made it out for a walk this afternoon. Through the images, you can see that we were able to capture the mood of the afternoon. Of particular interest were the two ﬁshermen who, like the photographers, braved the afternoon’s turbulent weather to ﬁnd some treasures.

19 - Kingston

April 30, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

19 - Kingston

April 30, 2013

19 - Kingston

April 30, 2013

(L-R): Compton Victor Sarabo, Avinash Richard, Fidal Bassier, Salim October, Ayanna Waddell, Ian Rogers

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

Bourda Market Having had a successful, and very satisfactory, Regent Street walk, we wanted to try our skills in another crowded location that would result in some lovely portraits. For this walk, we choose one of the busiest and most congested locations in Georgetown – Bourda Market. Like the Regent Street walk, we struck gold. Through the beautiful, meaningful portraits of vendors and buyers alike, we were able to aptly capture the essence of a Guyanese marketplace.

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

20 - Bourda Market

June 14, 2013

20 - Bourda Market

June 14, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

June 14, 2013

20 - Bourda Market

Main Street, Georgetown Sometimes, it feels like once we discover a location or an area rich with photography prospects, we go back time and again. Another walk in Georgetown – this time along Main Street, highlighted another side of city life. From iconic buildings and portraits to landscapes and close-ups, the selection truly symbolises a walk along Main Street, Georgetown. The most prominent feature was the tree lined avenue which provided some beautiful ﬂora to incorporate into our photographs.

21 - Main Street, Georgetown

September 21, 2013

Georgetown has several tree-lined avenues running north to south. Of these, two are most attractive to photographers because of the amount of foot and vehicular traﬃc – these are Camp Street and Main Street. Main Street, the location for this walk, is more attractive for tourists as it forms part of our Heritage Trail and boasts of some buildings dating back to the colonial era. For us photographers, we love it because it has people and motion.

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

21 - Main Street, Georgetown

September 21, 2013

21 - Main Street, Georgetown

September 21, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

21 - Main Street, Georgetown

September 21, 2013

22 - Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, Parika

October 05, 2013

Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, Parika

Guyana’s ﬁrst participation in the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk was in 2013. In an attempt to showcase our beautiful country, we decided a drive from Georgetown to Parika would be good; however, the aim was to make Parika the focus of the walk. According to the walk leader, and as can be seen from the variety of images, the photographers deﬁnitely brough their A-game. © Fidal Bassier

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

22 - Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, Parika

October 05, 2013

22 - Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, Parika

October 05, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

22 - Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, Parika

October 05, 2013

22 - Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, Parika 50

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

22 - Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, Parika

October 05, 2013

22 - Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, Parika

October 05, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

Hope Village & Mahaica After a few afternoon walks in Georgetown and on the West Coast of Demerara, a morning walk on the East Coat of Demerara – going inland a bit more, was a nice change. The early start resulted in a very golden sunrise and some lovely morning light for photographs of river-like life. A funny fact from this walk is that at one point we did become literally lost – maybe a bit too mesmerised by the beauty around us? Maybe the breath-taking scenery of rural Guyana life – farmlands, canals, houses by the river, cast a lovely, serene spell for a bit.

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

23 - Hope Village & Mahaica

October 16, 2013

23 - Hope Village & Mahaica

October 16, 2013

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

October 16, 2013

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

23 - Hope Village & Mahaica

October 16, 2013

(L-R): Hema Taruna Singh, Roshana Mahadeo, Ryan Dos Santos, Michael Lam, Fidal Bassier, Roshinee Latchana, Kester Clarke, John Persaud, Compton Victor Sarabo, Simon Moses Kothapalli GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

Canal Another year, another walk to Canal #2. Sometimes we just want to go on photowalks to visit and re-visit places. This was one such opportunity. It also provided an opportunity to meet some newer photographers who reside on the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara. Boats at sunset, animals, and general waterscapes are always pleasing to the soul and beautiful to capture.

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

24 - Canal

January 12, 2014

24 - Canal

January 12, 2014

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

January 12, 2014

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

24 - Canal

January 12, 2014

GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP

(Top picture): Brian Gomes, unknown, Parmanand Singh Roopnarine, Ryan Dos Santos, Roshana Mahadeo, Michael C. Lam, Kenny Harrinaraine (stooping), Roshinee Latchana, Jose Cheddie, Raval Seojattan, Taijrani Rampersaud (Bottom row): Jonathan Ford, Angela Singh, Michael Jackson, Ian Rogers

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

24 - Canal

January 12, 2014

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.

13. GP Photo walk #11 - Bandstand & Jetty, Kingston [August 7, 2012] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.425471950827527&type=1 14. GP Photo walk #12 – Mahaica Old Bridge & Hope Beach [September 2, 2012] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.433618686679520&type=1 15. GP Photo walk #13 – Bird Photography, Botanical Gardens [September 22, 2012] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.440918852616170&type=1 16. GP Photo walk #14 – Parika [December 2, 2012] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.466349060073149&type=1 17. GP Photo walk #15 – Felicity, ECD [January 13, 2013] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.483446028363452&type=1 18. GP Photo walk #16 – Regent Street [March 15, 2013] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.512782502096471&type=1 19. Kingston, An Impromptu Walk [April 30, 2013] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.529886410386080&type=1 20. GP Photo walk #17 – Bourda Market [June 14, 2013] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.547994295241958&type=1 21. GP Photo walk #18 – Main Street, Georgetown [September 21, 2013] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.591326790908708&type=1 22. Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, Parika [October 05, 2013] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.597488370292550&type=1 23. GP Photo walk #19 – Hope Village, Mahaica [October 16, 2013] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.606154996092554&type=1

Links

24. GP Photo walk #20 – Canal [January 12, 2014] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.647551988619521&type=1

PHOTOWALKS 2010-2020

PHOTOWALKS THROUGH THE YEARS - THROUGH THE LENS

2010 - 2020

VOLUME 2

P R O D U C T I O N