If you've been following me for a while, you will remember that I am a member of the Barbados Photographic Society (BPS). I always recommend to photographers, both hobbyists and professionals alike, that it is always a good thing to join a club as part of your development. There are several good reasons to do so, such as:
Access to pooled resources and technical expertise - some clubs run any number of workshops and training specifically for beginners and sometimes offer training for small businesses
Safety in numbers, especially when trekking out to parts of the country that are less populated or urban areas where it is potentially unsafe to have your expensive equipment in view.
Camaraderie and Support - Always a good thing to meet new people, potential clients, and other like-minded individuals.
All of the above are important to help artists in general grow, not just photographers. I want to emphasize the importance of number 3 in this article.
I love going to museums and galleries in my spare time. There is something about being in a creative space that always seems to inspire me. But I must confess that I've always been scared to put my work out there for public viewing. It's one thing to shoot a photo for a friend, which they like and maybe share on their social media accounts. It is an entirely different thing to print your work and put it on display for the public. But somehow, I decided to do just that with a push from a well-meaning friend or two. Here is where the club and support connection come in. In 2023, my club decided to host its first post-pandemic exhibition entitled "20 Years of Light" in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Barbados Photographic Society's existence as a non-profit educational organization with the mission to foster the development of photography in Barbados. The call for submissions came in November asking for up to three images from each photographer, along with the print size options available.
My two submissions, “Self Determination” (left) and “Hands Up”, after delivery from the printer
Curated by Giselle Walker, the exhibition opened to the public on January 13 2024 to a well-attended reception at the Queens Park Gallery in Bridgetown, Saint Michael, and featured work from 24 BPS members (including myself). I entered two pieces, entitled "Self Determination" and "Hands Up", both shot in 2020 at a Black Lives Matter rally in Bridgetown. From all accounts, our work was well received by the public, with the exhibition being covered in the local newspapers and morning media. Some of the pieces were either sold or generated offers to purchase. Coming out of this experience, I even received an offer to join a second exhibition, entitled Resilience featuring work from Black, female artists in Barbados.
Me, with “Self Determination” on archival paper 16” x 24”
Newspaper Article promoting the exhibition.
Putting yourself out there can be difficult, even for well-seasoned professionals. It is raw and scary and most people fear any form of rejection. But it is also cathartic and freeing at the same time, especially when you can share the experience with a community. Thanks to all of my friends and family who made time to come and see the exhibition and special thanks to those who pushed me every step of the way.
Even if you couldn’t make it out, please visit the Barbados Photographic Society’s page to have a look at the work here: https://thebarbadosphotographicsociety.com/portfolio-item/20-years-of-light/
Until next time...do what scares you.
