Yesterday was a most wonderful day. Coming off a week of being in the bed with a bad cold, I decided to do what always makes me feel better – take photos. This time it was the Boston Marathon. Honestly, I wasn’t caught up in all the emotion and celebration (for numerous reasons) so I wasn’t sure what I wanted to capture. I went out to Wellesley Center right around the 15 mile mark and the first runners I met and photographed were the Massachusetts National Guardsmen. As a vet watching them walk in step brought back memories of basic training, “Good Times”
The next group that came by was the wheelchair group. I decided it was best if I sat on the ground for their shots yet what was unexpected was how much photographing THEM inspired ME to be better. By using my 70-200mm lens, I was able to get close enough to see a bit of the pain and joy of their 26.2-mile journey.
Up next were the elite runners. I took a few power shots but didn’t really feel the “power” of their run so I decided to stick around and photograph some friends, I knew were running.
While waiting for the next group of runners, I kept reflecting back on a conference I attended at Harvard a few days before titled “Repairing The Breach”. Part of the daylong discussion was “myths about black men”. Myth: there are more black men in jail than college. Truth: there are over a half million more black men in college than in jail.
The more I sat there the more I started to think about how I could help to shift from myth to truth. Then I began thinking about how over the years, I never really saw images of runners of color, especially, the non-elite black men. I’m sure they are out there just not in my circle of knowledge. So, I decided the first step I could take so shortly after the conference was to use my camera to illustrate we were there, we excelled and we made a difference.
I focused on the men of color running. The power I felt while photographing my brothers, and the love they gave me back when they noticed me photographing them, was beyond amazing, Over the next few days, I will post a few of those images so you too can feel their POWER.
Thanks again for stopping by!
On my quick visit to Washington, DC I had the opportunity to spend a few moments at the MLK monument. Being this was the anniversary of his assassination these words move me deeply! I tried to relay that message in my editing process. I hope you like it.
2014 Boston Flower Show, Its always funny to see the expression on someones face when they see a 6’4” 300 lbs. black guy walking around the show with his little camera. They always have the same comments …“You must really like flowers” and “nice camera, you must get some great pictures”. I always have the same answer “No, I like taking pictures of flowers” and “My camera phone can do the same thing but my hands are to big and they shake so I use this camera”. And always the same response “Really?”.
I have to be honest thought this year the show was not that impressive. I usually attend a few times just to make sure I didn’t miss anything but this time I stayed around 90 min and that may have been too long. It seemed like more commercial vendors were taking up the space. When I first started attending a few years ago it was 50/50 now its 80/20 commercial. Just my observation.
I’m not sure how many photos I’m going to post but here’s the first. I know, I usually “title” my flower shot but in this series I’m going to forgo titles. (I may go back later and title them all but for now…no). I hope you enjoy what I decide to post.
Thanks again for checking in.
Over the next few days I will post a series of photos from another amazing youth event I attended a few days ago “BEYOND THE SOUNDCHECK: ART AND ACTIVISM” a concert of music, dance, poetry, theater and more by Greater Boston youth! I could not get up and walk around so I shot from my chair and no flash so the angels and lighting wsas limited but it was allot of fun. I hope you enjoy the series. Below is a little information about the group.
The Teen Arts Council (TAC) is a leadership development program using the apprenticeship model for a group of teenagers that serves to connect the MFA with Greater Boston’s teens, families, and communities. In paid positions, the TAC members are introduced to a wide range of museum professions and learning opportunities while also gaining valuable work experience.
Boston Seaport at the beginning of yesterdays snow storm. The wet snow was just starting to stick to everything.
Thaddeus Miles 365 Project Page 