“An artistic black and white photographic image best illustrates what happens when Blacks and Whites master the art of working together for good. Without one, or the other, all the artists ends up with is a blank sheet of paper.”

Solomon

Because “a house divided cannot stand,” I decided many years ago to use the power of visual images in responsible, socially conscious ways to help heal old wounds between ethnic groups. I dedicated the gift of my creativity via the medium of photography to bridge the gap between strangers who could engage each other in meaningful discussions about their deepest fears in a safe environment.

I aspired to use my photographic art exhibitions to raise awareness about what we, as human beings, had in common despite our cultural differences and personal preferences. I endeavored to change the narrow way the blended, extended family members of humanity’s culturally diverse global village viewed each other. I wanted to strip away the blindfold of ignorance that emotionally divided generations of great people for all the wrong reasons.

I despised the traditional, stereotypical, and unflattering images I saw of the beautiful women and men who were frequently portrayed in films, on the pages of magazines, and by the mainstream media in a negative, purely photo-journalistic light. The images I saw lacked something that I couldn’t put my finger on until I saw the Table Top Photography Book, “I Dream A World.” I’ve heard Congresswoman Maxine Waters speak. I’ve seen the power of this wise woman’s words in action. That’s when I knew what was missing.

Not one to constantly complain about what’s wrong with the world as viewed through my eyes, I decided to “do something” to change the images I saw. I needed to edify, empower, and encourage the great women and men I loved, honored, and respected. Far too often, I walked away from Gallery Shows that included a few images of Blacks disappointed and disillusioned. Hence, the tag line I began to employ to brand my photography and market my gift simply states,

“When you desire images that show others who you are and not images that just show others how you look.”

Many years before photography became widely accepted as “Art,” I decided to use my camera, and the gift of my imagination, for the greater good of humanity. In retrospect, the inspiration to dance to the beat of a different drummer challenged me to test the limits. I loved stepping outside the imaginary boundaries of some box God never intended for me to stand inside. The freedom to choose my own destiny explains many of the business decisions I made over the years to do what I did for free.

I bought film before I would buy food to keep my big dream alive. I didn’t want to “sell-out” and compromise my integrity for a paycheck. Look at how much collateral damage has been done to the image of the African American culture due in part by the “gangsta rap” videos that are being broadcast the world over on a daily basis. These degrading rap video images don’t represent me. They don’t represent the culture of the dignified, unsung heroes and sheroes whose shoulders I stand on today.

To protect the image of the clients who trusted me, I needed to maintain complete control of the artistic photographic images I created of them and how they would eventually be marketed to the public. I made sure I owned the “copyright” to my images for the same reasons the legendary Ray Charles ensured that he owned the “masters” of the music he created. I paid a heavy price for refusing to do “work-for-hire.” Was it worth it? Most definitely. Would I do it again? You betcha.

©Copyright 2007 by Roderick O. Solomon. All Rights Reserved.