Gay Pasley, felt a strong kinship with the West African community, after she learned that her genetic origin was of the Temne people through mitochondrial DNA testing. Determined to make a difference, Pasley, who is also a Registered Nurse, traveled to Sierra Leone, West Africa as nurse, humanitarian and medical photographer. The villagers were eager to meet the black American who had returned home. While there, in keeping with Langston Hughes poem “My people”, she captured the beauty of the people and the country of Sierra Leone, Africa.
Very awesome photo! I'm an RN, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat means the creator saw fit to give us both the gift of healing and seeing...
DeleteSuch great expression on their faces. And the woman making direct eye contact with you is priceless.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ysa! Initially my focus was on capturing the girl tossing grain. I am now just as intrigued by the person looking directly at me.
Deletebeautiful shot! the tones, moods and action.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It was amazing to know what you want and capture the moment forever.
DeleteThank you it was a fun Capture!
ReplyDeleteEach woman's face and body language tell a different story. Different generations, joy, unashamed laughter, solitude mixed with curiosity, & self-content. The common denominator is unity. To be able to tie into your origin is such an amazing adventure and pride. I absolutely would expect to see this image all over the world. Women are so strong when we band together....even if we are tossing grain or quite possibly transcending different worlds while enjoying simple joys of this world...wow you, Gay, wow YOU!
ReplyDeleteLove your commentary! Thank you so much.
DeleteReally nice photograph. Your comments underneath the photo are hard to read though.
ReplyDeleteThank you Crystal!
DeleteWhat an amazing image by an amazing photographer. I can't wait for the opportunity to photograph something so important. The expressions and emotion in the photo is priceless and such an unforgettable moment. I agree witg other comments, this image should be shown everywhere.
ReplyDeleteThank you SaRai, since posting in Black Female Photographers I have been asked to feature my photography in a local coffee shop. I do not despise small beginnings. I am looking forward to being featured in Essence and sponsered by Nikon. Send positive energy and prayers my way.
DeleteThis an amazing shot, from and equally amazing person not least of which a photographer! I am truly in awe. I've always been intrigued by history, and ancestry. I really want to do the DNA testing. Obviously you had a good experience, no?
ReplyDeleteThank you Whitney! What awesome commentary. My experience was insightful in many ways. Believe it or not I was kicked off the original mission team because I refused to take medications into the country illegally. I was told that God did not want me to take pictures and that if God wanted me to meet my people he would make away. Then they tried to convince the travel agent to cancel my ticket. It had taken me 5 years to raise the money. As God would see fit I flew to Sierra Leone with the same group who tried to steal my ticket (LOL). Initially I was devastated. I have since realized that it was all in the Creator's perfect timing. You see I had received the gift of my first camera around the time I learned of my genetic ancestory and started saving money to go. It was then that I started honing my gift. Also, going back alone provided me the chance to be perceived as African yet be an American. I plan to blog about it.
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