Cesar E. Chavez Day

The legacy of Cesar E. Chavez is told in pictures.

Before I even knew the accomplishments of this labor worker turned civil rights leader, I had seen Chavez's face in a black and white photo. To me, his image is as iconic as Che Guevara's.

Makes me wonder, what was the impact of photography (and being so actively photographed) on Chavez's plight in support of worker's rights?

Google "Cesar Chavez" to see him marching and speaking at rallies, carrying farm tools, with Robert Kennedy after breaking his 25-day fast and more. This portrait of Cesar at left is one of my favorites. It shows him in a more relaxed state; probably a rare occurrence for someone who was such an agent for social change.

Along with Dolores Huerta, Chavez helped found the National Farm Workers Association in 1965, which later became the United Farm Workers of America (UFW).

Today, March 31st, is Cesar Chavez Day (also his birthday) - a state holiday officially celebrated in California, Texas, Arizona and Colorado. So when you eat a piece of fruit, cook with vegetables, drink wine, buy flowers... think of Cesar E. Chavez and the farm laborers around the world who helped get those goods to you. Que viva Cesar Estrada Chavez!

PHOTO: Cesar Chavez by photographer Larry Sharkey, published in The Los Angeles Times

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Photographer Interview: Neil John Smith

As you'll read, photographer Neil John Smith is a man of few words. He's succinct and to the point, yet his is still an inspiring life story.

In his photographs, Neil's ability to capture the raw personality and trust of his subjects is undeniable.

Become a fan of Neil John Smith on Facebook, follow him on Twitter at @johnsmth and view his most recent work on Flickr.

D&B: Where are you from?
NJS: Cape Town, South Africa

D&B: What kind of photography do you shoot and how did you get started - any "formal" training?
NJS: I shoot portraits, food, some fashion and pack shots. I also do landscape in my spare time. My formal training was in London and working as an assistant photographer.

D&B: What cameras or techniques do you use?
NJS: I use Canon (digital) and very seldom use my film camera which is an Olympus OM1 (one of my faves:)

Photography in London, UK - March 2010

During a visit to London this month, in between catching up with my new family in-law and sightseeing, I was able to see a few photography exhibits. Here are some of the most memorable:

March 8, 2010 - Victoria & Albert Museum

Pass the marble busts of British, French and Roman aristocracy I was pleasantly surprised to find the V&A museum's photography collection featuring prints by:

Philip-Lorca diCorcia
A portrait from his well-known series, "Hollywood 1990 - 1992" during which the photographer used NEA grant money to pay prostitutes, hustlers, drifters and others hanging in the streets of Los Angeles, CA to let him take their respective pictures.

To distinguish his subjects from their environment and other people in it, diCorcia would often illuminate them by placing lights on the ground. The theatrical impact of his signature lighting is strongest felt when standing close up to one of these vivid prints.

Priya Kambli at the FotoFest 2010 Biennial

 As part of the FotoFest 2010 Biennial, Priya Kambli will present her solo exhibition, Colors Fall Down at The H Gallery in Houston, TX.

Priya Kambli was born and raised in India and moved to the United States at the age of 18.  She began her artistic career in the United States, and her work has always been informed by her experience as a migrant. Kambli's photographs express the transience and split cultural identity caused by the act of migration.

"Recently in my artwork I have been viewing this issue through the lens of my own personal history and cultural identity. My move from India to the United States 13 years ago left me feeling that I do not belong fully to either culture leaving me unable to anchor myself in any particular cultural framework."