Chester Higgins Jr. : Forum

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Chester Higgins

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Question:
What does African Naturalism mean?

- Ellen Sands 06/23/2009

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Millennia before Genesis, African people of faith along the River Nile perceived nature as a book written by God. This theology of African Naturalism reached its zenith of expression some 10,000 years ago in the Temples of ancient Kemet (Egypt).

Question:
I enjoyed your story in American Legacy. I've always wanted to go to Lalibela. Where can one go to learn Ge'ez?

- Mrs. Moore 05/17/2009

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Lalibela is a sacred gem. You don't need to learn Ge'ez to visit Ethiopia. English is taught in grade school and you will find that most people have a working knowledge of the language. If you live in a city with an Ethiopian population large enough to have a church, the priests would be the people to hire to teach you. In the States, such Ethiopian Orthodox Churches exist in Washington, New York, Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta and Los Angeles. To locate a church make inquiries at your local Ethiopian restaurant.

Question:
I was enthralled by your photos of black Jews. Can you tell me about the individuals and groups in the pictures? I know my readers will be interested! Karen Primack, Editor, Kulanu newsletter (www.kulanu.org)

- Karen 05/10/2009

Answer from Chester Higgins:
My article on the African-American Black Hebrew can be found in COMMON QUEST magazine. You can find this article in Magazine Layouts, reachable from the Portfolio page at; http://www.chesterhiggins.com/magazine_layouts.html Click on the COMMON QUEST icon to access the story. My work on the Ethiopian Beta Israeli community has yet to be published.

Question:
I am a graphic arts student at Youth Empowerment Services in North Philadelphia. As a class assignment I chose to research you because I was really impressed with your work and I really like your art. It was very enjoyable to learn about one of the first people you photographed was Jesse Jackson. Your work really makes me think about what I want to do in the future with Photography. The piece that I found most appealing was His majesty Ramesses at Nubian Temple of Abu Simbel. Thanks for motivating me. Feel free to share your thoughts and any advice on how I can grow as a photographer. Charles Gattis

- Charles Gattis 03/20/2009

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Congratulations on your decision to use the camera to show the world around you. Please take the time to read my thoughts on 'Becoming a Photographer' in 'Reflections' on my web site at; http://www.chesterhiggins.com/reflections.html You will find plenty of good stuff on the Visual Journey, On Seeing, Kenesics & Linguistics and Approach. Each page has long chapters, just use the scroll arrows on the right side of the page and it will bring up new paragraphs. May your quest to see clearer with the camera provide you with much enjoyment.

Question:
I am a graphic arts student at Youth Empowerment Services in North Philadelphia. As a class assignment I chose to research you because I've heard your name before and did not really know what you were about. It was very enjoyable to learn about the great photos that you take. Also I learned that you taught at N.Y.U and work for the New York Times. Your work really makes me think about taking up more classes with photography. The piece that I found most appealing was "Connections." Those photos expressed a lot of love. Thanks for motivating me. Feel free to share your thoughts about any advice on how I can grow as a photographer. Brandon C. Jones

- Brandon Jones 03/20/2009

Question:
I am a student in the photography class offered at the South Side Community Arts Center (SSCAC) in Chicago, IL. As you may know, the SSCAC is the place where the darkroom that Gordon Parks used in the early 1940's is located. The teacher for this class is Tony Smith. One of the assignments that Mr. Smith gave is for each student to write an essay about the photographer who has influenced the student's work and desire to become a photographer. This essay must cover ten specific points about the selected photographer's life and work. One of these points concerns the type of equipment that the photographer currently uses or used in the past. After reviewing the work of a number of photographers, I chose you as the photographer who has most influenced my work and desire to become a photographer because of the warmth and emotion evoked by your images. Your work magically captures the essence of the moment and takes the viewer on a journey which starts out being visual but ends up being spiritual. The work of any photographer can please the eye. In addition to pleasing the eye, your work touches the soul.

- Victoria Rowels 03/02/2009

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Before I tell you which camera I use, I must tell you something much more important. As told to me by my first mentor, P.H.Polk, No camera, no lens, can make a photograph. Only your eye can make a photograph. The lesson I came away with was that the camera, the lens must serve the intentions and vision of your eye. Therefore, when people ask me what camera or lens that they should buy, I suggest that they go to the store and try out different ones. Find the lens that excites your eye the most and the body thats easy to handle. Whatever you decide to work with, it must be a device that can become your intimate friend. I have always preferred a 35mm camera. I shoot full frame. Until 15 years ago, I used the Nikon, Nikkormat and Leica CL. When my eye focus needed glasses I switched to the faster autofocus Canon lens. About ten years ago, I began using digital Canon and now I use the Canon D5. You might find my essay on becoming a photographer on my website (www.chesterhiggins.com/reflections.html) of interest to you.

Question:
I saw you latest photos in Legacy magazine on Lalibela: Ethiopia's New Jerusalem, and I also read that you were traveling again in December. I this trip is of great interest to me. One of my first trips will be to Ethiopia/Yeman in search of my Queen of Sheba's heritage. Ms. Rae Gray

- Ms. Rae Gray 12/11/2008

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Please have a look at some of this year's photo trek at; http://www.chesterhiggins.com/portfolios_ethiopia.html?gallery=portfolios_ethiopia&skipno=154&currentIndex=1

Question:
Dear Chester. It is really great to be able to read about you on the internet. There's quite a bit and I am delighted to be able to save it and read about you at my leisure. Also, its great to have a place to ask you this question that has been on my mind since--well ever since the foto of Bliss with his back to us (I think he was praying?) did you also take the picture of him that appeared on the cover of Essence magazine in the 70's displaying his back? I have been trying to get a copy of that issue, do you know anything about it?

- Martha Sea 06/18/2008

Answer from Chester Higgins:
In my image of Bliss at his parents' home, he was praying. The image of a man's back in Essence was not mine. If it was Blisss, I have no idea.

Question:
I am an Egyptologist and one of your photos caught my attention in a book on Archaeology. It is the one featuring a Yoruba priestess and Khamite Priest performing a libation with an Ankh over an African burial in New York City. Can you tell me the background to that photo, I am interested in the ceremonial elements that may have survived from Ancient Egyptian culture into modern African culture. If you can provide any information relevant to this I would be most grateful Cathy Campbell

- Cathy Campbell 03/13/2008

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Enslaved Africans in the Americans brought with them this ceremony of continuity. At the death of a member of the family, the youngest child was passed over the body of the deceased three times. The first passage is in the memory of the ancestors, which the immediate deceased has now become a member. The second passing is for the protective powers of the ancestors to stay vigilant on behalf of the living, those left behind. The third and final passage is for the future generations, those yet to be born. The ceremony acknowledges the links of yesterday, today and tomorrow and the presence and passage of the Spirit within the fabric of time.

Question:
On your site there is a picture of Ruby Dee. This is a fantastic shot of her and I love it, love it, love it. The garment she is wearing, I designed and I would like to know if there are any full length pictures available from that shoot. I would love to ad it to my portfolio. Thank you Cassandra Bromfield www.cassandrabromfield.com

- Cassandra Bromfield 01/09/2008

Answer from Chester Higgins:

Question:
Are you the same Chester Higgins from a small town in Alabama? Your article in Essence caught my attention. Congratulations on your achievements. I always knew you would accomplish great things. I lived in Enterprise, Alabama from 1958 to 1961. My father was in the Military. I will check your website often to see if and when you may be in Ann Arbor/Detroit area. I still have your picture from Junior High School.

- Katie Hall Smith 11/21/2007

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Yes, Katie, I'm him. I lived in New Brockton. To some in Enterprise, it was called, Mule Town.

Question:
Mr. Higgins, While thumbing through Metropolitan Home magazine, I saw a photo that I instantly fell in love with. After reading the caption describing the room decor, I learned the photo was yours. I got on the internet and discovered the piece is called A Young Moslem Women In Brooklyn. Is this piece available for purchase? If so, how do I find it and how much does it cost?

- Erica Ross 09/26/2007

Answer from Chester Higgins:
You should contact the Peter Fetterman Gallery in Santa Monica, Ca at 310.453.6463

Question:
Im studying photography in London and Im doing thesis on African American photographers. I found your web site thru research at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Were there any African American photographers that inspired to when you first out in photography and if so, how were they?

- Melissa Ashley 07/21/2007

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Very much so. My earliest influence came from the works of the Tuskegee Institute (Alabama) photographers, P.H. Polk and C.M. Battey. When I arrived in New York, I discovered the works of Gordon Parks, James Vanderzee and Roy Decarava. You can find my essays about Polk and Parks on my site under, MENTORS.

Question:
Greetings, <Digital cameras cannot offer depth.....> After 20 yrs. of film shooting (landscapes and nature) I recently switched to digital. I'm confused about the above statement you made in your Academic Forum. Are you referring to depth of field? If so, why not? Thanks for any clarification you can provide.

- Paul Tobin 06/20/2007

Answer from Chester Higgins:
To me, digital has a tendency to look flatter than film. Like film depth of field is a function of f stops and side or back light. With digital, I make an extra effort to make use of side light or backlight and avoid front light, in an effort to enhance what I think is an inherent shortcoming of the digital.

Question:
Dear Mr. Higgins, I recently came across your website and I have spent the last hour taking it all in. I too am a photographer and it is my greatest hope that I can accomplish in my career what you have accomplished in yours. I am very interested in African cultures, especially Ethiopian. I recently traveled to Africa and since my return I have been sharing my experience and photographs to educate people in my own community of Richmond, VA. I intend to return to Ethiopia this summer to continue my work with others. Do you have plans of returning to Ethiopia in the near future? Is there any advice you can give me for shooting long term in this country? Thank you so much for taking so much time to be a part of the photographic on-line community. It is an inspiration for my work in progress... www.projectimageethiopia.org Looking forward to your gallery talk on the 16th of Feb in Richmond!

- Emily Taylor 01/30/2007

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Was just in Ethiopia in January for the Timkat religious celebrations. Ethiopia, like many countries, is a place were you will want to visit many times. My first trip there was in 1973, when I had the good fortune to photograph His Majesty Haile Selassie. Each year that you return to the same subject, you always see more. In many ways, due to time and experiences, you are different and that difference opens new windows for you to appreciate.

Question:
I am a mother of three ( 6 y.o., 3 y.o., and 3 months) beginning to explore my love of photography. I ordered your book today (Echo) and truly enjoy your website. Have you considered teaching courses via the internet? Are there any African American based photo conferences held annually?

- Walidah Muhammad 06/02/2006

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Congratulations to you for starting your journey in seeing clearly through the lens. My book, Echo of the Spirit, will prove to be an invaluable handbook as you develop your skills of seeing, confidence in your goals and your own success stories. It is my hope that my website will feed you with eye treats that will continue to inspire your soul. You may find the section, 'Reflections" a useful guide as well. It has never occurred to me to teach online. I'll have to research this. An African American based photo conference is a great idea. Have no idea if one already exist. Must research this as well.

Question:
HOW DiD YOU GET TO BECOME SO TALENTED???

- Jaymijah Means 03/02/2006

Answer from Chester Higgins:
That's such a compliment, Jaymijah. Thank you very much. The answer to that question is really multiple answers. The whole answer can be found in my new book and memoir, "Echo of the Spirit: A Photographer's Journey" (Doubleday 2004). You will find a lot of neat things there about why I became a photographer, my inspiration, the process of creativity and the act of committing it to the service of a mission much larger than myself.

Question:
Thank you for your website. I am inspired by your photos. My name is Matthew Brown. I live in the Los Angeles area. May I request your assistance. My interest is in becoming a quality photographer. I am currently working with a Nikon D70. My preference is natural lighting and close-ups of human faces. What direction would you offer me? Thank you again for whatever advice you provide.

- Matthew Brown 02/28/2006

Answer from Chester Higgins:
On this website you should look at the section called REFLECTIONS where I give many examples on how to succeed in training your eye, which is essssential to becoming a great photographer. Secondly, you should find my essays in the section called MENTORS inspirational. Third, I would suggest that you browse the section called FORUM concentrating on the give and take found in the QUESTIONS and answers section. Finally, you should order a copy of my book, ECHO. Sounds like you are ready for it! Natural light can work nicely for portraits of human faces. Experimentation and creativity are essential. Any camera is good. Its not the equipment that makes a great picture but the eye of the photographer who directs the camera. Good luck.

Question:
Mr. Higgins, many of your photos look so natural and poignant, and I was wondering how you get your subjects to be so comforatble while having their picture taken.

- Daniel 02/24/2006

Answer from Chester Higgins:
When people perceive that you accept them for who they are, they tend to accept you as well. In working with people, my mentor Cornelll Capa told me, "that you have to be able to like people and let them know that you like them." We all 'vibe' each other. Your potential subjects will rightfully vibe you and your intentions. What they read from vibing you, hopefully, will allow them to feel, that they can trust you. Ideally, you want to create a relationship that's based on being a friend, who happens to have a camera, rather than a photographer peering through a lens at their life.

Question:
Hi Mr.Higgins I am a photography student at Jesse Bethel High School in Vallejo California and I was wondering how do you choose what you want to take a picture of? How do you know that for sure that was what you were going for because whenever I take a picture I always develop it then chage my mind. Like I wish that I took it in a different position or something.

- Jessica 02/17/2006

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Knowing how you feel about what it is you want to photograph and knowing what you want to say about it is the most important time a photographer can spend before clicking the shutter. Your clarity of purpose helps you decide what angle, lens and lighting to use. What you want the picture to finally look like is your vision. In order for that vision to happen exactly depends on several things. Achieving your vision depends upon (1) the visual opportunity (2) how you focus your mind on it and (3) excluding things in the photo that gets in the way (4) using your equipment so that it serves your desire. As you allow your mind to become clearer about what exactly you want to say, two things will begin to happen. First, with practice, your mistakes should diminish and secondly, your successes will increase. Good Luck!

Question:
Hello Mr. Higgins, since your photos are all very inspiring, I was wondering what inspirational quote you live by and what is your philosophy on life? Thank you for your time! Have a supre great day!

- Angela G. 02/17/2006

Answer from Chester Higgins:
Today is the main event, not a rehersal. Try to be accepting rather than being judgemental of others. The greater the obstacle, the more creative we have to be in order to overcome it. It's important that you make a mark on life, or you could, very well die undeclared. Everyday above ground, is a great day.

Question:
How long did it take you to make the two-story photograph of the African Diaspora? Where did you get the idea to create something like that? It is really amazing.

- James 02/17/2006

Answer from Chester Higgins:
This is a question for the museum. My photograph was made decades ago. Recently, the museum (moadsf.org) spent a year collecting images of the African Diaspora from the public. Then, a computer artist combined all of these images together. Finally, came the finishing and construction stage.

Question:
Hi Mr. Higgins. I really enjoyed looking at your slde show. I was just wondering if anyone in your family influenced you in becoming a photographer?

- Valerie Hahn 02/17/2006

Answer from Chester Higgins:
You will find this answer on my website in the section called, Mentors. It is included in the essay on P.H. Polk. You might alos enjoy reading a more complete story about my life and journey as a photographer in my new memoir entitled, Echo of the Spirit: The Journey of a Photographer, published by Doubleday.

Question:
Hi Mr. Higgins, I'm doing an "Influential People: unit of study" at school right now and I'm choosing you as my Influential Person. I choose you because I, myself want to be a photographer too when I grow up. I have a few questions for you. What was your BIGGEST accomplishment? What was your FIRST accomplishment? What was your motivation? Were there any setbacks from accomplishment? and final question is What do you consider your GREATEST accomplishment? Thank you for reading my questions.

- Jessie 02/16/2006

Answer from Chester Higgins:
The answers to these questons and many more can be found in my recent memoir entitled, "Echo of the Spirit: A Photographer's Journey," published by Doubleday. Your questions tell me that you are ready for this book. It is available on Amazon.com. I think that you will find much there. For you, this book is a MUST read. 'ECHO' is all about my creative process, the many experiences, successes and challenges. Enjoy!

Question:
How long did it take you to create the two-story tall photo of a little girl that's in the Museum of the African Diaspora?

- Melissa 02/16/2006

Answer from Chester Higgins:
This is a question for the museum (moadsf.org). My photograph was made decades ago. Recently, the museum spent a year collecting images of the African Diaspora from the public. Then, a computer artist combined all of these images together. Finally, came the finishing and construction stage.