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?
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Martha Sea 06/18/2008
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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.
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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
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Cathy Campbell 03/13/2008
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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.
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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
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Cassandra Bromfield 01/09/2008
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Answer
from Chester Higgins:
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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.
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Katie Hall Smith 11/21/2007
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Answer
from Chester Higgins:
Yes, Katie, I'm him. I lived in New Brockton. To some in Enterprise, it was called, Mule Town.
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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?
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Melissa Ashley 07/21/2007
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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.
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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.
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Paul Tobin 06/20/2007
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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.
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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!
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Emily Taylor 01/30/2007
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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.
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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?
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Walidah Muhammad 06/02/2006
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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.
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Question:
HOW DiD YOU GET TO BECOME SO TALENTED???
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Jaymijah Means 03/02/2006
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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.
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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.
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Matthew Brown 02/28/2006
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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.
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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.
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Daniel 02/24/2006
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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.
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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.
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Jessica 02/17/2006
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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!
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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!
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Angela G. 02/17/2006
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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.
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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.
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James 02/17/2006
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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.
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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?
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Valerie Hahn 02/17/2006
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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.
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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.
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Jessie 02/16/2006
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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!
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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?
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Melissa 02/16/2006
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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.
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Question:
What inspired you to do photography??
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Jen and Marco 02/15/2006
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Answer
from Chester Higgins:
I wanted to capture those things on film that made my heart smile. On one hand, I wanted to show the moments in everyday reality that speaks to the awesomeness of creation. In addition, I wanted to make a visual record of everyday personalities in my life that reinforces my faith and love for humanity. I find pleasure in the photographic witness of simple and magnificient moments of nature as well as in the interior and dignified moments of human beings. This vision, this perspective, I want to savor for myself in a photograph and share with my neighbors like you.
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Question:
Hello Mr. Higgins as you can see my name is Pearlie Ronisha Magee my friends call me Ronisha. Anyway I want to say that I find your pictures or photographs to be interesting. I do have a question for you. I would like to know what inspired you to put a two story picture together of the African Diaspora? It's beautiful and interesting how the little girl is the main image but in little places over her face their are pictures of our African people its beautiful. Thank for taking time to read my question this means a lot to me. -Jesse Bethel HS, Vallejo, CA.
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Pearlie Ronisha Magee 02/14/2006
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Answer
from Chester Higgins:
Brilliant question. The captivating photograph of the Girl from Tamale, Ghana, used in the foyer of the Museum for the African Diaspora in San Francisco (Moadsf.org) is meant to convey how all of us in the African Diaspora are connected, one to another, in the divine spirit of the African Continent, personified by the quiet dignity of this young African child.
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Question:
I was in my doctor's office today (Feb. 13) and saw your photograph of the sledders in Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn on the front page of The New York Times. I fell in love immediately!!
I asked the staff for this page of the NY Times because I want to frame it. This photo is a museum piece....but I can't think of a place to showcase it better than the five columns cover of the New York Times Newspaper.
Sincerely, Pat Howard
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Patricia Howard 02/13/2006
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Answer
from Chester Higgins:
Art is wonderful when it moves you and causes you to fall in love. It's good to know that this expression of art which celebrates nature found a home in your heart.
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Question:
As a white home-town boy who knew you when we used to trade funny books with each other, I have followed your career with great interest. I was excited when I saw your book of photographs of individuals with great dignity and spirit that I respected and loved.
As a sociologist, I have a few observations. With your photographs, you visually captured the tremendous strength of people who had lived in a segregated society all their lives. But you missed the oral history of these people that would have shown how this strength was gained and how it survived. I know this because I spent many hours at Fourth's and Jewell's house talking to them. I can tell you why Fourth limped (a railroad tie fell on his foot while he was in the Army in World War I). I can tell you the insights I gained about Blacks and whites living together with the restrictions of a segregated society; and how sometimes bonds of mutual respect and financial interdependency transcended these restrictions.
My quest is, why don't you go back to New Brockton and document how the Spirit you photographed several decades ago has both survived and thrived? Particularly since you are a product of that Spirit. Madeline Smith and her children would make good subjects. A photograph Martin Luther King, Jr. Street would speak volumes both about how much has changed in New Brockton and how much remains the same as it always was there. Also, the media never accurately documented that some of us whites learned a lot from the Spirit of individuals like Fourth, Jewell, Shug, Madeline Smith, your grandfather, and others. I took what I learned and made a life-long commitment to civil and human rights.
Congratulations on a very special career, and may God continue to bless you on your life's journey.
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Theron Fuller 01/04/2006
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Answer
from Chester Higgins:
How right you are. I never knew that about the leg injury of my great-uncle Fourth. You have given me a lot to 'chew' on and quickened my desire to return home and document my aunt Madeline and my cousins. Perhaps, there's is a collaboration possible of my images and your oral memories.
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Question:
Mr. Higgins,
Thank you for preserving the esssence of my grandparents in your photographs. I am the granddaughter of George and Lettice Winsor. My grandmother has passed since the publishing of your works, however I often go back to your books in order capture their joyous union of which I am a legacy. I have given these books as presents over the years, probably as a subliminal suggestion that I am the reflection of their joy, love and celebration of family. Again this holiday I will make these books (Elder Grace and Echo of the Spirit) part of my gift giving. I intend to foster a culture of appreciation and connection to the hearts of recipients as you have so gracefully done for my family and me.
God bless you,
Lisa Jackson
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Lisa Jackson 12/01/2005
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Answer
from Chester Higgins:
The Asante people in Ghana believe that the family exist in three components: the living, the yet to be born the children, as well as the ancestors those from which we descend. Humankind is a membership society. We all have to be sponsored by a union of two. The Spirit of Grandpa George and Grandma Lettice stirs within your blood. What a gift to inherit and a blessing for you to pass on.
It's an honor that my photograph captured some of the joy that triggers the dearest of memories that only you have experienced.
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Question:
Mr. Higgins, your photographs capture the human soul in a way that I have not seen from any other photographer. I've been looking for your much celebrated, Muslim Woman in NYC photograph in poster form (someday I hope to be able to afford the print). After hours of searching online and numerous poster shops and museums, I still cannot locate it. This photograph touches my soul the same way that James Baldwin's A Fire Next Time did and I feel the same everytime I see it. Can you please tell me where I can locate this in poster form? Warmest Regards, Shawna
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Shawna Enright 11/19/2005
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Answer
from Chester Higgins:
Shawna, there is no poster of the Moslem Woman. Pomegranate.com has published large notecards of this image. A much larger size exists in my book, 'Feeling the Spirit: Searching the World for the People of Africa."
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Question:
Having seen your name many times in The New York Times, I had the good fortune of coming across your book, 'Feeling the Spirit: Searching the World for the People of Africa' (Bantam 1994), needless to say, I was very much taken by the images you've presented so beautifully. It is truly poetry for the eye. I am a photographer who has admired the work of Gordon Parks, Sebastio Salgado, James Nachtwey and Steve McCurry, and ofcourse yourself. Unfortunately, I do not photograph for a living. If you ever are appearing in the New York City area, it would be a privilege to meet you. I would value your comments on some of the images that I have made. Thanks again for your beautiful images and a great website. Yours truly, Alan Carp
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alan carp 03/21/2005
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Answer
from Chester Higgins:
Check out the LOOKOUT section, there you will find listings of all my upcoming events and public appearances.
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Question:
I have often heard it said that it isn't the camera which makes the photo but the trained eye of the photographer.
Recently, I viewed a DVD introduction course on digital photography. In the opening clip, the instructor made the above comment. However, when it came to him instructing on how to go about choosing to purchase a camera, he instructed, for professional work, to purchase a quality digital SLR camera. So is it the eye of the photographer or the type of camera?
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Mark Everett Sanders 03/13/2005
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Answer
from Chester Higgins:
The camera is merely a tool, a mechanical extension of the eye. The camera cannot choose where to point itself. Only your eye can make the decision where to point. It is your eye which determines the choice of subject matter, design, composition, timing. Your heart determines how you feel and seeks the help of the eye, to include it's feelings in the mix of visual decisions. Your best pictures often are pleasing to the eye and able to make the heart smile. Exactly what type of camera or lens you decide to buy should be based on how comfortable the body feels in your hands and how pleasant the lens feels to your eye.
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