Banjara + I, Behror, Rajasthan, India

My friend Niranjan Rajput thankfully made this snapshot of the girls and I after the photography. The expressions say it all, especially that of the girl at the end!

In the beginning, this specific tribe is associated with a foundation school near Behror, Rajasthan. Later they move further away in order to remove themselves from the urban chaos and in search of their more traditional way of life.

This results in their children losing access to the foundation's school, one in which they are enrolled for about three hours per day, outside of their daily chores and work duties. While outside of class, these children collect plastic and so forth in order to sell in bulk later. They also approach certain people for donations in the streets.

As noted in Wikipedia, 'women are known to wear colorful and beautiful costumes and have tattoos on their hands.The dress is considered fancy and attractive by Western cultures. They use mirror chips and often coins to decorate it. Women put on thick bangles on their arms [Patli].Their ornaments are made up of silver rings, coins,chain and hair pleat are tied together at the end by Chotla.'

Etsy 

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Man + Baby, Rooftop, La Habana, Cuba, Summer of 2014

A portrait of youth is perhaps appropriate as the new year begins. This image was made as we were photographing a pair of familiar faces on the rooftop of their home. This young man was standing nearby and accepted my invitation to be photographed. All of a sudden he was carrying this baby and it all seemed so natural. They posed for four exposures, then he was photographed on his own.

Such is photography in Cuba, as people in general embrace the idea and even more importantly present their own creative thoughts. This makes long-term collaborations from chance meetings possible, as was the case with this image.

One day when visiting a young woman already involved in our work, a young girl was walking down the stairs and thanked me for stepping aside. I was taken back and asked about her to my friend's mother. She smiled and immediately knew which girl from the building she was, because of the physical description but even more so because of her manners.

A day or so later we received the good news that she had talked to her parents and that they agreed to allow us her portrait. This is the background to the image seen here, and the little girl's portrait will be shared soon.

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Light of Life, Series, University Campus, Izmir, Turkey, Afternoon of June 2, 2013

During my time in Turkey this past summer I met person after person each with an incredible enthusiasm. Whether this enthusiasm was directed towards an international meeting focused on patients with cancer, whether this enthusiasm was immersed in the craft of photography or whether this same enthusiasm was directed towards the art of dance... it was the same level of enthusiasm, pure and genuine.

On June 2 of this year I had the privilege of spending an afternoon with a special group of individuals. After a studio session we found a space within the campus for an hour of photography. In the middle of the protests in their city these young people gave of themselves without hesitation. They came to the university despite the risks involved during this time period, and have to this day remained in contact with me. They are an affectionate group and have my sincerest respect. 

The young woman above bears a most meaningful name, one that reflects her divine personality: light of life.

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Note: This series was made with a Hasselblad 555 analog system.

Monica, Daughter + Mother, Pan American Stadium, La Habana, Cuba, July 24, 2012

My friend told me about a young woman interested in being photographed and we decided to visit her at an event. She happened to be showing her modified car at a show in a suburb of the city, and we arrived in our own classic, although nobody gave us a second look. I remember feeling a bit funny when Alejandro parked his 1957 Chevy next to the pristine vehicles in the parking lot. While their cars were for show, Alejandro actually used his car as a taxi and a daily driver.

We walked up to her and introduced ourselves. She was very pleasant and introduced us to her husband as well, the owner of a well-to-do restaurant in the center of the city. It was at this time that the young woman above came over to greet us. She was a friend as well, and worked with the couple to whom we were just introduced. Her English was as perfect as her Spanish, and she was kind enough to use both to help me understand more so.

When she saw my work in the book, she was deeply touched... more so than most in my experience. She looked at each portrait with intent, continuously telling the others to see for themselves. She was impressed with the portfolio... but I was impressed with her reaction even more so. We offered to include her in our work and she jumped at the chance. We decided to meet the next day, pick them up at their respective homes, and head over to our favorite spot, the Pan American Stadium just outside of the city.

We arrived the next day near her home and waited for her on a corner. I stepped outside of the car to wait, and get an idea of her situation. She came walking down the street with a bagful of clothes. She was more than prepared, and all of her clothing was as requested by us, dark and timeless.

Our session was in the afternoon, and the sun appeared brightly for us. It was still early so we waited a little bit under the shade of a tree. The young women changed into their first pieces, and we began on the steps of the stadium. To say that Monica was a natural would be an understatement. She was a stranger the day before and now was giving of herself like a person intimately familiar with my work. She moved from one expression to another, but also paused just enough to allow me time to photograph.

She never complained about the sun, the temperature or the time needed. I worked with film and with the digital camera as well in order to give them a book of photographs later in the week. Monica would change to two more outfits by the end of our session, and allow me to make close portraits of her as well at another location perhaps 100 meters away. We worked for two hours and then headed back home, dropping Monica off at the same corner from which we found her.

Many adjectives come to mind when thinking of Monica, but the two most dominant are gentle and loving. She was drawn to the people in my portfolio and now has become one with them. I look forward to seeing her this July, and hope to further our collaboration.

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Halim Ina Photography

Mother of Student, Solar Lantern, Humana People to People, Rajasthan, India, November 14, 2009

On Saturday, November 14th the above image was made. The sun had almost set and we used the light from the solar lantern in order to enlighten the scene. During this trip we had spoken about making images of their other projects, and Humana People to People India supplied me with a wonderful team to help in doing so.

The local population was very proud of the various projects, from the solar lantern initiative to the farmers' clubs to the ecologically friendly fencing to the biofuel plants being utilized on their farms. In the instance above this woman was performing her daily chores with the assistance of a solar lantern. She was kind enough to ignore three grown men at the doorway while doing so and therefore give the foundation an image of their progress in the village.

With these initiatives the photography has grown, from making individual images to creating images of the family as a whole. The acceptance of this work has humbled me even more so, both from the foundation's perspective and that of the families. To this day I cannot overstate my disbelief that both would allow me to do so, and even welcome it. I hold this dear to me and will continue to do my best to shed light on their works, the least a photographer can and should do.

After this image was made, and a few others, we returned to our home base in complete darkness. This was the new norm because we were documenting the solar lantern projects... and therefore would return after the sun had set. Dinner would be waiting for us on the rooftop of the volunteers quarters, with water in an earthen vessel with a metal plate acting as a cover and a ladle as a glass. The food as always was spicy, and therefore more than a few ladles of water would be needed to quench my thirst.

At one point one of the volunteers made a remark that none of the previous visitors had eaten with them on the rooftop, even less have taken a sip from their water source. Guilt overcame me because I had purchased a water bottle or two during my trip for the sake of convenience. At the same time I appreciated his remarks very much, more so the looks on their faces. While they know that my life is quite different than theirs and resembles nothing like a sacrifice on any level, for this one moment they acknowledged my actions and this made all of the difference in the world.

I admire every single one of the good people working for their comrades under the flag of Humana People to People India. I have seen nothing but pride and dignity on their faces, where from Europe or from Asia. They work together to accomplish a common goal, incessantly and without reservation. They are to me the best humanity has to offer, I salute them with my work.

halim.ina@gmail.com
Halim Ina Photography

Eleanor, The Film Images, Downtown Los Angeles, California, September 16, 2012

Many will begin their viewing of these images with an opinion, few will be as open as Eleanor. Documenting this young spirit was effortless, since she brought her stories to the collaboration. Even before we met on this beautiful morning she presented her ideas to me. When one idea was complicated by a third party, she moved onto a second just as important vision.

When my schedule needed to change at the last minute, she changed her schedule around and made this collaboration possible. I am fortunate enough to have met many significant people in my life, and Eleanor is one such person. My years as a photographer will hopefully include Eleanor once again, and a chance once again to document her stories.

For more information regarding Eleanor and her various projects, please follow the link below.

Rooftop Revolutionaries

Halim Ina Photography

Kittie, Photographer, Model, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, October 8, 2011

We meet on Model Mayhem, she responds to my proposal as follows:

'We can talk and I may very well accept.'

In the weeks prior to our photographic collaboration, we exchange a number of messages detailing our thoughts. From wardrobe to location, she offers creative solutions when others simply freeze. She understands my work beautifully and wants to be a part of the family.

Instead of wanting this for herself, she offers to collaborate for the sake of the project. She goes out of her way to gather the clothes necessary, adhering to my request for simple and timeless pieces. She adores vintage clothing and has a closet filled with remarkable examples.

She invites me to her neighborhood for the session, and into her home as well. Her family is present along with her wonderful boyfriend. Before we walk in to review her selection of clothing, I talk to her father and boyfriend, sharing with them the reason for my interest in her. They wonder about my work, and have seen a bit of it through the internet. During our talk I show my portfolio to them, and tell stories regarding my work.

Quite naturally they are also curious about my interest on this day. They see faces in my portfolio from Ethiopia and Cuba and India, then look at the young girl across the table from them. To me she is priceless and this much is communicated to them. She is just as beautiful and kind as the people in my book. She trusts me in the same manner, and shows a respect that many others fail to share. 

She gives me the benefit of the doubt without having ever met me prior to this day.

We then walk into her home and up to her room, without hesitation and with the parents' permission of course. On our way through the house, her younger brother is present and is as confident as any young man from my experience. He greets me with a cool demeanor, and seems to be quite the presence in the kitchen. We spend some time looking at her photography, and then at some of her artwork. She is a creative spirit and this makes me very happy.

She is proud of her artistic expressions, and shares her work with kindness and humility. We then look through her selection of clothing and all of it according to my specifications. In addition to the simple black pieces, she shows me a piece from the Victorian Age as well as a few Mid-Century pieces. We are both very excited at the prospect of this collaboration and go back downstairs with our treasure.

The drive to find a wall is next, and we pile into her car for the search. It takes us less than ten minutes and, with the help of her boyfriend, we locate a wall of a warehouse next to a local hotel. The lot is spacious and empty, just perfect actually. The sun is still pretty high and we talk a bit before the photography begins. 

The portrait above is made with the first dress worn, and the afternoon flows as beautifully as any session in my experience. We communicate effortlessly and expose a dozen or so rolls before the sun goes down. I am beyond excited at the results and this past weekend have printed four negatives from the session. In my opinion I have found a young woman with whom to collaborate locally for a lifetime. She is once again priceless and promises to continue helping me make images as the one included above.

What else can one ask for? 

I can think of nothing else, and go to sleep tonight thinking of our next time together. 

halim.ina@gmail.com
Halim Ina Photography

Fatouma, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, Summer, 2005

Just today sixty rolls of 400 ASA film is ordered from New York for the upcoming Cuban trip.

On my mind during the order is the portrait of Fatouma above. It has been over six years since both this image and my use of anything but slower film. For this trip to Cuba, it is my intention to make images both in direct sunlight and in subdued light.

Since Fatouma's portrait six years ago, many visits to her home have been made and her portrait repeated. This first image is perhaps considered the easiest one for me of her, for she was a stranger to me then. Ironically as she has gotten to know me she has become a bit more shy.

Usually she allows herself to be photographed on the first day, perhaps in response to the pictures handed out and to the excitement of the other children. Then upon subsequent trips during the same two week visit, she becomes withdrawn in the sweetest of ways and goes about her chores which range from gathering water to tending to the sheep to washing clothes.

To see her tending to a dozen or so animals, all the while she is less than half of one animal's weight, is incredibly fascinating. She lacks fear and approaches each task without trepidation. She is a most confident young girl and asserts herself in response to either girls or boys. On my last trip, she denied me her portrait in the tradition of girls from the area growing up.

She however lives in my memory through the portrait above. I will still visit her as long as she will allow it. Perhaps one day I will photograph her daughter, at least until I am denied her portrait as well.

halim.ina@gmail.com
Halim Ina Photography

Panda, Friend, Model, Student, Cleveland, Ohio, States, July, 2010

Her name is Panda, or at least this is how we meet through ModelMayhem.

Our initial contact is a response to my casting call. She informs me that she will be out of town during that time and hopes my work will be extended to allow her a chance to be included.

The words that she uses are precise, direct and honest.

Panda writes: 'I love when people call me Sir, then change to Miss, then blush and stutter. I laugh a lot, but reassure them it's okay because they genuinely seem embarrassed.'

She reads the entire description and provides a response that is relevant to my work and brings a fresh approach as well. So many glance over the meaning of my photography while Panda takes the time to understand how she will bring something new to the work while maintaining a flow to it as well.

When asked about a similarity between her and the subjects in my portfolio, she writes:

'I think a similarity is obviously human. I find it funny how race is so emphasized, when in all reality we are one species, and race is a social construct. It's one genome. We've all seen our fair share, you can see it in the eyes and fine lines and markings.'

My work is clear to her even before meeting.

She arrives to the studio on time regardless of difficulty. We proceed to the rooftop and, in the span of a few minutes, she is ready to be photographed. We begin with close portraits and she moves from one pose to another, from one composition to another and from one expression to another effortlessly.

There is something about her; she moves with great delicacy and intent. She knows when it is time to show another face, another facet of her personality. Even though the sun is striking her with sufficient strength, she calmly gives me half an hour before we make portraits in another style.

The three images above are from this initial series.

Even before this session, Panda kindly accepts the thought of being photographed over a span of a few times. She feels that perhaps we can produce a more complete body of work given the benefit of a few sessions. Her patience with me and my work is extraordinary.

Last night she received the images from six weeks ago with grace, regardless of the time taken to produce the work. When asked to use her words for this entry, she responds with the same humility and grace.

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Once a Stranger, a Sister Now, Studio, States, January 10, 2010

With Chris is Courtney.

This portrait is made during our second session, a result of happenstance.

While getting her dress together a few minutes earlier, a piece is accidentally removed by Chris, putting a look of a child in trouble on his face.

While loading my film, Courtney places this piece around her neck as natural as can be.

We end up making portraits for about an hour using this piece; the look of trouble on Chris' face is replaced with one of happiness.

This experience takes me back to the photography overseas, where the girls play with pieces of clothing while waiting for their turn. They see my reactions and then act upon them, noticing my attraction to darker pieces of clothing and exchanging between themselves those same pieces.

Courtney and Chris do the same in my studio, going back and forth. They act in the moment, share their enthusiasm with me and show me what it means to give without reservation. The afternoon turns into the evening, the evening into the night, all without notice.

We separate only to join again next weekend.

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Once a Stranger, a Brother Now, Studio, States, January 10, 2010

He comes along with Courtney the first time to my studio, makes himself almost invisible for the sake of the work. When asked to be photographed, it is with the joy of a child that he accepts.

We make his portrait. The sense of respect that he shows my work is immense, for he notes it in his every word. To join his brothers and sisters from around the world gives him an tremendous sense of pride, of happiness.

This is a man who has much to share with us; the scars on his body are reminders of such.

He visits my studio on two occasions, the latter of which results in the image above. This time around, he is less reserved, less shy. He comes prepared with a change of clothing, he has put some pieces together for the session. He reminds me of the children from my work overseas, taking little for granted.

He teaches me that such humility can be found on both sides of the ocean, in every land.

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Second time with Sabrina, Studio, States, December 27, 2009

This is her second portrait with me. Sabrina has supported the work from the beginning.

She allows her portraits to be shown alongside the ones from overseas, allows her photograph to be sold with the proceeds going to the foundations. She asks for nothing in return.

She lives over one and a half hours away and comes to my studio without making a fuss. She shows up for the benefit in the cold, snowy night and then drives back in time for work all with a smile.

Her portrait was taken with me to the Middle East and Asia this year. The girls loved seeing her portrait, loved seeing an American girl stand out from the rest. They so enjoyed seeing her art, her piercings. They asked many questions, usually in wonder that an American girl can appear like Sabrina, on her own terms and with such strength.

They loved the idea that Sabrina had seen their pictures, that their pictures were seen by people in the States next to her portrait. In Sabrina, they have a sister.

People always ask: How can I make a difference?

I point to Sabrina's portrait. It is that simple.

She is a model and gives of her talent.

There is little need to write more.

Some have much more and give much less.