In 2012 our family grew by 3. A baby girl, a baby boy and a brother. I'm gleefully blessed to have been surrounded by so much love this holiday season.
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Be My Witness
Saturday, December 15, 2012
I’ve photographed my fair share of small, intimate weddings. Some of them have taken place at client homes, small chapels or county courthouses. Shooting at these ceremonies can be a challenge to me (personally) simply because there is no one else around to distract my presence. I try to minimize that. What I do love about quaint ceremonies is that I get the chance to focus more on the couple’s expressions instead of guests’ reactions.
I was drawn to this image because of the despondent gaze of the bride. I thought that she might not approve of the union. Was she forced into this marriage? I also came to the biased assumption that the photo was taken at a home or studio with no one else in attendance. There actually could have been an audience, although traditionally the minister would have faced the guests and not a wall. I couldn’t figure out if the children belonged to the couple or to the man standing behind them. Was the man a witness or possibly the bride’s father? Perhaps the children are siblings of the bride and/or groom.
Until the abolition of slavery in 1865, marriage between slaves was not officially recognized. This photo was taken in 1908.
Based on my comments above and your own observations, what factors do you feel could have influenced this union?
-Ross Oscar Knight
Share your comments at: 50 Shades of Black Website
For updates "like us" at: http://www.facebook.com/50shadesblack
The series was inspired by the contemporary images of 50 SHADES OF BLACK special contributor and fusion/destination wedding photographer Ross Oscar Knight.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
South African and Indian Wedding Rituals
Friday, December 14, 2012
Face painting and body painting has taken place in different cultures for thousands of years. The reasons (however, not limited to) vary from beautification, to religious ceremonies, to entertainment, to political affiliation, to camouflage, to sports and to statements about society. In some cultures face and body painting advocates a shared collective identity while others see “makeup” as a way to differentiate one from a group.
In the Indian culture, the beautification ritual for the bride is called the Pithi. A yellow paste made of chickpea flour, turmeric, rose water, and other ingredients is applied to the bride’s skin. The paste is supposed to even out the skin tone as well as make it glow. Some grooms have this paste applied as well.
After looking at these two images, what do you notice? Independently and as a set, what do these images speak to you about culture, history, skin tone, sexuality, identity…and yourself?
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
-Ross Oscar Knight
Share your comments at: 50 Shades of Black Website
For updates "like us" at: http://www.facebook.com/50shadesblack
The series was inspired by the contemporary images of 50 SHADES OF BLACK special contributor and fusion/destination wedding photographer Ross Oscar Knight.
*LOVE AND MARRIAGE: A New Series by 50 SHADES OF BLACK - a project exploring sexuality and the complexity of skin tone in the shaping of identity.
- Title Image 1: Union of South Africa
- Date Created/Published: Aprl 1950
- Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White
- Repository: LIFE
- Title Image 2: Indian Kathakali Dancer Cochin
- Date Created/Published: December 2011
- Photographer: Ross Oscar Knight
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Parasol: Shielding Sun and The Complexity of Skin Tone
Thursday, December 13, 2012
- Set 1 of 10 Images: Contemporary Photographer Ross Oscar Knight Converses with History and “sheds light” on identity.
From French parasol, from Italian parasole, from para- (“to shield”) + sole (“sun”)
A parasol is a light, small umbrella that is used (typically by women) for protection from the sun. It is made of various fabrics, from cotton to silk. The first parasols are recorded to have been made nearly 5,000 years ago in the East Indies. In the 16th century the parasol was introduced to Europe by way of the Italian renaissance.
“The parasol is most often thought of with Victorian society in England and the U.S. Perhaps the chief reason for its popularity at the time was the Victorian admiration (or obsession) for a fair complexion. It was more than a sign of beauty; it proved to the world that a woman was a lady, who didn’t have to work outdoors like ‘common’ females did.” (quoting Sara’s Parasol’s)
In the 1920’s, parasols lost popularity when skin tanning became more accepted for status symbols. Darker skin in some cultures proved that one had the free time to stay at the beach or on vacation indefinitely. Not until the 1990’s did increased awareness about skin cancer and harsh UV rays bring a resurgence of taking better care of one’s skin.
Today, many brides carry parasols for fashion while some still use the umbrellas as an elegant accessory for sun protection.
The image I took in Savannah in 2009 shows a bride leading her bridesmaids through a moss tree filled park. The parasols are being used as a fashion statement and coordinate with the bride’s flowers and the bridesmaid’s dresses.
After looking at these two images, what do you notice? What does this image speak to you about love, marriage, skin tone, status, history, identity…and yourself.
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
-Ross Oscar Knight
Share your comments at: 50 Shades of Black Website
For updates "like us" at: http://www.facebook.com/50shadesblack
The series was inspired by the contemporary images of 50 SHADES OF BLACK special contributor and fusion/destination wedding photographer Ross Oscar Knight.
*LOVE AND MARRIAGE: A New Series by 50 SHADES OF BLACK - a project exploring sexuality and the complexity of skin tone in the shaping of identity.
- Title Image 1: Carrying bride to home of bridegroom, Chosen (Korea)
- Date Created/Published: c1919 Dec. 18.
- Medium: 1 photographic print on stereo card : stereograph.
- Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
- Title Image 2: Bride and Bridesmaids in Savannah, GA
- Date Created/Published: July 25, 2009
- Medium: Digital
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The Mail Person Mistake - Who is Your Daddy?
Saturday, December 8, 2012
I saw our mail person (mp) today at the house and this was our exchange:
mp: Hi, how are you today.
me: I'm well. I think I have a package that arrived.
mp: Ok. Are you related to Brandi? She just had a baby, you know.
me: I do know.
mp: That baby is cute.
me: Yep. I think so.
mp: You know, I can give you the package. You look like Brandi's brother. The baby favors you too.
me: I have 5 sisters and Brandi is not one of them.
mp: No way
me: Yes way.
mp: (hands me the package) so who are you?
me: I'm Brandi's husband and the baby's father. Have a great day.
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Ross Oscar Knight India Exhibit Featured by Uptown Magazine
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
My opening reception is featured on Uptown Magazine's site! Thanks Photoman Paras for the shots.
Check it out here: http://uptownmagazine.com/clique/ross-oscar-knight-exhibit/
Check it out here: http://uptownmagazine.com/clique/ross-oscar-knight-exhibit/
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
The Billowing Veil at the NYLO Hotel by Ross Oscar Knight
Monday, December 3, 2012
Lionel and Alanna @ NYLO Hotel in Irving, TX
It was a breezy day, so much so that while we were outside the bride's veil blew off of her head and over the bridal party! Planner extraordinaire, Marion Marshall, was there to diffuse the situation.
It was a breezy day, so much so that while we were outside the bride's veil blew off of her head and over the bridal party! Planner extraordinaire, Marion Marshall, was there to diffuse the situation.
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A Love Like This by Ross Oscar Knight
Monday, November 26, 2012
Christopher and Myra @ Southern Oaks in New Orleans
As soon as I saw these stairs the day before the wedding I knew I had to shoot this image. Before the couple departed the reception, I snuck up 2 flights of the stairs and had my team to lure the couple (unknowingly) into position. Perfect! As I was editing tonight I felt that converting the photo to black and white gave it a classic feel. Your thoughts?
As soon as I saw these stairs the day before the wedding I knew I had to shoot this image. Before the couple departed the reception, I snuck up 2 flights of the stairs and had my team to lure the couple (unknowingly) into position. Perfect! As I was editing tonight I felt that converting the photo to black and white gave it a classic feel. Your thoughts?
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
Like Daddy Like Addy
Friday, November 16, 2012
I'm back from Ghana after a week and now adoring my baby girl. I bought her a jersey for a gift!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
From America to Africa: Intimate Access to the Funeral of Rev. Dr. Christiana Darko
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
I was hired by the Darko Family and given unlimited access to document the four day funeral of their matriarch, Rev. Dr. Christiana Darko. She and her husband, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Darko, have positively impacted education, religion, medicine, agriculture and the Ghanaian economy on an international level. The official services started in Houston, TX with the final burial rites concluding in Kumasi, Ghana. Thousands paid their respects including the current president of Ghana, interdenominational spiritual leaders, tribal chiefs and kings, political dignitaries, extended family, church members, and friends.
I believe we all have a longing for community and a deep sense of emotional connection. This assignment became very personal to me after I spent time getting to know the members of the family and sharing in their joy and sadness. I spent time at the Darko home listening to stories relayed by relatives about the 60's up until the present day. The invitation to learn allowed me to be present in the moment as both participant and observer. A Naturalist, in fact. I was reminded of my feelings last year in California when I attended the funeral of a man I did not know.
I will do a full re-post after editing the hundreds of images from the past two weeks.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
EVERYDAY LIFE INDIA: Opening Reception Success!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
My Everyday Life India
photo exhibition kicked-off its near month long run with a wildly
successful opening reception on Friday, November 2. Over 250 guests
mingled, tasted traditional appetizers from India, and enjoyed
entertainment by DJ Teek and belly dancer, Dilara.
I had a great time interacting with art enthusiasts, Daily Candy followers, couples out for date night, and both old and new friends. The positive energy radiated as I received feedback on my work in person. Even a five-year-old gave me his thoughts on his favorite print.
It was a humbling experience to be surrounded by members of Atlanta's Indian Community. One of the most profound moments in the show for me was speaking to an Indian woman who told me, "I grew up in India but these images have awakened my spirit in such a way to view the beauty of my country. I feel alive."
A huge thank you to the people who helped make this event a success. First, to my beautiful wife, Brandi, who is so patient and gracious to allow me to continue to explore and create art. I am continually grateful for her support in such a busy time, especially with so much happening and with the birth of our first child, 2 month old Addison. Thank you to my family who attendeded and also helped work the event, my sisters Krystal, Raschelle, and Sherrell as well as my brother, Michael. A huge thank you to my friends, Cliff Robinson and Paras Griffin, for capturing the occasion as well. I am so lucky to have such a supportive staff, Tara and Sakeenah, who worked tirelessly to get us prepared.
I would sincerely like to thank the vendors that made this event so highly successful. Thank you to KIS(cubed) events and S3 Catering for the delicious authentic Indian cuisine. Thank you to DJ Teek and belly dancer, Dilara, for the fantastic entertainment. The coordination of talent was by Nadira Merali of Envi Event Planning. The fabulous decor was provided by Ragini Patel with Weddings InStyle and lighting provided by Active Production and Design.
Don't forget, I am giving away a FREE, yes free, fine art print of the Taj Mahal. Find out how to win by visiting my blog post.
Everyday Life India runs through November 21, 2012, so be sure to check it out and invite your friends. You can visit the KNIGHT Gallery, Wednesday thru Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Or by appointment. For directions/map CLICK HERE
I had a great time interacting with art enthusiasts, Daily Candy followers, couples out for date night, and both old and new friends. The positive energy radiated as I received feedback on my work in person. Even a five-year-old gave me his thoughts on his favorite print.
It was a humbling experience to be surrounded by members of Atlanta's Indian Community. One of the most profound moments in the show for me was speaking to an Indian woman who told me, "I grew up in India but these images have awakened my spirit in such a way to view the beauty of my country. I feel alive."
A huge thank you to the people who helped make this event a success. First, to my beautiful wife, Brandi, who is so patient and gracious to allow me to continue to explore and create art. I am continually grateful for her support in such a busy time, especially with so much happening and with the birth of our first child, 2 month old Addison. Thank you to my family who attendeded and also helped work the event, my sisters Krystal, Raschelle, and Sherrell as well as my brother, Michael. A huge thank you to my friends, Cliff Robinson and Paras Griffin, for capturing the occasion as well. I am so lucky to have such a supportive staff, Tara and Sakeenah, who worked tirelessly to get us prepared.
I would sincerely like to thank the vendors that made this event so highly successful. Thank you to KIS(cubed) events and S3 Catering for the delicious authentic Indian cuisine. Thank you to DJ Teek and belly dancer, Dilara, for the fantastic entertainment. The coordination of talent was by Nadira Merali of Envi Event Planning. The fabulous decor was provided by Ragini Patel with Weddings InStyle and lighting provided by Active Production and Design.
Don't forget, I am giving away a FREE, yes free, fine art print of the Taj Mahal. Find out how to win by visiting my blog post.
Everyday Life India runs through November 21, 2012, so be sure to check it out and invite your friends. You can visit the KNIGHT Gallery, Wednesday thru Saturday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Or by appointment. For directions/map CLICK HERE
For more information or media inquiries, call 404.313.0875 or email tara@rossoscarknight.com.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
KNIGHT Giveaway - Win a Print from the "Everyday Life: India" Exhibit!
Friday, November 2, 2012
How would you like a FREE fine
art print of the Taj Mahal taken by me?
Yes, that's right, I'm giving away a 7 1/2 x 11 Hahnemuhle Cotton Rag Archival Print to one lucky person who visits my Everyday Life: India Exhibit at the KNIGHT Gallery anytime from November 2 to November 21, 2012.
-->
How to Enter:
1. Swing by Exhibit anytime from this Friday, November 2, 2012 to
November 21, 2012
2. Take a photo of yourself with your favorite piece at the KNIGHT Gallery
3. Load your photo to Instagram with the following information: #love
@RossOscarKnight #ATL #Photography #photooftheday
4. Send it out through Twitter!
That's only 4 easy steps to win a fine art print from KNIGHT Gallery!
Terms: No payment or purchase necessary to enter or win. One Winner
will be randomly selected and will be notified by email and/or direct
message on Twitter. We will also announce the winner on Twitter,
Facebook, and here on the blog. Winner has 3 days to respond, or
another winner will be chosen. Shipping is FREE to the Continental US
only. For other countries, you are responsible for Shipping and
Handling. High Quality Premium Fine Art Paper Prints Unframed and
Unmatted. Print is signed on the back and includes a Certificate of
Authenticity. Artwork will be sent in a sturdy tube. All copyrights
remain to Ross Oscar Knight. You must be at least 18 years old
to win. Contest begins at 6:00p Eastern Time on November 2, 2012 and
ends November 21 at Noon. All entries must be received by 11:59 AM ET
on November 21, 2012. Your privacy is protected, we will never share
your information. Read our "Privacy Policy".
Yes, that's right, I'm giving away a 7 1/2 x 11 Hahnemuhle Cotton Rag Archival Print to one lucky person who visits my Everyday Life: India Exhibit at the KNIGHT Gallery anytime from November 2 to November 21, 2012.
-->
How to Enter:
1. Swing by Exhibit anytime from this Friday, November 2, 2012 to
November 21, 2012
2. Take a photo of yourself with your favorite piece at the KNIGHT Gallery
3. Load your photo to Instagram with the following information: #love
@RossOscarKnight #ATL #Photography #photooftheday
4. Send it out through Twitter!
That's only 4 easy steps to win a fine art print from KNIGHT Gallery!
Terms: No payment or purchase necessary to enter or win. One Winner
will be randomly selected and will be notified by email and/or direct
message on Twitter. We will also announce the winner on Twitter,
Facebook, and here on the blog. Winner has 3 days to respond, or
another winner will be chosen. Shipping is FREE to the Continental US
only. For other countries, you are responsible for Shipping and
Handling. High Quality Premium Fine Art Paper Prints Unframed and
Unmatted. Print is signed on the back and includes a Certificate of
Authenticity. Artwork will be sent in a sturdy tube. All copyrights
remain to Ross Oscar Knight. You must be at least 18 years old
to win. Contest begins at 6:00p Eastern Time on November 2, 2012 and
ends November 21 at Noon. All entries must be received by 11:59 AM ET
on November 21, 2012. Your privacy is protected, we will never share
your information. Read our "Privacy Policy".
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
Childlike Perspectives on My Exhibit - Everyday Life: India
Thursday, November 1, 2012
When
we are children, at just two feet tall, for many of us the enormity of our
surroundings is magical and amazing (Just return to your grade school
playground’s monkey bars and you will get the picture). We not only dream big
but we are fascinated by something as simple as a sun flare through an old
window. We are intrigued by the role ants play with building a hill and
protecting their queen or how an astronaut survives in outer space. As we get
older, life becomes familiar; we even become desensitized to our potential by
our mundane jobs and the biased mainstream media.
I
first traveled to India in 2009 to photograph a Haitian and Indian fusion
wedding. My curiosity kept me shooting there for three weeks in Tamil Nadu.
Although the wedding was the impetus for my initial voyage to India, when I
returned to Atlanta, I felt as if I had barely scratched the surface of some
sort of cultural understanding. I was determined to go back one day more
educated, prepared and mobile. I was burning inside to communicate more clearly
with the people and to connect with them. Alas, two years later I was given an
opportunity to return to the country. There was a big learning curve that I
needed to overcome and my preparation made the encounters so much more
valuable. My photography would become secondary to my understanding.
Honoring
my former Indian clients and learning more by immersion, I headed to India
again in 2011 for a month to explore Gujarat, Rajasthan, New Delhi and
Kerala. I left my wife and family behind during one of our most cherished
holidays spent together: Thanksgiving. Instead of staying in a hotel, I opted
to practice my participant observation techniques by rooming at the home of my
clients’ grandparents in Vadodara. Becoming an intimate part of my host family’s
daily lives allowed me to witness the religious practices and customs of a
traditional Hindu family. After gaining a level of trust, I asked the children
in the home to translate useful phrases into Hindi. I insisted on helping with
chores and aiding in the preparation of meals. I was a guest but I wanted to
pull my weight and show my appreciation for this gift of hospitality.
To
the concern of everyone in the home, I went running every morning around the
neighborhood (I was still on a high from completing the NYC Marathon 2 weeks
earlier.) I figured out why after my first trek because I was chased by a pack
of dogs, almost run over by a herd of cows, and I was asked by locals if
someone had robbed me! Initially, I left my camera on these runs so that I
could do field research, but there were blank stares by pedestrians as I made
my way up a crowded street. I was obviously not blending in at all. On my
second run, my airways became so clogged with smog that I resorted to wearing a
scarf around my face. This time, no one noticed me. After my third trek, I
decided to start walking fast rather than running slow. An aunt of the host
family gave me a large stick to encourage balance and protection. By the end of
the week, her husband allowed me to join him on his scooter ride to get milk.
As he drove, we bobbed up and down hitting potholes; cheerfully I sat facing
backwards to shoot interesting compositions.
I
incorporated a child-like freshness into my shooting vantage points by sitting
on a curb or lying in the street. I even sat on broken bus stop bench stoops to
get down to the two foot level of my youth. This is where the power of
perspective occurred. I wanted to bottle up the vastness of my environment and
to capture my curiosity in each exposure taken by my camera. I carefully chose
the moments I froze. It was all about me becoming small again. Truly, I
felt like the reincarnation of my 80’s boyhood ritual - peering out of my
bedroom window watching the world simply exist.
My India Exhibition will be opening next week on November 2nd at our new Gallery Space! RSVP here: info@rossoscarknight.com
My India Exhibition will be opening next week on November 2nd at our new Gallery Space! RSVP here: info@rossoscarknight.com
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
Finally Revealed - Our Most Exciting Gallery of the Year! Belly Dancing, Food, Music and Art.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
My India Exhibition will be opening next week on November 2nd at our new Gallery Space! RSVP here: info@rossoscarknight.com
Come out and view my images from Southern and Northern India while sipping a glass of wine and enjoying traditional Indian food. To make the night even more exciting, we'll have a dj and a belly dancer performance!
My team has worked super hard to put this show together and I hope to see you there. I wouldn't miss it for the world!
Come out and view my images from Southern and Northern India while sipping a glass of wine and enjoying traditional Indian food. To make the night even more exciting, we'll have a dj and a belly dancer performance!
My team has worked super hard to put this show together and I hope to see you there. I wouldn't miss it for the world!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
Help Us Go to Rwanda!
Monday, October 15, 2012
February 2014 our team is planning a service trip to Rwanda to conduct a photography workshop with Through the Eyes of Hope (TEOH)! Our goal is to encourage and help Rwandan youth who are passionate about the craft explore the possibilities of becoming professional photographers.
We need your help!
We've launched our very first Indiegogo campaign to raise money for this trip. Please take a few moments to learn more about our initiative and donate if you can!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
Ross Oscar Knight Times Free Press Interview on Haiti Exhibit
Monday, October 1, 2012
I'm so happy that our current exhibit at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga is being highlighted this week. Read the article from the Time Free Press here.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
Fisherman (मछुआरों) Unite on the Indian Ocean by Ross Oscar Knight
Thursday, September 27, 2012
I am feeling truly blessed this morning. As of yesterday I have secured two 1st Quarter 2013 fine art exhibitions at the Alliance Theater (Woodruff Arts Center) and Emory University! More information will be posted on Facebook and when our new website is launched.
This is another image from the Everyday Life INDIA series opening next month at my studio/gallery.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
Repairing Fishing Nets (जाल) on the Indian Ocean by Ross Oscar Knight
Saturday, September 22, 2012
I spent 3 days near the Indian Ocean documenting the work of the fisherman. This image was taken early one morning while the net specialist repaired all of the holes from the previous day's catch.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
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