EP 23 • Thank You 2020
Show Notes
2020 has been a beast for us all. We made plans and the most high chuckled.
I remember buying the audio kit to start the recording process for the podcast. I bought 2 of everything because I knew I would be recording in person as often as I can.
Wrong.
After 3 in person interviews I had to immediately figure out a remote recording workflow.
Talking in person is great because we pick up on facial expressions. We pick up on body language and other details to build a connection. Over the phone, I improved o the art of listening. In several situations, the first time I speak with a guest is the day we record an episode. While I have questions prepared on my side, conversations often shift direction. And if I’m not listening I will miss a key moment in a photographer's life.
The best part of this process is the journey. It’s having an idea and figuring out how to execute it. Actually, I’m lying. The best part is the conversations I get to have with fellow Black and Brown photographers. That shit is dope. Because we are dope.
I get to build friendships with these photographers. Guests become friends. I get to build friendships wand kinship with other Black photographers. There is a common bond that we share just by being Black with a camera. They are trusting me with their story. They are sharing their struggles and challenges — their triumphs and victories. Their confusion. Their disillusionment with the industry. Conflicts with their family about pursuing their dreams. Stories about racism in the field, in the classroom, in the newsroom. Conflicts with their schools and universities about the context of their work. It’s too Black. It’s not Black enough. I don’t get it. Well that’s because our work isn’t for everybody. And that’s unfortunate because our communities are abundant with stories.
This year we published 23 episodes, releasing bi-weekly on Wednesdays. Some listeners have mentioned how muc they look forward to those Wednesdays. The episode helps with their commute or with their workout. That’s dope! I am glad you are finding value in the stories. There is no Black Shutter Podcast or community without the photographers.
The guests we’ve featured this year have accomplished great things. Our guests have covered every angle of the Summer protests in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others. The’ve won Emmy’s. They’ve become ambassadors for Fuji and Canon. The’ve photographed everything from fashion in London, protests in Atlanta and NYC. They've documented the NBA playoffs inside the bubble and family members who are health workers during the pandemic. They've covered the campaign trail with Vice president Kamala Harris. They were all over the funeral of Congressman John Lewis and on the set of HBO's Lovecraft Country. We are covering a wide range of topics and stories. It’s a beautiful thing to see. It's a beautiful thing to share. We are ready to push forward into the new year and share more stories with you all.
Peace.
