If there is one thing I have learned from Dutch culture, it is the Calvinistic one. "Act normal, then you'll be crazy enough" was something I couldn't shake for a long time. Although I am slowly but surely getting out of the yoke, I remain very down-to-earth in a Dutch way. So I don't let myself be easily fooled. In Surinamese terms, my head doesn't grow that fast. I myself add that my afro is already big enough.
Still, I can't deny that I was very flattered when Port of Harlem Magazine found my exhibition Bad Hair at its Best in Manhattan impressive enough to publish my story last year. Luckily I just got my hair cut because, to be honest, my head has grown a bit and my afro might be too much of a good thing now that the magazine is on the shelves.
Wayne, the publisher and editor of the Port of Harlem, called me after he saw the exhibition to say that he loved the photos and wanted to run my story. I was thrilled, of course. Now I had to answer some questions and send in some photos.
Now I have more than enough of her pictures but because it was my job as a photographer a picture was needed with a camera in hand. That was a problem. I only have a professional camera. Taking a picture of myself with a camera in hand was impossible.
After much sighing, struggling and sweating I decided to just take pictures in front of a mirror. That way the camera will be in the frame. When Wayne heard the story he asked in disbelief In front of a mirror? How did you do that? I don't see any reflection at all.
You need a professional for that, I boasted laughingly at first, but then I just explained it. I solved the SLR problem by playing with natural light that enters my room from different sides. Fortunately, it was a super sunny day and a flash was unnecessary. If you then place the mirror strategically and play with the settings of your camera, you will get there.
For now, I enjoy the fact that my work is being noticed and even more appreciated. Not because I want to be on all the covers, but because frizzy hair is finally starting to get the appreciation it deserves. The art and beauty of frizzy hair has been underexposed for far too long. It only makes me happy to put the hairstyles in the spotlight and in this way be able to make a positive contribution to the discussion about our hair type.