Gifts From My Father
What is the “Gifts From My Father” Series?
Gifts From My Father is a personal project where I gather the stories of people with representations of gifts, both tangible and intangible that they received from their father or a father figure. I shoot a portrait and the guests are asked to write a short passage about the gift and its meaning to them to capture the context behind their story. The section below is an example. The portraits themselves, while in a series, will have different looks that complement the story.
Chris - Gifts From My Father
Our family has a rich Native American history. My grandfather grew up on an Indian reservation and was a member of the Oneida Tribe, which is part of the Iroquois Confederacy, consisting of the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk nations.
His love for his Native American culture and people extended beyond his upbringing. He enjoyed a successful career at the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Through his work and through the influence on his children and grandchildren, he continued to celebrate the traditions and customs that are important to our family.
Each of his four children received a handmade Native American headdress, and I was honored to receive his as well. It has become one of my most cherished possessions, just as it was for him.
Where did the idea come from?
I developed the idea during a discussion I had with my class about the role of mentors in life. I was incredibly lucky to have mentors, who took me under their wing, were generous with their time and shared their knowledge and skills from the time I was a young boy. People who appeared at critical points providing me with tools and experiences that I would need later. It had a profound impact on me as their presence and generosity shaped my life.
What was my experience?
I was a frustrated young artist when a neighbor with a darkroom showed me how to develop film and print Black and white photos introducing me to photography and a career. He was also an Air Force engineer and taught me about electronics and circuit building. Lessons I used when I lived in NYC and worked in Theatre. I had a Grandfather who was a carpenter and mechanic, Another grandfather who taught me kindness and supported me. The list goes on and on.
It goes without saying that there have been many contributors and I’m grateful to my Mom and other mother figures in my life.
For this project I wanted to focus on the gifts that we receive that are uniquely given by Fathers and Father figures. I’ve found doing research for this project that they are often tangible and very specific in their nature.
I have a gift that I’d like to share, how can I participate?
If you would like to participate in the project, please use the contact page and mention the Gifts from My Father project. Please also mention the gift and some background information. I plan to shoot the series throughout 2026 both in the studio in Hampden, MD and on location.
Are there costs to do this?
There is no cost to participate and all photographed participants will receive a digital image from the shoot as a thank you. Additional images and matted/framed prints will also be available at cost. Some participants have requested framed prints with their images to hang as an heirloom.
What happens to the pictures and my written captions?
My intention is to develop the series into a gallery show at the conclusion and eventually publish a book.