Mariamma Kambon

I have worked as a freelance photographer since I earned my MFA in 2014. I collaborate with individuals, businesses, and creative teams to create compelling visual stories. My work - known for a blend of intimacy and artistry - spans portraiture, entertainment and documentary photography. Key responsibilities and achievements include: • Delivered end-to-end photography services – from concept development and on-site shooting to post-production and delivery. • Collaborated with organizations including United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, NYU Tisch, Penumbra Foundation, EnFoco, National Black Theatre, 100 Cameras, MIST Harlem, SoHarlem, 13th Street Repertory, Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago, Carifesta Secretariat, CaFA. • Built and maintained a successful solo business managing client communications, budgeting, contracts and marketing. • Consistently met tight deadlines while maintaining creative integrity and client satisfaction.

I traveled from Trinidad and Tobago to New York City to deepen my technical and theoretical expertise at the International Center of Photography (ICP), New York, NY; followed by a Master of Fine Arts, Art at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. Key responsibilities and achievements: • Gained proficiency in analog techniques including film photography, darkroom printing (color and B&W), and alternative printing processes. I fell in love with cyanotype blue and continue to work in this medium today. • Expanded knowledge of digital photography, with a focus on studio lighting, post production with the Adobe Creative Suite, and inkjet printing. • Continued to exhibit in both group and solo shows. • Enriched knowledge of the visual arts via MFA Art; conceptual photography projects; internships with established studios, galleries and photographers; attendance of lectures, conferences and photo salons; and by frequenting a plethora of museums, galleries and other art-related spaces. • In-depth research into two key projects: - The autobiographical, "Black Power, My Inheritance"; and - Strange Fruit 21st Century - inspired by the juxtaposition of sites of incarceration and ‘North Star Country’, the territory associated with freedom from slavery during the 18th and 19th centuries. • Explored large scale, multi-media installations and an amalgamation of text and image. • Gained experience with grant writing and proposal writing. • Strengthened art critique and critical writing skills.

Between my return to Trinidad and Tobago in 2005, and my departure to the United States in 2009, I founded and ran a successful commercial photography business. Having balanced a love of arts and sciences throughout my life, my passion for photography won out during a year-long stint in Brazil. Upon my return to my homeland, my passion grew into an obsession and eventually a secondary source of income. In June 2007, I launched my business to the public via a solo show at the National Museum of Trinidad and Tobago and became a full-time, creative entrepreneur. Key responsibilities and achievements: • Coordinated nationwide publicity campaign and solo exhibitions. • Developed client acquisition and client negotiation skills • Built and managed a client database • Built and managed a growing photography database and began the process of data redundancy • Recruited and supervised secondary photographers and assistants • Collaborated with organizations and publications including the Fifth Summit of the Americas, Bmobile, Caribbean Airlines, Unit Trust Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, Sagicor, Network of Non-Governmental Organizations for the Advancement of Women in Trinidad and Tobago, Tourism Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago; Collier, Morrison, Belgrave Limited, MEP Publishers, Trinidad Express, Trinidad Guardian, Newsday, Afrikan Option Magazine, Synergy TV.