Blog - Page 39 of 41 - Joni Kabana PhotographyJoni Kabana Photography

A Visit With Mary Ellen Mark

I am still floating over a delightful one-on-one session I just had with Mary Ellen Mark in NYC. Her work has influenced me for many, many years, and I have the highest admiration regarding how she photographs people. During our time together, instead of fear or intimidation, I felt an instant bond with her. On Sunday, the day before I left, I received a call from her asking me to have lunch. We laughed about many things, and only talked about photography for a portion of the time.

I now have a few assignments. And I will return again soon.

I can already feel a great shift in my approach. My sincerest gratitude, Mary Ellen.

Images Seen in Christiane Amanpour’s CNN Coverage of Gaza

It is a very odd feeling to be sitting in a hotel in NYC and see my images in the background in Mercy Corps’ headquarters in Gaza. I hesitate to feel good about such a thing when the country is in such peril, but I heard that the images brighten people’s lives there. So I am honored to be a teeny tiny part of effort in that area of our world.

Here is what the Mercy Corps’ video/media director had to say about the photos:

You should know that Christiane asked me where the photos were taken and she really liked them–I mean she totally commented on them and she was not exactly forthcoming in praise on much! So huge kudos to you!!!! Now the hard question.. the country director here (who is an amazing woman from Gaza who ran the office through the war while 4 months pregnant and kept the aid moving…) is in love with your photos. If I left them here she would be incredibly happy. What do you say? GORGEOUS Pics. And know you just made the whole Gaza team really happy!!

And to think that I have a hard time transporting these huge images just through town…and they look like they made the trip all the way to Gaza in great shape! I hope they do brighten the walls during such difficult circumstances.

Here is a link to the CNN story

And many thanks to Pro Photo Supply for donating the printing of the images!

Organic Valley Shoot

Organic Valley continues to use my images throughout their ad campaigns and website. Here is a sample of their community focused, get-to-know-your-farmer ad work. Traveling to various farms around the West Coast was one of my favorite commercial assignments.

Urban League Releases State of Black Oregon Report

It was an honor to be selected to create images for the Urban League’s State Of Black Oregon report, released in July 2009. They used my images on the cover of the report, as well as in the body of the report. A launch ceremony will be held on July 27 at 10:00am outside of the World Trade Center.

Black and White Magazine Publishes Photo of Walter Chappell

I got the call out of the blue one day. Aryan Chappell knew that I had taken photos of his late father, Walter Chappell, on two occasions in the 1990s. Aryan had just written an article about his father for Black and White Magazine and requested that I include a portrait to accompany the article.

The article is a lovely account of a wonderful photographer, painter and brilliantly creative human being. Thank you, Aryan, for giving us a view into your father’s remarkable life.

We miss you, Walter.

(See more images of Walter, and how I came to meet him, on my website, 2nd page under “Projects”.)

Children’s Cancer Association: New Website Launch

The Children’s Cancer Association just launched their national website, using many of my images. It has been an honor to be able to photograph these families and provide precious imagery to their extended families and friends. Here is a sample page from their website.