So Much to See, So Little Time
Donation protected
BACKGROUND:
While recently visiting my family I realized they did not know the extent of my travels. More frightening is the prospect that when I am called home they may not have the time, or curiosity, to go through my thousands of images and share them. So I have spent this year compiling this photo/travel book and we will soon be ready to print. This book is for my children and grandchildren, that they may have some appreciation of my wanderings.
STORY:
I have always regarded myself as a traveler not a photographer. Consequently quite a few of my trips are not included in this book. Either I did not take many pictures or I did not preserve the film. Most of the film, slides, prints, and negatives from my early travels were misplaced and have vanished. I actually did not start taking photos seriously until my first trip to Mexico, in the 1980s. Consequently, my early trips to Salvador Bahia, Brazil, Haiti, Paramibo, Mexico, and my frequent Caribbean weekend hops were not preserved.
I have attempted to walk the line between a strictly travel book, and a personal ‘our trip’ presentation. However, we were there; we had the experiences, shook hands, ate the foods, rode local busses and bush taxis, and shared conversations.
This book attempts to focus on the people we have met, the profound experiences, and astounding events I have seen. To capture the images of children, alleyways, barbershops, street scenes, and families hanging out that confirm ordinary life and living is remarkable and valuable. I did not document many structures, edifices and such, except of course mighty Egypt.
We selected destinations and places that have authentic and long-standing ancient history. e.g. Egypt, China, Benin, Greece, Turkey, Timbuktou, Cuba. Secondly, I sought out places associated with my faith (Turkey - Paul’s journeys, Egypt, Old Testament world, Italy, Rome, places where history and Christianity join.
This book will hopefully offer a view for some who may not get an opportunity to travel. I hope to demystify and deflate some of the myths, and falsehoods frequently heard about traveling to foreign places. I want my children and grandchildren and future members of my family to know that we have been places and learned.
PLANS:
I am requesting funds to offset to cost of a first edition limited printing. Any amount is good. A table photo book of this size and type is expensive to produce in such small quantities. The goal is to then use this edition to find a publisher, who will produce this book in volume, and enable a wider circulation. Ultimately, this is a picture book that will benefit schools and libraries for middle and high school age youth.
I believe this book will provide an inspiration to many of our African American youth to imagine, aspire, and to travel. And encourage all people to dream bigger and of course go places.
Thank You,
While recently visiting my family I realized they did not know the extent of my travels. More frightening is the prospect that when I am called home they may not have the time, or curiosity, to go through my thousands of images and share them. So I have spent this year compiling this photo/travel book and we will soon be ready to print. This book is for my children and grandchildren, that they may have some appreciation of my wanderings.
STORY:
I have always regarded myself as a traveler not a photographer. Consequently quite a few of my trips are not included in this book. Either I did not take many pictures or I did not preserve the film. Most of the film, slides, prints, and negatives from my early travels were misplaced and have vanished. I actually did not start taking photos seriously until my first trip to Mexico, in the 1980s. Consequently, my early trips to Salvador Bahia, Brazil, Haiti, Paramibo, Mexico, and my frequent Caribbean weekend hops were not preserved.
I have attempted to walk the line between a strictly travel book, and a personal ‘our trip’ presentation. However, we were there; we had the experiences, shook hands, ate the foods, rode local busses and bush taxis, and shared conversations. This book attempts to focus on the people we have met, the profound experiences, and astounding events I have seen. To capture the images of children, alleyways, barbershops, street scenes, and families hanging out that confirm ordinary life and living is remarkable and valuable. I did not document many structures, edifices and such, except of course mighty Egypt.
We selected destinations and places that have authentic and long-standing ancient history. e.g. Egypt, China, Benin, Greece, Turkey, Timbuktou, Cuba. Secondly, I sought out places associated with my faith (Turkey - Paul’s journeys, Egypt, Old Testament world, Italy, Rome, places where history and Christianity join.
This book will hopefully offer a view for some who may not get an opportunity to travel. I hope to demystify and deflate some of the myths, and falsehoods frequently heard about traveling to foreign places. I want my children and grandchildren and future members of my family to know that we have been places and learned.
PLANS:
I am requesting funds to offset to cost of a first edition limited printing. Any amount is good. A table photo book of this size and type is expensive to produce in such small quantities. The goal is to then use this edition to find a publisher, who will produce this book in volume, and enable a wider circulation. Ultimately, this is a picture book that will benefit schools and libraries for middle and high school age youth.
I believe this book will provide an inspiration to many of our African American youth to imagine, aspire, and to travel. And encourage all people to dream bigger and of course go places.
Thank You,
Organizer
Samuel Spear Jr
Organizer
Delray Beach, FL
