It's Time to See Color: Interview with Roxanne Munson
Today we are chatting with Roxanne, DFP Education Instructor and author of the course “It’s Time to See Color”, available in the Learning Library starting May 2021.
“It’s Time to See Color” was created by Roxanne to help documentary photographers be more self-reflective and intentional about how they see and interact with people who do not look like them. To be aware of their own racial biases/prejudices that show up in their daily lives, their photography, and why. To explore ways of organically connecting with a diverse community in order to create meaningful relationships.
What is photography for you?
It is my self-expression. It is how I see the world and the people I encounter along the way.
What’s typically in your camera bag?
My Sony A7iii, extra battery, 24-70mm FE 2.8 lens, screen cleaner, extra mask, hand sanitizer, kleenex, keys, money, notebook.
From your point of view, what makes a good picture?
The moment. Capturing an image that leaves the viewer feeling something. I tend to love being left curious and wanting to know more about the subject.
What or who influences your work the most?
My children influence my work the most. I always want them to know they matter.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
The unrelenting desire to make sure people who look like me feel seen and valued through a non-voyeuristic lens.
What are you passionate about outside of photography?
Travel and cooking. My goal for 2022 is to visit Antarctica, my last continent to explore.
What’s been the biggest highlight in your photography journey so far?
Connecting with Polly Irungu of Black Women Photographers. Through her, I met a community I didn’t fully know existed. And as a result, it has helped me to branch out and really put myself out there creatively.
What are you currently working on?
A collection of images I have taken over my 6 years living in Mexico. I would love to publish a book and have an exhibition featuring my work.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice when first starting out, what would it be?
Being different is going to be your gamechanger, embrace it fully.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years from now?
I will be a published author who travels around the world doing photography workshops. My workshops will focus on how to connect with and capture images of diverse communities through a non-voyeuristic lens.
How do you decide when to click the shutter?
When I see myself in the frame. It could be an expression on the person’s face. Something they are doing that is similar to something I do. How they are interacting with others. My current mood. “When I look at you I see myself” is a statement I make when taking pictures. If I do not see myself in the frame, the image does not resonate with me
About Roxanne Munson
Roxanne Munson is a Black female documentary/street photographer. For the past almost 6 years, she has been living in Mexico City, Mexico with her husband and two teenage daughters. Her passion for photography started eighteen years ago when she became a mother, wanting to document her children. Her journey as a photographer has since evolved into working with individuals and business owners, wanting to be seen through a non-voyeuristic lens.
In 2020, she was awarded 9th place by the Documentary Family Awards for her Black Lives Matter photo. And in 2021, she was named one of PHmuseum 10 Black Female Photographers to watch. She also lends her voice and time to various spaces discussing diversity and inclusion.
Roxanne is an avid traveler who has visited 6 of the 7 continents. In summer 2021, she will be relocating to Panama City, Panama with her family.
Be sure to check out Roxanne’s course “It’s Time to See Color”, available in the DFP Learning Library starting in May 2021.
And check out more of her work: