Everyday People / THWACPEP
How We Are
Connected.
The How We Are Connected Photo Exploration Project
People carry culture forward.
Portraits of performers and cultural practitioners open a conversation about heritage, expression and the traditions people share.
Photography by Tyrone “Zire” McCants
Zire Photography and Graphics
Selected cultural portraits
Begin with the person.
Look at the clothing, posture, expression and details each portrait holds. These images are starting points for the stories surrounding them.
Portrait / Context / Connection
A portrait opens
a conversation.
The image lets us look. The person’s story helps us understand.
What does a garment represent? How was a movement learned? Who taught the song? Questions like these give the photograph context and make room for the knowledge of the people pictured.
The project’s purpose
Photograph. Listen. Connect.
Photograph the presence.
Give the performer and the details of their presentation enough space to be seen.
Listen for the context.
Let the people involved explain the meanings, experiences and relationships behind what appears in the frame.
Build the connection.
Bring portraits and stories together so viewers can return, learn more and follow the work into its wider community.
Featured project story / Publish
Your Queens at Ten
African Royalty Brought to Life
Meet the organization bringing African royal history into public spaces through research, storytelling, music and dance. The feature connects its performances with the portraits preserved in the THWACPEP archive.
Participate / Document / Collaborate
Bring your story
into the conversation.
Tell ZPG about your work, community or event. Include your location, the people involved, the purpose of the project and any relevant dates.
Artists & performers
Introduce your practice and the tradition or experience you would like to share through portraiture and storytelling.
Discuss participation →Organizations & events
Discuss photography and documentary coverage for a cultural program, festival, performance or community gathering.
Request cultural documentation →Project collaborators
Explore a proposed exhibition, educational presentation or archive collaboration. Share your goals and the role you have in mind.
Discuss a collaboration →For print or image-use inquiries, include this page link and a screenshot of the portrait. Availability, permissions, credit and licensing terms are confirmed after review. Send an image inquiry.