The Power of an Image — and the Mind behind It | Misan Harriman | TED

Summary

In this heartfelt talk, the speaker reflects on how the internet became his savior during a challenging childhood. Struggling with dyslexia and feeling out of place in an English boarding school, he found solace in online content, from music to film, which shaped his artistic journey. His love for photography emerged later in life, fueled by his wife’s encouragement and the birth of his daughter. The speaker also discusses the profound impact of social media on movements like Black Lives Matter, culminating in his historic cover for British 'Vogue.' He concludes by urging others to embrace vulnerability and advocate for change, especially for marginalized communities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The internet can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery, providing a space to overcome challenges such as dyslexia and neurodiversity.
• 😀 The speaker’s early life in a British boarding school highlighted feelings of isolation, being away from home, and struggles with a slow learning environment.
• 😀 Despite early struggles, the internet became a platform where the speaker could engage with content and discover their unique mind, particularly through audiovisual media.
• 😀 Music, films, and art played a crucial role in the speaker's development, becoming a source of inspiration, guidance, and self-validation.
• 😀 The speaker embraced the internet as an 'endless library,' where they could share artistic experiences and connect with like-minded people.
• 😀 An iconic image of Coretta Scott King taught the speaker that photography can have a powerful role in documenting history and social movements.
• 😀 The speaker's journey into photography began with a gift from their wife and was nurtured through online learning platforms like YouTube, illustrating the internet’s ability to empower individuals.
• 😀 The birth of the speaker’s daughter was transformative, teaching them to receive love and embrace the privilege of fatherhood, while their photography journey deepened.
• 😀 The global protests following George Floyd’s death marked a significant moment in history, and the speaker’s photography became a tool for social change and activism.
• 😀 The speaker’s work in capturing civil rights movements earned recognition, including a landmark achievement as the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of British ‘Vogue.’
• 😀 In the face of global crises, the speaker emphasizes the importance of empathy in photography and urges people to use their platforms to highlight pressing issues like famine and climate change.

Q & A

How did the internet serve as a 'savior' for the speaker during his childhood?

The internet provided the speaker with a sense of belonging and intellectual stimulation during a difficult time in his life. Growing up in a boarding school in the English countryside as a dyslexic child, he felt out of place and struggled academically. However, the internet allowed him to explore and engage with content that matched the way his brain worked, sparking a sense of personal empowerment and discovery.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of audiovisual experiences?

For the speaker, audiovisual experiences like music, films, and street poetry were far more than just entertainment. They became a form of education and emotional expression, helping him understand his mind and navigate the challenges of his life. These experiences allowed him to connect deeply with art and culture, which played a significant role in his personal growth.

What role did the image of Coretta Scott King play in the speaker's journey as a photographer?

The image of Coretta Scott King, captured by Moneta Sleet Jr., taught the speaker that photography has the power to go beyond simple documentation. It showed him that photography can be a tool for capturing pivotal moments in history and telling stories that need to be heard. This image, in particular, conveyed grace, strength, and the emotional weight of the moment, inspiring the speaker to pursue photography with purpose and empathy.

How did the speaker's wife influence his journey into photography?

The speaker's wife played a pivotal role in his photography journey by recognizing his potential and encouraging him to embrace his passion. She gifted him a camera for his 40th birthday, and her support helped him overcome his self-doubt. She saw beyond his struggles, such as imposter syndrome and anxiety, and helped him discover his artistic voice.

What is the significance of the speaker learning photography through online tutorials?

The speaker found great value in learning photography independently through online resources like YouTube. This self-taught process allowed him to experiment, make mistakes, and learn at his own pace. It highlights the democratizing power of the internet, providing accessible education and tools that anyone, regardless of background, can use to grow and develop new skills.

How did the birth of the speaker’s daughter impact his perspective on photography and life?

The birth of the speaker's daughter deeply impacted his understanding of love, vulnerability, and acceptance. As a new father, he initially hid behind his camera due to his fear of inadequacy. However, through documenting his daughter’s growth, he learned to accept love and embrace the privilege of fatherhood. This experience became a transformative moment in his photographic journey, as he began to capture more meaningful and personal moments.

What was the speaker's reaction to the global protests following George Floyd's death?

The speaker was deeply moved by the global protests after George Floyd's death. The social media coverage of the event sparked a sense of collective action, and the speaker felt compelled to document the movement. With his camera, he went to the streets of London, not knowing what to expect, and captured one of the most significant civil rights movements of our time. This experience reinforced the power of visual storytelling in raising awareness and promoting change.

How did the speaker’s photograph get recognized by Martin Luther King III?

The speaker's photograph caught the attention of Martin Luther King III, who came across one of his images and shared it on Twitter. This exposure led to widespread recognition, with millions of people viewing the photograph. This moment marked a turning point in the speaker's career, ultimately leading to a commission from British 'Vogue.'

What historical significance did the speaker's work with British 'Vogue' hold?

The speaker made history by becoming the first Black man to photograph a cover for British 'Vogue' in 2020, marking a major milestone in the magazine's 104-year history. This achievement not only highlighted his artistic talent but also represented a significant breakthrough for diversity in the fashion industry.

What is the speaker’s approach to photography in light of the current global challenges?

The speaker views his lens as a tool for empathy and advocacy, especially in times of crisis. He has used his platform to highlight pressing global issues, such as climate change and famine in the Horn of Africa. As an ambassador for Save the Children, he focuses on documenting the struggles of vulnerable populations, with the goal of raising awareness and inspiring action. His work is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to amplify voices that need to be heard.