Local photographer releases photo series for women’s month

Nkosilesisa Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
Local photographer Tinashe Moyo, better known as Tinashe Charleson has released a photo series, “Ethereal” in honour of International Women’s Month. The series features over 28 women from around the city, including radio and television personality Donna, DJ Liz Waldman and the members of all-girl group, Nobuntu.

According to the photographer, he titled the series “Ethereal” to celebrate feminism and the diversity of women.

“The whole theme was about women empowerment and feminism thus the name of the Photo Series, Ethereal which means delicate, exquisite and graceful. A celebration of strong independent and beautiful women! We also had quotes that got uploaded with the pictures which mostly described the image situation or the subject of the image,” Charleson said.

The shots which were taken over 28 days, feature different venues around the city, chosen at random as Charleson, a street photographer believes that use of the city’s original setting made the story of the image subject more visible.

In as much as putting the series together was a challenge in terms of finding people who were willing to be part of the series, especially since he was trying to capture images of the every day woman that people can relate to, Charleson described the entire process as a rewarding one, both professionally and personally.

“I would honestly say it was not an easy process, finding women or trying to convince them to partake in the series. However, that put aside, the rewarding parts is; I had the chance to meet very different and amazing women and had fun while doing something I love in the process,” Charleson said.

While few men would go out of their way to celebrate Women’s Month, Charleson, because of his close working relationships with women was inspired to work on the project because he felt a need to give shine to women with a positive message and mindset tagged along with the pictures.

“I work with women everyday and I still cannot get over their femininity and they do so much more than we men can. Women are incredibly strong and resilient. I would say women should be celebrated each and every day and not just three or four times a day of the year,” he said.

Shots from the series are available on Charleson’s social media pages. Charleson describes himself as an all-round creative artiste born and raised in Bulawayo. He has worked closely with creatives like Tafadzwa Gwetai and Gilmore Tee. Charleston draws inspiration from everyday stories and everyday people. He is a Creative Nestling’s Young African Graphic Designer of the Year 2016 Nominee.

@nkocykay