Photographs My Way by Ronald Dean Corbin

In the fall of 2013, I ran into Ron at the Light Room photographer’s cooperative in Philadelphia. He was meticulously crafting some large-format prints for an upcoming exhibition, which showcasing a recent body of work that immediately captivated me.

The photographs featured isolated portraits of everyday people, yet these were not ordinary images. The subjects seemed to look out from the frame in a way that felt almost conversational, as if I could engage with them. The intensity of their gaze conveyed a profound sense of competence and integrity.

Intrigued by Ron’s work, I couldn’t resist asking more about the stories behind some of these compelling images. Being a man of few words, Ron invited me to join him on one of his photographic excursions to North Philadelphia. This invitation marked the beginning of a two-year journey—one that allowed me to get to know both Ron and his deeply meaningful work on an intimate level.

A Life Shaped by Experience

Spending time with Ron offered me a unique opportunity to appreciate and understand the consuming lifework of an artist who had lived through significant historical and personal trials. As an African American citizen, soldier, photographer, husband, and father, Ron’s life experiences provided a rich tapestry of expressive and humble backdrop to the events he endured. These significant experiences were not just personal milestones but also moments of historic importance, that informed his work with a deeper resonance.

For many of today’s youth, the decades Ron lived through are something they may only encounter through the lens of modern media. But for Ron, each decade felt like a lifetime, filled with changes that reshaped the cultural landscape.

Trying to imagine living in a segregated America—where one was told to drink from separate fountains, or prevented from eating in public spaces, using certain bathrooms, or attending certain schools due to skin color—is challenging enough for me. Yet these were the norms Ron faced, and these experiences granted him a profound perspective on the human condition.

Capturing Humanity’s Truths

Ron’s photographs are often moody and quiet, yet the images powerfully endeavor to relay his version of the truth, drawing the public’s attention to the field of humanistic photography. Far from being contrived or superficial, his images provide a thoughtful interpretation of sociopolitical dynamics. They reflect the symptoms of humanity’s selfishness and waste—elements that continue to shape the lives and cultures of our world.

Ron’s work focuses on what is never hidden, yet often ignored.

With each photograph, Ron’s intent was clear. The accompanying text, drawn from numerous interviews, served as a channel to directly express his voice. As I worked on the final selection of prints for Ron’s book, I became increasingly aware of the inherent biases in curating a collection like this.

What gets included or excluded is often subjective, and I realized that someone else might have made different choices.

A Reflection on the Transience of Time

As I approached the completion of this project, I was struck by the fleeting nature of the people and places captured in Ron’s images. Many of them no longer exist or are rapidly disappearing.

If Ron’s book accomplishes anything, it would be that these individuals deserve a chance to be seen and reflected upon, or else may we risk losing the entire value of the time, effort, and dedication that Ron has invested in his work.

Photographs My Way by Ronald Dean Corbin is available on Amazon.