A Boy from Tangiers, by Keith Goldstein

I made this image when I was a student. I spent the summer of 1980 at the American School in Tangiers, Morocco, studying Islamic history and general studio photography. I had many hours everyday to wander the back streets and alleys of Tangiers. Most of the other students had problems with beggars and children every time they left the school grounds. When I was by myself, I usually had no problems with children following me about. I had a big mustache then and given a few days in the sun, I blended right in with the locals. The only thing that gave me away, was my lack of Arabic and my camera when seen. I thought the people to be generally respectful. Of the many streets one turned down, there were often children playing about. Only stopping their activities when they noticed a stranger in their midst. This image is somewhat of a portrait of one of the many boys I encountered roaming the streets of Tangiers. I loved his shyness, his faint smile behind his shielding arm, his stance, and shirtless torso contrasted against the geometry of the steps in the background.

Award Winner: Photo of the Day | February 22
Award Score: 68 (Value 13, Clarity 12.5, Composition 18, Style 12.5, Skill 12)
Photo of the Day Award Category: Street Photography
Photograph Location: Tangiers, Morocco

Photographer: Keith Goldstein (Hamilton Heights, New York City, New York) Registered
Keith Goldstein was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1957. Keith was interested in art for as long as he can remember, with his mother being his biggest influence and supporter, encouraging him in his earliest artistic endeavors. Keith’s first connection with photography came about in high school when he was given a collection of photography magazines to draw from. Instead of drawing from them, he began to read them, becoming extremely fascinated with the medium. It wasn’t until he dropped out of college after his second year, and was working in a warehouse, that he decided on photography as a means to creative expression. Keith began studies at night school with David Attie and moved into New York City, receiving his BFA with Honors in photography from the School of Visual Arts. It was there, working with Tad Yamashiro, that he began to experiment with a more emotive way of expression. Wanting to explore this further, Keith went on to continue his experimentation with Carl Toth at Cranbrook Academy of Art. After receiving his MFA in Photography, he subsequently moved back to New York City and began, through a course of personal experiences, to unravel everything that he knew and was for the next 15 years of his life. Keith has been exhibiting his work since 1980. His work has been published in many publications including – ABC News Australia, Now Public, Flak Magazine, JPEG Magazine, File Magazine, Snaps Magazine, SHOTS, Boulevard, Mercury Records, Diversion Magazine, Cadillac Motors, I Magazine, Penquin/Putnam, Simon & Shuster, St. Martin’s Press, and on many book covers. Keith’s tools to finding his place and exploring his feelings towards the world have always been simple – one camera and a couple of lenses. “Being unencumbered does allow you the most freedom”, he says. Keith has been making his living as fine art photographer, a stock shooter, a corporate event photographer, and a photo editor.

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