Capturing change : The practice of Malian photography, 1930s-1990s

Abstract: This study follows the evolution of three distinct photographic practices in Mali. It focuses on indigenous photographers in the towns of Segou, Mopti and Kayes. The first practice beginning in the 1930's, is studio photography. The studio photographer brought his clients into an enclosed world where meanings were constructed with the help of props, poses and backdrops. The second practice is street photography and is associated with the a particular camera, the "pinhole" or "Gena ho gye" camera. Using this camera, the street photographer caters to the growing need for ID pictures. Finally in the age of color photography a third practice has developed. Scooter borne mobile photographers have adapted the practice to the new social habits of women and men in Mali.The study traces the historical changes in all three practices, looking at how technology and knowledge were acquired, how each practice was organized and analyzing the changing relationships between the actors involved.