Usimbgi Kwesamoi

This is Usimbgi Kwesamoi of the Datoga Tribe in Tanzania. Like the Maasai, the Datoga are a cow culture. In fact, this portrait was photographed in an abandoned cow barn, with the wind howling all around us. It is part of an extensive series of portraits I’m currently working on of indigenous tribes in Tanzania. I think she is stunning. I debated whether or not to retouch out the fly on her face, but decided not to. It was there, and well, it felt somehow wrong to do so.

Thanks so much to Tyler Northrup for all his friendship and support, and to Peter Jones of Tanganyika Film & Safari Outfitters  in Tanzania for all his expertise, experience and friendship. I couldn’t imagine doing this trip without them. Asante sana.