Framing Culture: An Exploration Through Product Photography

Photo by Karen Cigarruista

Hi! I'm Winny Sandvliet, a product photographer with Surinamese roots, just trying to navigate life in the city of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. As I venture into the world of blogging for the first time, I want to throw out an invite for you all to come along.

My photography adventure kicked off in 2021 when my innate curiosity about my Surinamese heritage peaked. Growing up in The Netherlands, my link to Surinamese roots was subtle, revealed in snippets through adults speaking the Suriname language and the heritage artifacts sprinkled around my home. This laid-back cultural vibe surrounded me without any formal lessons, and it is what I came to appreciate as an adult. Through product photography, I'm digging into the lively layers of Surinamese and black culture.

Back in 2019, I remember listening to Solange Knowles' "Almeda" - suddenly, she drops a mention of black molasses. Mind blown! As a Surinamese girl, I knew this product! It was used on hydrophilic cloths to clean/massage a baby's gums and in some cakes or dishes. “I felt so seen and represented by her mentioning this. The same goes for the Florida Water. I felt so connected to everybody black."

As we approach the close of 2023, the echoing words, "Black faith still can't be washed away. Not even in that Florida Water," resonate in my mind. Inspired by this enduring sentiment, I embarked on a mini-series, 'Still Can't Be…' In this mini serie I will spotlight three products intricately tied to Surinamese and broader black culture, all playing a role in protection against the evil eye.

Through my lens and words, I invite you to unravel these products' stories, backgrounds, and cultural significance. Offering a unique perspective into a world where photography becomes a bridge to cultural understanding.

Text by Winny Sandvliet & Norma Diana Stanton

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