We were strongly discouraged from taking photographs of the displayed works in the gallery space. Instead, we were invited to invest our time in learning about the stories of the people photographed because each individual had interesting stories about how they faced adversity and became successful in their own right.

We were also invited to learn more about Timothy Greenfield-Sanders’ creative process by witnessing him in action via a virtual reality experience. Ample virtual reality stations, along with readily available virtual reality headsets, provided for this unique learning opportunity to see the master at work with his legendary subjects.

We were also invited to check out a replica of Greenfield-Sanders’ studio setting (lighting, background, camera format) while we think about what the idea of identity personally means to us. The kids and I had the most fun with this interactive experience because it allowed for us to actively participate in taking photographs of each other all while talking about how much thought and planning go into photo shoots. Greenfield-Sanders’ purposeful take on the studio setting — one light source, one colored backdrop, one camera format — forces the subject matter to be the main focus of the ultimate photo.

“Was this on purpose?” my son asked.

“Yes, it is.”

“Why?” asked my daughter.

“To show everyone that even in the same world, we are all different and we identify to others differently.”

“How?” they both asked.

“Through our cultural or national background, whether we are a boy or a girl, whether we like boys or girls as our husband or wife, or how we see ourselves fit, or maybe not fit, into these groups.”

“Ok, let’s take pictures.”