Over time as I have studied this picture of a young African-American lad, several things have occurred to me. At first all I noted was the economic poverty that jumps out at you from Oliver's photo. The lack of laces in his worn shoes, his patched pants, torn again in the patch, tattered jacket and his worn vest beneath, all express his poverty.

But then, something much more striking expresses itself. His hands with beautiful long fingers are holding proudly to that vest. The hat shaped, from a hand-me-down, to a style only a teenager would wear. His smile, honest and trusting, reflects being completely at ease in the photographers presence. He knew my grandfather was glad to have him as his subject, it clear from his photo. On a pedestal, my grandfather often used to photograph beautiful ladies, the boy sits proudly. Proud that Mr. Oliver wanted to take his picture. Do you see the pride? I do. I have to only guess that this young man often helped my grandfather around his studio. Hence the title "The Proud Boy" My Grandfather's Helper.

This photo is available in a ready for frame print from the original master scan sized 18" tall x12" wide. You may view the framed version of this print in the "Show" section of this website.