‘Every Face tells a different story,’ (2011), Bo-Kaap, Nur al-Islam Mosque, By Sami Fortune...This is a picture of a wedding ceremony taking place in the second oldest mosque in South Africa at the heart of the Cape Muslim community in the Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town.
The photograph is anchored at the center with a handshake between the groom and the Imam or Muslim prayer leader conducting the ceremony. The groom stairs intently symbolizing the importance of the ceremony and perhaps he is staring into the future and imagining his new life. To his right can be seen the recoding lights of a wireless microphone with both red and green showing also symbolizing the precieved uncertainty at the outcome of this important life event.
To the grooms right can be found a guest with a look full of both emotion and concentration at what is unfolding before him. To his right the grooms English uncle (wearing the colorful pocodot tie) is truly fascinated, having never attended a ceremony of this kind.
On his right wearing an expression of concern and utter seriousness is the bride's father, ensuring the sincerity and legitimacy of the ceremony unfolding before his eyes.
Behind the Grooms cousin places his neck at almost 45 degrees to pear over the shoulders of the guests to see the important event. To his right however a younger boy another cousin looks in the same direction. Although still interested His folded arms symbolize he is prepared for a long wait... #samifortune #capemalay #bokaap #southafrica #capetown #islam #wedding #portrait