Untitled (mother and daughter in riding outfits, Houston, Texas) 1929

Paul Gittings made this photograph of a mother and daughter in Houston, Texas. While the date of the image is unknown, we can appreciate how this portrait challenges social norms through the lens of identity and representation. The subjects are formally dressed in riding outfits, complete with hats and tailored suits. Consider how clothing and attire can reflect social status and cultural identity, especially for marginalized communities. The choice to depict themselves in riding outfits could also be a statement of empowerment, subverting traditional gender roles and class expectations. This portrait also speaks to the importance of representation and self-definition. In a society where images of Black individuals have often been controlled by others, photographs like this offer a powerful opportunity for self-expression. They reclaim agency and tell their own stories. It emphasizes the emotional connection between the subjects, conveying a sense of familial pride and belonging.