Biography
Photography found Errol in the 1960’s as he worked in the Civil Rights Movement in Chicago.
He found himself drawn to social documentary photography because it provides him with access to the daily lives, cultures, traditions, and events that shape the lives of his subjects.
In the 1980’s Errol lost most of the use of his hands due to motor neuron disease and he was forced to stop shooting. A decade later, his love for the camera was rekindled as he adapted to his disability through the diligent work of physical and occupational therapists.
In the 1990's Errol studied with documentary photographers Amy Arbus and John Goodman to further develop his craft and style of social documentation. The subjects he photographs are complex, as he often covers individuals who are challenged by physical, social, mental, or political disadvantages. Through photography, Errol reveals the dignity, humanity, complexity, and courage of people who many don’t think about in their daily lives.
Errol’s photography offers a glimpse into the trials of humanity and the beauty that flows out of perseverance. He wants to pull an audience into the lives of the people he photographs – not just to learn about their distinctive experiences, but to also see the human similarities that transcend imagined boundaries. In Cuba, Errol has photographed the Havana Santeria Community, the Cuban-Jewish Community, and an inspirational young woman with Spina Bifida. He has documented stories of war in Uganda, Burma’s struggle for democracy, and the orthotic treatment for disabled individuals in Coyotitan, Mexico.
Errol’s current projects include coal miners with black lung disease in Appalachia who have been denied Federal Workman’s Compensation benefits because of a corrupt Johns Hopkins radiologist and an unethical law firm. He is working with the Pride Center of Western NY State to document the Transgender Community.
Errol’s exhibits have been hosted by galleries from Buffalo, NY to New York City; Spartanburg, SC; Colorado Springs, CO; and Washington DC. His photos can also be found in the collection of the George Eastman House in Rochester NY, The Spartanburg County Museum of Art in South Carolina, The Burchfield-Penney Art Center in Buffalo, NY, as well as in private collections.
