IN 1957, Frank Phillip Rowe and I were among six photographers identified by Martin Renalls, head of the Jamaica Film Unit, for employment. Frank, however, changed his mind and opened the Frank Rowe Photo Studio on Molynes Road.
We had worked together before then in the days when we charged a sixpence for a photo and one shilling for an enlargement.
Frank, who was a first class studio photographer, concentrated on weddings, often transporting the bride to church in his white Cutlass Supreme Oldsmobile. He also did assignments for advertising agencies.
Our personal association strengthened when both our families were living in the same home. We were among the few photographers of that era doing our own colour photographs.
Eventually we both realised the value of formal training and at separate times enrolled at the New York Institute of Photography.
In the early '80s, I recommended expansion into videography, but after using a video camera a couple of times, he declared preference for still photography.
We both retired from professional work before his unfortunate passing from the result of a traffic accident on December 14 last year. His funeral was at the Boulevard Baptist Church on January. He is survived by his wife Carmen, 10 children and 12 grandchildren.
May his soul rest in peace.
Jimmy Lamount
Retired photographer
