Winston D. Munnings

The journey into Photography often starts unexpectedly, and for many, including myself, it began when I was just thirteen. One day at my uncle's house in South Beach, Nassau, Bahamas, I randomly picked up a copy of the famous U.S. National Geographic Magazine. Its stunning, iconic photos immediately sparked my passion for and fascination with visual storytelling.

My professional background is in diplomacy. I spent nearly twenty years as a Diplomat in the Foreign Service of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, briefly serving as an Alternate Bahamas Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C., from 1984 to 1986.

Throughout my diplomatic career, I have had the privilege of serving two separate tours at the Embassy of The Bahamas in Washington, D.C. My first term, from 1974 to 1980, was as Third Secretary and Vice Consul, a significant period following the Bahamas' independence in 1973, just six months earlier. In this role, and as the Embassy's Information Officer, I had the opportunity to engage in U.S. diplomacy. I helped convey important information and build key relationships in the U.S. Congress and Senate, which were vital for the growth of the newly independent Caribbean Island nation.

After a four-year break starting in 1980 from the Diplomatic Service to work in the private sector in The Bahamas, I returned to the Washington, DC Embassy from 1984 to 1986 as Second Secretary and Consul.

After that, I held other diplomatic roles at the Bahamas' Consulate-General in Miami, Florida, first as Consul from 1986 to 1988, then as Consul General (Head of Mission) until I was recalled after the Free National Movement (FNM) convincingly defeated the then-governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) during the historic 1992 General Election.

In 1993, amidst a rapidly changing political landscape and shifts in Nassau's government, I found myself at a crossroads in my diplomatic career. After much reflection, I deliberately chose to resign my commission as Consul General, even though I still officially held the title (post-elections), following my Recall that was a direct result of the 1992 Elections outcome.

The new Free National Movement government seemed completely unsure how and where to place me within its ‘Restructured’ diplomatic framework. This uncertainty about my role and future as one of the first diplomats to be posted overseas since independence, combined with the hostile anti-PLP sentiments after the 1992 elections, ultimately led me to step back and seek new opportunities that better matched my renewed professional goals and aspirations.

During 1980-1984 in the private sector, I served as an Assistant News Editor, enhancing my skills in news selection and editorial decision-making at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas. In addition to this role, I also distinguished myself as a radio and television anchor at BCB.

After a two-year partnership with the BCB, I freelanced as a Bahamas-based Correspondent for United Press International (UPI). During that time, I also worked as a Staff Journalist for The Nassau Guardian. This journalistic experience greatly improved my storytelling skills as a writer. Additionally, it deepened my appreciation for capturing moments through images, which was especially meaningful as an emerging photographer.

As my diplomatic career was nearing its unavoidable conclusion, I deliberately chose to fully immerse myself in photography.

This passion motivated me to pursue formal education in Photography, earning a Diploma in Professional Photography from the New York Institute of Photography. Additionally, I earned a Diploma in Applied Photography from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (A School of Professional Studies).

I now live a semi-retired life, but I occasionally travel on writing or photography assignments that interest me. I can be reached at [email protected] or by leaving a message at (305) 342-6668.

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This is a photo featuring Sports Reporter Phil Smith (R) on the news set during a Saturday evening ZNS-TV 13 broadcast in 1981. Https://bit.ly/4fSLm8Q

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As a photographer, one of my most notable achievements was being selected as the cover story and featured in the September 2012 issue of the prestigious London-based ArtFlow Magazine.

https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/447382

This award-winning photograph of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels (below) also received ArtFlow Magazine's Annual Editor's Pick for 2012. Https://Bit.ly/4cWbRrW

In 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, I published a 68-page Photo Guide called The View From My Window. It focuses on photographing birds at a backyard feeder. For more details, visit Https://bit.ly/3Wflpbf. & Https://Bit.ly/3Wflpbf.