Winston D. Munnings

Diplomat, Journalist, and Photographer

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The journey into Photography often starts unexpectedly, and for many, myself included, it began when I was just thirteen years old. One day at my uncle's residence in South Beach, Nassau, Bahamas, I accidentally came across a copy of the world-renowned U.S. National Geographic Magazine. This magazine's breathtaking, iconic photographs IMMEDIATELY sparked my passion for and interest in visual storytelling.

My professional background is in Diplomacy. I spent almost twenty years in the Diplomatic 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 1984-1986.

Throughout my entire diplomatic career, however, I had the privilege and honor of serving two separate tours of duty at the Embassy of The Bahamas in Washington, D.C. My first tenure, spanning from 1974 to 1980, was as Third Secretary & 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 work in U.S. diplomacy. I assisted in conveying important messages and building key relationships in the U. S. Congress & in the U.S. Senate, which were crucial for the development of the newest independent Caribbean Island Nation State.

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 & Consul.

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

In 1993, amid a rapidly shifting political landscape and evolving governmental changes in Nassau, I found myself at a crossroads in my diplomatic career. After much contemplation, I made a conscious and deliberate decision to formally resign my commission as Consul General, as I still legally held the title (post-elections) and, notwithstanding my Recall, which was as a direct consequence of the outcome of the 1992 Elections.

The new Free National Movement Government appeared entirely uncertain about how and where to position me within its ‘Restructured’ diplomatic framework. This lack of clarity regarding my role and future as one of the pioneering Diplomats since Independence, coupled with the toxic anti-PLP sentiments following the 1992 elections, ultimately influenced my decision to step away and seek new opportunities that aligned more closely with my new professional aspirations and goals.

In the private sector (1980-1984), specifically, I worked as an Assistant News Editor, honing my skills in news curation and editorial decision-making at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas. In addition to this role, I also thrived as a radio and television Anchor at BCB.

After a two-year association with the BCB, I freelanced as a Bahamas-based Correspondent for United Press International (UPI). At the same time, I was also a Staff Journalist with The Nassau Guardian Newspaper. This journalistic background significantly improved my storytelling skills as a Writer.Also, it deepened my appreciation for capturing moments through images, which was especially meaningful as a burgeoning Photographer.

As my diplomatic career was approaching an inevitable conclusion, I made a deliberate decision to immerse myself fully in the world of photography.

This passion led me to pursue a formal education in photography, earning a Diploma in Professional Photography from the prestigious New York Institute of Photography. Additionally, I obtained a Diploma in Applied Photography from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (A School of Professional Studies), a renowned institution known for its rigorous training and emphasis on practical applications in the field.

I now lead a semi-retired lifestyle, but occasionally will travel on writing or photography assignments if it piques my interest - [email protected] to reach me or (305) 342-6668 to leave messages

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This is a photo with 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 the most noteworthy recognitions I've received 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 capture of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels (below) also made ArtFlow Magazine's Annual Editor's Pick for 2012. Https://Bit.ly/4cWbRrW]

  • Work
    • Winston D Munnings Photography
  • Education
    • The Catholic University of America, Washington DC