Lebanese American Photographer Ameen Howrani Passes
Arab American photographer Ameen Howrani, one of the most prolific photographers in Detroit, passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2010. He was 69.
“Howrani was more than a photographer,” said Warren David, publisher of Arab Detroit, “he was an artist who used the camera as his paint brush.”
Howrani attended Brooks institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. Upon graduation, he worked at Walt Disney Productions for a year where he had the opportunity to meet Walt Disney. Howrani once said that his meeting with Disney had a profound impact on his life and career.
In a 2003 documentary shot by Geoffrey George, Howrani spoke about his career, “the camera is my badge,” he said. “I watched over 50 photography studios go out of business over the last 35 years, they come and they go, and I was the last one to think I had the staying power–and apparently I did.”
In that same documentary, he also spoke about his life changing experience when he traveled to Africa, “My favorite photography moment was in Africa being amongst the animals for four or five days, I felt very blessed, a great moment for me, I was very blessed.”
Howrani leaves behind his studio, located in the New Center area where he had a deep commitment to Detroit. His son Ara is following in his father’s footsteps and is continuing the Howrani legacy.
In addition to son Ara, Howrani leaves his wife of 30 years, Arlene, and daughter Ana (Joel) Howrani Heeres. Survivors include brothers Faris (Carlene) Howrani, John (Terri) Howrani, and sister Mary Catherine (Duane) Ashley, as well as brother-in-law Kenneth Yagoobian.
He was predeceased by his parents Catherine and Adeeb Howrani. Among his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends–Howrani is survived by the concert pianist and composer Waleed Howrani.
Howrani will be remembered for changing the look of photography in Detroit and by capturing the powerful faces of everyday people in a compelling way. He will also be remembered for his charisma and the way he touched people on a personal level.
At the time of his death, he was working on a book, a 40-year retrospective of his photography in Detroit.
A memorial for Ameen Howrani will be held on Friday, October 8, 5-9 p.m. at his studio. Remembrance at 7 p.m., with Reception to follow.
Arab Detroit