Jean Fredericks facts for kids

Jean Fredericks (1906–1990) was an important Hopi photographer. He was born in Old Oraibi, Arizona. This village is on the Hopi Reservation, specifically on a place called Third Mesa.

About Jean Fredericks

Jean Fredericks went to school on the Hopi Reservation. Later, he attended the Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, California. This school was known as Sherman Indian Boarding School back then.

After finishing school, he worked as a mechanic. He helped fix machines both on and off his reservation. He also served in the U.S. Army to protect his country. In the 1960s, the Hopi Tribe elected him as their chairman. This meant he was a leader for his community.

Jean Fredericks' Photography

Jean Fredericks bought his first camera in 1941. It was a 35mm camera, which was popular at the time. He even built a special dark room in his house. This room allowed him to develop his own photos.

He became one of the first Hopi people to take pictures on the reservation. His collection shows many different kinds of photos. Some are candid, meaning they capture people naturally. Others are posed, where people stand still for the picture. He photographed his family and friends. He also took pictures of daily life in his community.

Why His Photos Are Important

Fredericks also focused on documentary images. These photos show real events and everyday life. They are like a visual record of history. His pictures have become very valuable. They help us understand what life was like on the Hopi Reservation.

Jean Fredericks once shared his thoughts about photography. He said that many Hopi people liked having photos of their families. They also wanted pictures of their celebrations. However, they often felt they had to be careful. This was to protect their privacy. He was happy that people were interested in his photos. He hoped his hobby would help others learn more about the Hopi people.