The work of Malian photographer, Seydou Keïta, eloquently portrays the society of Bamako during its era of transition from a cosmopolitan French colony to an independent capital. His portraits, such as Father and Daughter, are extremely captivating because they manage to balance both a sense of formality and intimacy with his sitters. Through the use of multiple decorations and props, trademark backgrounds and striking poses, Keïta was able to produce some of the most outstanding portraits of our time.