To be the first requires the strength to break barriers. And the obstacles along the way are what build you up. There are many unforeseen opportunities that prepare us for our future roles. But the key is to recognize the lessons hidden in challenging situations so we can actually reap the benefit. Our guest in this episode has a diverse background in portraiture, sports, and music. She has worked in photojournalism in Massachusetts. She was a staff photographer at Eastern Kentucky University. S...
Aug 31, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 59
Having interests outside of photography only makes our voice more unique. Dont limit those interests, celebrate them. Those interests can shape our perception of the world, influence our craft and in many occasions, lead to our next paid gig. Our guest in this episode is a portrait and lifestyle photographer with over 20 years of experience His clients include The Golden State Warriors, Paramount, ESPN, MTV, Vh1, VICE, McDonalds, Burger King, Pepsi, and Samsung and many more that I’’ve left out ...
Jul 27, 2022•1 hr 33 min•Season 3Ep. 58
Tune in to Episode 57 where we speak with Chicago-based commercial and sports photographer, Marcus Smith, about breaking down his career goals into smaller steps.
Jun 22, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 57
When we work on large projects each person filters the phrase based on their own unique experiences. Ron Brodie understands that whether his role is to write, direct, or produce a project, it is going to go through his filter and his experiences will influence the final product. He is an independent commercial director and cultural enthusiast. His perspective is inspired by his Jamaican-American heritage and world travels. His client list includes Facebook, Spotify, Google, and Airwalk. He's wor...
Jun 09, 2022•1 hr 23 min
Tune in to Episode 55 where we speak with a Brooklyn-based documentary photographer Laylah Amatullah Barrayn about seeing the world from a global Black perspective. Growing up with a pan-African view of the world and believing she was part of a worldwide Black community, she used her photography to expand and explore the world's betterment.
May 11, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 55
Mel D. Cole is a self taught photographer with over 20 years in the game. He’s photographed some of the biggest names in Hip Hop and sports. He photographs nightlife, street documentary and more recently, photojournalism. During the pandemic, he transformed from a music and nightlife photographer into one of the most sought after photojournalistic reporters. Instagram Website
Apr 27, 2022•41 min
Tune in to Episode 53, where we speak with Los Angeles-based writer, photographer, and cultural strategist, Chérmelle Edwards as she discusses the complex and diverse world of coffee as a culture.
Apr 13, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 53
Tune in to Episode 52 where we speak with Tampa-based fine art photographer, Sage Causie, about the importance of photographing dark skin beautifully.
Mar 30, 2022•59 min•Season 3Ep. 52
Tune in to Episode 51, where we speak with Tulsa-based photojournalist Michael Noble Jr. about the necessity of developing a thick skin in the photo industry.
Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Tune in to Episode 50, where we speak with New York-based portrait photographer Keith Major about seeing the beauty in everyone, with or without the camera. He has photographed A-list clients for Sony, Essence, Cosmopolitan, and he has photographed celebrities Kevin Hart, Tessa Thompson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Tiffany Haddish, and Usher. In addition, he is the photo director for Ebony Magazine.
Mar 02, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Tune in to Episode 49 where we speak with Ghanaian documentary photographer, Francis Kokoroko, about the importance of sharing photos of your community. Black photographers have documented their communities for decades. Many of these talented historians have gone unnoticed. But now technology has bridged the gap, allowing photographers to more easily share images and stories of their culture. And the world gets to appreciate that beauty. Francis keeps a visual journal of his city called Accra Ph...
Feb 09, 2022•46 min•Season 3Ep. 49
Tune in to Episode 48, where we speak with Metro-Atlanta-based photojournalist and documentary photographer Alyssa Pointer about her journey away from home that leads her back to her home.
Jan 20, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 48
Tune in to Episode 47 where we speak with Los Angeles-based documentary and sports photographer, Joseph Louis Sherman Jr. about taking risks to gain clarity.
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Tune in to Episode 46, where we speak with Los Angeles-based video and photojournalist Harrison Hill about his upbringing in Louisville, Kentucky, having journalists' parents, and the importance of having a community of like-minded peers.
Dec 01, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Tune in to Episode 45, where we speak with Chicago-based portrait, commercial and unit stills photographer, Parrish Lewis about taking leaps, betting on himself, and answering to his calling.
Nov 17, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Tune in to Episode 44 where we speak with Los Angeles-based photographer and cinematographer, John Simmons, ASC about his upbringing in Chicago and his transition into cinematography.
Oct 20, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Tune in to Episode 43, where we speak with Washington DC-based photojournalist and protest photographer Tony Mobley about the importance of Black photographers documenting Black history and events.
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 43
In episode 42, where we speak with Portland, OR-based photojournalist, sports, portrait, and commercial photographer, Ivan McClellan about what it means to find his tribe within the Black Rodeo culture. We discuss his personal project, 8 Seconds, and why it is so important to bring awareness to this story.
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Tune in to episode 41, where we speak with Washington, DC portrait photographer, Kirth Bobb, about photographing with compassion and the magic hidden within images.
Sep 08, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Tune in to Episode 40 where we speak with Durham, NC-based photographer, Cornell Watson, about documenting the Black experience in White spaces.
Aug 25, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Tune in to Episode 39, where we speak with Brooklyn-based fashion, street, portrait, and commercial photographer, Russell Frederick. We discuss the importance of pursuing your craft despite opposition, paying your dues, and finding your purpose behind the camera.
Aug 11, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Tune in to Episode 38 where we speak with Brooklyn-based documentary, commercial and portrait photographer, Aundre Larrow. We discuss what it means to be authentic as a person and how that translates into the work that we make as photographers.
Jul 28, 2021•1 hr 36 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Tune in to Episode 37 where we speak with Brooklyn-based fashion, portrait, and wedding photographer Joshua Dwain. We discuss having diversity in your portfolio vs. focusing on a niche audience and the importance of work-life balance.
Jul 14, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Tune in to Episode 36, a 2-part episode, where we speak with Chicago native photojournalist and editor, Brent Lewis. We discuss the differences between being a photographer and an editor as well as his experience working in an all-Black newsroom at ESPN’s The Undefeated. Lastly, we discuss his role at Diversify Photo and why self-accountability is so important.
Jun 30, 2021•1 hr 52 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Tune in to Episode 35 to hear the legendary Adger Cowans discuss his upbringing in Columbus, Ohio, assisting Gordon Parks at Life Magazine and how a trip to Brazil impacted his creativity. In the 1950’s, photography was considered a hobby that only White people pursued. It was not a job and it was not something Black folks really considered. Cameras and film were expensive. Education was expensive. And there was rampant racism. Adger Cowans believes that the camera is a tool to do research. That...
Jun 17, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Tune in to Episode 34 where we speak with Seattle-based portrait, documentary, and commercial photographers, Ike and Tash Haynes about balancing work, life, and family. Not every couple is built to work together, live together, and run a photography business together. Instead of choosing between being parents or entrepreneurs, Ike and Tash Haynes decided to become a family-centered business and bring their children along for the ride. This Seattle-based portrait, documentary, and commercial phot...
Jun 02, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Tune in to Episode 33 where we speak with Atlanta-based videographer, portrait, and documentary photographer, Melissa Alexander. She discusses what it means to be seen, practicing vulnerability in her photography and betting on herself when no one else would.
May 19, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Tune in to Episode 32 where we speak with Jersey City photographer, Gerard H. Gaskin, about the power of long-term photo projects as a form of therapy. His photography allows him to connect with himself and explore his identity based on his feelings and surroundings.
May 06, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Tune in to Episode 31 where we speak with North Carolina-based artist, teacher and curator, Endia Beal. She discusses the power of collaboration as a way to collectively heal. She uses photography and video to reveal the often overlooked and unappreciated experiences unique to people of color. Her work has been featured in New York Times, NBC, BET, Huffington Post, National Geographic.
Apr 21, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Tune in to Episode 30 where we speak with Nigerian born filmmaker, Emmanuel Afolabi explores the notions of identity, giving his subjects and clients individuality and dignity through visual storytelling. He is a Multidisciplinary filmmaker specializing in content creation, with a degree in film production. He’s worked with clients such as Adidas, Foot Locker, Fox, and the LA Galaxy.
Apr 07, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 30
