My love for photography was an inherited gift from my father, who saw things beyond the words that defined them. He always had a camcorder attached to his hand, so I’d follow him around and pick up on his documentarian ways. His genuine and warm personality brought out the best in people on the other side of the lens, which I believe to be a key trait in a successful photojournalism.
I’ve always liked to try everything at least once. My interests and talents have taken me from here to there and everywhere in between. I’ve played the viola in the Sydney opera house, and danced down Las Ramblas. I’ve figure skated competitively. I speak several languages, sign ASL, and used to be a private investigator. I studied astronomy and geography in college, and recently I’ve found my niche baking in the kitchen. I have been blessed and privileged to see and do a lot in this world already — photography provides me the best outlet to convey what I’ve witnessed and felt.
I originally bought a DSLR-camera for an extended trip in South Africa during my undergrad studies, but never learned how to use it outside of auto-mode. When I returned to the States, determined to make the most out of spending half my scholarship on this camera, I signed up for a photojournalism class with Ken Kobre, who heavily influenced my shooting-style and taught me how to anticipate authentic moments.
Later that same year, I found myself sitting in on a photography and entrepreneurship class taught by Nana Nti with 510 Media. Under Nana’s care and mentorship, I learned a lot about myself, and could safely take apart and put back together the pieces of the worlds around me with a deeper understanding of my place in it all.
Photography, as a discipline, has also opened my eyes and helped me to look into things rather than just look at them. I fancy myself a collector of moments, as my photojournalistic-style of shooting lets me feel more connected with my clients.
My favorite photographers include Jimmy Chin, Demondre Ward, Roy DeCarava, Brassai, Thomas Kettner, and Gordon Parks. I am an Oakland Native, and a life-long student of the University of 510 Media with several other uniquely talented individuals that are transforming the cultural realm of the Bay Area. I currently live in BedStuy with my husband and can often be found at an outdoor food festival in the neighborhood.
____