What do you do?

I am a photographer and film director.

How did you know photography was for you?

I was that friend that documented EVERYTHING with a point and shoot camera and was in charge of making all my friends Myspace photos, I would stay up all night editing and selecting the best. I loved making people feel good and also documenting life and reality of that time. So that has just continued to be the case, minus the myspace outlet unfortunately.

Do you find it is better to have a niche, like portraits, or do you enjoy shooting everything?

Personally, I don't believe in niches for personal work, it feels limiting. I love witnessing and capturing everything in life, which is one of the reasons I became a photographer. I love capturing people's energy but I also love photographing places. I think it's more about finding your personal style in the way you capture and then in selecting your work. I should in theory be able to photograph a person and a place and it feels similar to the viewer. However, for commercial work I do understand that for clients having a niche is better. It helps them know what to hire you for and what to expect, but I don’t think it’s natural for an artist overall.

How has the transition been from living and working in LA to doing so in NYC?

It has been transformative. Not only because I moved from LA to NYC the day Covid shut down all of the city but if you’ve lived in NY, you know there is a rawness that New York demands of you. LA lets you hide that rawness a bit more. I just had a friend/mutual photographer mention to me the other day that they can see the exact moment my energy settled in NY via my new work. New York has in a way reset me and my ‘why’ I do what I do and that is to make art and connect with people.

Any advice for finding work in a new city?

I would say, tried and true, to keep creating and sending work out so that you can be ‘discovered’ by new clients. Post online, emails, submit to editorials and showcases. If you wait to be hired to create, you will never get the jobs you want, I've learned.

Digital or Film?

Oh my - I personally need both. But film really makes me love what I do, slow down and be intentional.

What inspires you?

Everything, books, seasons, conversations with friends, buildings, travel. Sometimes I get inspired just by going out for a walk and witnessing life going on around me.

Favorite project you’ve worked on?

I have a lot thankfully, but one that is top of mind, since it was most recent, where I got to travel to Jamaica and not only was it a career marker for me, as I was directing my first branded short film, the client and team I was working with were just amazing and so talented. The best feeling on a project is when the client trusts you 100% and it is pure collaboration.

How do you break out of a creative funk?

I honestly, go play and observe. I think a funk comes from when you're either burnt out or trying too hard to push something to happen that doesn't want to happen. So I slow down, do the things that I love doing, get my mind in a state with no “creative” agenda and observe what's happening around me. At some point, something will catch my attention and inspire me again but I have to have the space for it and the push harder mentality doesn’t create space for me.

Favorite form of self care?

Saying no, thank you.

What’s some creative advice you live by?

There are times for action and creating and there are times for rest and observation. Allow the ebb and flow of that process.

What’s on your 2023 playlist?

A lot of Jazz, Stan Getz radio is the best during the morning editing sessions. A lot of Sade, I am currently obsessed with the artists Snoh Aalegra and Charlotte Day Wilson.

Who would your dream creative collaboration include?

Dream creative collaboration would be working with a brand on another short film/photo campaign where we are telling someone's story that makes sense for the brand to sponsor but make it more about the story of the person rather than a person using a brand's product. Or directing a music video, that’s next!

What are your favorite creative outlets outside of photography?

Dancing and drawing.

Favorite hole in the wall in nyc?

It’s not a hole in the wall but a Townhouse, speakeasy, in Harlem called Bill’s Place where Bill an iconic Saxophone player plays in his living room with a jazz band every friday and saturday nights. And it’s BYOB.

An artist or creative that is really inspiring you right now?

This is going to be cheesy I know but my friends. I feel lucky to have so many talented friends who are actors, studio owners, art directors, gallery owners, DJs, writers, producers who are constantly inspiring me and the people who keep me going in this crazy world.

You offer up your creative talents for a lot of charitable organizations (one upcoming at the studio for The Lower East Side Girls Club!), how did you get started doing this work and where do you see it going in the future?

It started back in college after I got my first camera and was volunteering at a school that was understaffed for a semester. I was guest teaching 1st grade when one of the kids had told me they had never had their photo taken. I bought my new camera into class the next week and the kids loved it. I loved it. I had a skill I realized that could give joy to more people than just my friends at the time. It’s always been a part of my life since. I love what I do and so I feel why not donate my time/skills.

When I moved to NYC, I wanted to root myself here. Build and give back to the community I was moving into. I really wanted to work with an organization that was involved with empowering young women. I found The Lower East Side Girls Club and it was just a fit from the start. Their mission is to bring Joy, Power and Possibilities to their community and that's what I always want to do with my photos. I had done Portraits for different causes like Dress for Success, and the Phenomenal Women Campaign by Meena Harris but Portraits For A Cause with Blank Studios was my first solo fundraiser and it was a great success. I hope to do more each year and expand Portraits For A Cause to other organizations to help raise awareness/money whenever needed.