Black Joy Through The Lens with Andre Perry

I sit down with my friend and renowned photographer, Andre Perry and dive deep into the journey of his career, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities he has faced as a Black artist in the photography industry.

We kick off the conversation by discussing Andre's impressive portfolio, which includes collaborations with major brands such as Google, Facebook, Nike, and BET. Andre shares how his passion for photography was ignited by the film "Love Jones," where he was inspired by Nia Long's character, a photographer navigating the entrepreneurial landscape of New York City. This moment marked the beginning of his journey into capturing the joy and beauty of Black lives, a theme that has become central to his work.

As we delve into Andre's career, he reflects on the importance of representation in photography and how he aims to showcase Black people in a variety of positive and relatable scenarios, rather than the pain and suffering often depicted in mainstream media. He recounts the challenges he faced early on, including the pressure from his first agency to shoot more white subjects, and how he remained steadfast in his commitment to his vision.

Throughout our discussion, Andre opens up about the mental health struggles he has encountered as an entrepreneur, particularly during the darker months of winter. He candidly shares his experiences with depression and the importance of finding ways to stay motivated, even when the going gets tough. We talk about the significance of community and support, as well as the resilience he has developed over the years.

Andre also highlights the joy of being able to hire and work with his friends, who have been with him since the beginning of his journey. This sense of camaraderie and shared success is a testament to the power of collaboration and lifting each other up in the creative space.

As we wrap up the episode, we touch on the concept of seasons—both in nature and in life—and how they reflect the ups and downs of our journeys. Andre emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our resilience and the growth that comes from overcoming challenges.

Join us for this inspiring conversation that not only celebrates Andre's achievements but also serves as a reminder of the power of pursuing one's passion and the importance of representation in the arts.