Photographer Life Check

Titilayo Ayangade, a dynamic photographer and cellist, takes us on a journey through her life as a multi-hyphenate artist. She delves into her profound synergy between music and photography, revealing how each art form enriches the other for her. Titi shares her creative process, emphasizing the vital role of community and collaboration in her work. She candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a classical musician, h...

In this episode, DeeDee Casimir shares her journey from fashion to filmmaking, discussing her experiences in the film festival circuit and the creation of her thesis film, "The Last Hoorah at G-Baby's." She reflects on personal stories, the challenges of the industry, and the importance of authentic representation in media. This synopsis of the episode is super short but baby we were YAPPING! Please enjoy the beautifu...

You don’t have to niche down if you dont want to!! Kai Tsehay shares her journey as a photographer and how shes been able to do it all. We get into the importance of capturing joy and intimacy, how event photography documents history and IS art.  Kai  reflects on her creative influences, the impact of AI on the industry, and her aspirations for the future, including a desire to be a photo director.

Shoutout to Jennifer Shavers!

PLC P...

This week, Qurissy sits  down with Adrena Trice who shares how the vibrant art scene in Chicago shaped her into the illustrious director, producer, & writer that she is now. Adrena emphasizes the significance of feedback, diversity in production teams, and the necessity of taking risks in the creative industry. In fact, this episode is largely about the rewards we receive after the risks. Get into it - especially our Chicago gi...

Get in babes we’re going to Londooonnnnnn! Switched up a bit this episode with the London photographer Angela Ogunfojuri!! What do yall think about this flow?  We discuss Angela's journey in the photography industry, her experiences as a Black woman photographer in London specifically, and the challenges and triumphs she has faced. Angela shares insights into her creative process, the importance of authenticity, and her aspirat...

How to be a Cover girl with Phylicia J. L. Munn!! We get into all of her work but it was especially important to learn how Phylicia navigates and captures these excellent covers. She gives us tips on where to look for connections and how to put yourself out there. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities that arose during the pandemic, the dynamics of working on set, and how to maintain a unique style while navigating comme...

Qurissy and Priscillia Grubo explore the multifaceted world of brand photography, particularly through the lens of Priscillia's experiences as a black woman photographer in Munich, Germany. Going overseas for the first time in this episode - wow so proud of us!! Another milestone!! They discuss the importance of personal branding, the creative process behind capturing authentic portraits, and the challenges and rewards of navig...

In this episode, Qurissy speaks with Aspen Cierra, a travel photographer, about transitioning your niche. Aspen fills us in on how just 2 years ago she transitioned into becoming a travel photographer & content creator and gives us some gems on how to do it. We cover negotiations, portfolios, kits! 

PLC Playlist:

Aspen: Kehlani - Folded

Qurissy: Jadakiss - We Gon Make it

Photographer Fit Check: Renaissanceeeeeee merch!!

Gear Don...

“You deserve to be perceived” 

Denita shares her journey as a photographer and new mother, discussing the challenges of maintaining creativity with motherhood. (Actually,  the second mom we’ve had on the pod!!!) She reflects on her experiences with imposter syndrome, the evolution of her brand Comfort Studio into a creative wellness space, and the importance of community and support for & from mothers. We get into the need for i...

✨Trigger Warning✨ 

We discuss themes of sexual assault in this episode. While it is not graphic we want to give everyone the opportunity to take care of themselves during and after this listen. Feel free to jump ahead if you need. 🖤

This week’s episode is all about Maya June Mansour’s new book, Light Brown Butterfly, releasing this week, August 29th!!! 

Qurissy and Maya delve into the themes of reflection, identity, healing, self-dis...

We couldn’t let Tonika leave without doing the last segments!!! So, we actually did in fact let her leave, we ran out of time…she has things to do, don't be selfish. But we brought her back 🎉 to put us all on for our fave segments at the end!

PLC Playlist: 

Tonika: Willyynova - Infinity Stone & Novacane 

Qurissy: Jean Deaux - Just like me!

Gear Don’t Matter But: Nikon d850 w/ 50mm

Shoot Yo Shot: 

We taking it out south this week!! Photographer and social justice artist Tonika Lewis Johnson discusses her impactful projects, Folded Map which connects residents from different neighborhoods in Chicago to explore the realities of segregation. We also get into Tonika’s projects Inequity For Sale and Unblocked Englewood which aim to educate and empower residents while addressing historical injustices in home ownership on Chicago’s...

This week’s episode of Photographer Life Check, Qurissy sits down with photographer and set designer Ariana Bailey. They discuss Ariana's unique style, her transition into creative direction, and the importance of sensuality in her art. The conversation explores the intersection of photography and set design, the challenges of experiential event production, and her co-creation SHORTY! A short film screening event happening Augu...

Happy Half Birthday to US!!! On this very special 6 month anniversary episode, our guest  Nailah and host Qurissy talk color grading, editing ethics, and the importance of authenticity & personal style. Nai let’s us in on being in creative transitions and how she’s navigating that.  Plus, The Photographs Not Taken this episode is so sweet, you don’t wanna miss it! AND we added a new segment!!! We created the PLC Playlist as a m...

We getting grown over here!! Episode 26 explores Bri Ali’s photography journey - particularly as a sports photographer within the NFL. But please be clear - SHE SHOOTS EVERYTHING! We go into the importance of personal style, the challenges managing shoots, and the dynamics of game day experiences. Bri shares insights on the gear she uses, her aspirations for the future, and the impact she hopes to have on the community, especially ...

To celebrate Black Music Month, BWP teamed up with Live Nation Urban for the Black Creatives Music Summit at the BWP Summit featuring Megan Sumpton. In this episode, Megan gets real about her path into music photography—sharing the highs, the hurdles, and how important it is to build solid relationships in the industry. She talks gear essentials, juggling a day job with creative work, and how she carved out her unique style. Megan ...

In this special collaboration with Story Time by Adam Davis, three of the four Black Magic Rodeo Residency women artists — including our host, Qurissy — come together to reflect on their time in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This episode centers the voices of Black women as they share their unique experiences and perspectives on the Black rodeo and its cultural legacy.

Artists Da'Shaunae Marisa and Amber Aisha open up about their pers...

Happy Birthday BWP!!! Our founder, Polly Irungu joins us on the anniversary of BWP to reflect on five years of building Black Women Photographers into a thriving global community. We talk about what it means to lead with care, the emotional highs and lows of advocacy, and the stories that often go unseen behind the work. Polly shares how BWP grew from a simple idea into a movement that continues to shift the photography industry. S...

Yall know we love archives here!!! Alexis Hunley sits down with Qurissy to share her journey as a photographer and archivist, reflecting on the profound influence of her grandmother on her artistic practice. We delve into the emotional aspects of memory, family history, and the importance of documenting. This episode features a list of gear you can see in full on Alexis’s Substack. Alexis also provides the resource that helped her ...