Photographer Life Check

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 ...

Happy Black Music Month! This year, Black Women Photographers is proud to expand our annual summit by launching a brand-new event focused entirely on Black women in music. 

In partnership with Live Nation Urban, the inaugural Black Women Music Creatives Summit will take place virtually from June 20–22, 2025.

This episode features our conversation on Day 2 with Edwina Hay!

You can find, hire, or reach Edwina at  instagram or websi...

Nanichi Oliva graces Photographer Life Check to talk about the intersection of photography, identity, and community, particularly focusing on the experiences of Afro-Puerto Rican identity as image makers in Los Angeles. Nanichi and Qurissy explore the rich tapestry of Caribbean and Afro-Latino culture, emphasizing the importance of family heritage, identity, and the evolving definitions of Blackness. They discuss the significance o...

In this episode, host Qurissy and guest Jazmin Jenay explore the intersections of art, identity, and representation. We get into Jazmin’ Jazzzzzzzzz shares her journey as a photographer, filmmaker and fashion designer, discussing the inspiration behind her unique clothing line aimed at celebrating Black filmmakers her journey as a filmmaker and fashion designer, discussing the inspiration behind her unique clothing line aimed at ce...

On episode 17, Kawai Matthews shares her insights on thriving as a creative professional, emphasizing the importance of community, preparation, and leadership. Kawai's journey reflects her commitment to empowering others in the creative industry through her brand, Thriving Artist, while navigating her own multifaceted identity as an artist. In this conversation, Qurissy and Kawai Matthews discuss the intricate relationship betw...