Photographer Life Check

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 Chec...

“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...

✨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...

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...

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 injust...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 pro...

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...

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 Blackne...

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 h...

Solo mini sode! Our first time doing this. But we wanna check in with yall and know what yall thinking - let us know in the chat of wherever you like to find us or email us at photographerlifecheck@gmail.com Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠ on Youtube , Apple , Spotify Amazon Music , iHeart Radio , ⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ , & TikTok Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original

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 disc...

The creator of the 85mil series, Zay Monae, joins Qurissy for Episode 16! While many know Zay for her dynamic event photography, she’s so much more than that. We talk about what motivates her unique approach to capturing events and what she’s currently building behind the scenes. We also dive into her Black and Mexican heritage and how it informs her creative work—and even touch on a bit of inner...

In this powerful episode, Qurissy sits down with Director & Photographer, Kalynn Youngblood to explore the healing power of art and the ways movement, memory, and expression shape our stories. Kalynn opens up about her personal journey—growing up in South Central, navigating family trauma, and uncovering strength through creative practice. Together, they reflect on the legacy of loss, the comp...

Image makers cannot stop talking about this film!! 😭 Director and DP, Ashley O’shay sits down with Qurissy to discuss Sinners on episode 14! Hopefully the first conversation of a few about SInners 👀 ( Send a prayer up!)  We wanted to give our overall thoughts and feelings through the context of both being image makers, music enthusiasts, & the results of the great migration. We talk about TH...

Episode 13 with Taylor Washington highlights the importance of self-discovery and the continuous pursuit of creativity in the ever-changing landscape of art. In this conversation, Taylor and Qurissy delve into the intricacies of photography, exploring Taylor’s creative process from concept to execution. They discuss the impact of technology, particularly AI, on her work, and how learning new tools...

In this moving conversation, Qurissy sits down with archivist and photographer Da’Shaunae Marisa to explore the transformative intersections of grief, family, memory, and creativity. Together, they reflect on how archiving personal and collective history can offer healing, connection, and clarity—especially through loss. Da’Shaunae shares the story behind her powerful project No Mother Is an Islan...

When it comes to having a signature editing style, Breyona Holt nails it . In this episode, Qurissy chats with Breyona about how she found her style through play, experimentation, and listening to the positive feedback that came her way. Breyona reflects on the influence of late ‘90s and early 2000s music videos—the best era, period—and how those visuals helped shape her artistic eye. The two dive...

SHAWTY IS A TEN! Dakotah Whiting teaches us how to be a good guest while traveling and shooting in episode TEN! Guys, we’re in the double digits!! What a milestone. To celebrate, we deep dived into some of Dakotah’s travels and how she navigates photography ethically in other countries. She gave us practical tips on how to pack, apps to use, and how to talk to strangers who may not speak your lang...

On this week’s episode Qurissy talks to Kayla Sullers, the Eastside Chicagoan, Filmmaker and Cinematographer! Our convo was largely about her commitment to education and mentorship for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of representation and support for future generations. We followed Kayla as she let us in on her journey of becoming a cinematographer, getting inducted into the Local...