Photographer Life Check

POWER TO THE PEOPLE! Amandla shares her experiences with spirituality, community, and the influence of her revolutionary family background on her artistic vision. Our conversation delves into the importance of expressing emotions, the role of humanity in art, and the complexities of representation in media. We go into the darkness & back into the light throughout this entire conversation. Find...

In this week’s episode host Qurissy sits down with cinematographer Sade Ndya! We explore Ndya’s journey in the film industry, the importance of community organizing, and the challenges faced as a Black woman in cinematography. We get technical with her favorite lenses and show love to Belize! Her home country! Sade also laced us with her secret sauce - lots of warming & cooling filters. You ca...

Shoutout to our first Pulitzer Prize Finalist guest, Professor of Photography, courtney coles! We dive into courtney’s ongoing photo series “Momma”, becoming a pulitzer prize finalist, & how people be gay!! Shoutout to Quinta Brunson! Professor Coles speaks passionately about her students, her teaching approach, & how to engage with subjects. You can find courtney in the middle of the danc...

So excited to have our first Chicago native guest on the pod!  Maya Iman joins us to talk about how the last couple of years have been all about *the pivot*—and how sometimes, letting go of control is the best move. As artists, we’re always switching hats, adapting, and figuring it out as we go, and Maya’s journey—from Chicago to LA and beyond—is a perfect example of that.   I think this is our fi...

This week, we talk with Mckayla Chandler about the thoughtful steps she’s taking—both behind the lens and beyond it—to archive her family’s images and creative work. We also dive into her incredible photo series Mo’Betta and explore the unique ways she plays with art to tell her story.   And don’t forget to stream the classic Midwest Mobstaz mixtape featuring her cousin Skee Balla! You can follow,...

On today’s episode, we sit down with Kelli Scates to explore her journey to owning a photo studio and how others can bring their own studio dreams to life. But it’s not all fun and photoshoots—we get real about the challenges Kelli has faced to keep her studio running. Along the way, we dive into her path as an artist and hear a little bit about her upcoming photobook, Where Do We Go From Here. Yo...

In this episode of Photographer Life Check, host Qurissy engages in a deep conversation with photographer Rashida about her unique approach to creativity, the influence of music and spirituality in her work, and the importance of introspection. They discuss the challenges of balancing personal and commercial photography, the significance of setting boundaries, and the lessons learned from mistakes...

In our first episode, host Qurissy interviews Tumi Adelaye, a talented art photographer and creative director. Tumi shares her journey from a first-generation Nigerian American to becoming a conceptual artist, exploring themes of identity, childhood, and the complexities of black hair in her work. The conversation delves into Tumi's creative process, the importance of community, and the challenges...

Welcome to Photographer Life Check! I'm excited to get to know each other. Follow Photographer Life Check on ⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ , & wherever you get your podcasts.