Jonathan Pitts-Wiley

A community portrait project built on participation, exchange and a love of instant film. We raised $435 for the AMOR Network (@amornetwork ) during our session on April 25th. Many, many thanks to the attendees and volunteers who showed up and showed out for their community. We look forward to getting back to it in June! Portrait of the wonderful Marlisse from the most recent FIRE session.

Working across educational, institutional, and community-based portrait settings. From workshops, to installations, to participatory portrait sessions. 4.22.26 — “The Importance of Exposure” headshot workshop at Bryant University • 4.23.26 — “Limelight” Museum Workers Appreciation Night at the RISD Museum • 4.25.26 — FIRE Community Portrait Session Grateful to Sarah Hardesty (@hardestyart ) for the Bryant opportunity, Kajette Solomon (@kajettes ) for Limelight, and everyone who showed up for the FIRE (@firecommunityportraits ) session—together raising $435 for the AMOR Network. Different contexts, same underlying focus: presence, attention, and structured image-making.

Been spending more and more time with large format. Taking things slower, figuring it out a frame at a time. A portrait of one of Earth’s greatest humans. Made on @ilfordphoto FP4+.

Melaine, basking in the ‘Limelight’. A frame from last month’s ’Limelight’, a museum worker’s appreciation night organized by the Museum Baddie herself, @kajettes of the @risdmuseum . I appreciate any opportunity to expand my instant portrait installation practice and it was particularly gratifying to create artifacts amongst people deeply passionate about artifacts. There are a variety of exhibitions and shows currently on view, so make sure you get outside and support your local museums and galleries.

This Sunday, DJ Bimbo Jackie soundtracks Vol. 03 with playful mixes of pop, EDM, and hip-hop — bringing feel-good energy and vibrant selections throughout the day. A glimpse into what she’s bringing to Sunday Social Club- Tickets are moving, limited capacity 🔗 in bio. Curator/ Host/ Video by: @graphicole Sounds by: @bimbojackie ☕️ 🫖 Curated Latte Menu by: @cafesjimmys 🎨 Local Artists: @blaqsav @marmelaart @nikotolentinoart @byhalay_ @jpittswiley . . . . #ProvidenceRI #PVDEvents #RhodeIslandCreatives #ProvidenceArt #SundaySocialClub

THIS SUNDAY ☕️ | 05/17 Sunday Blend — Vol. 03 A slower kind of Sunday.
Music, coffee, and a space to settle in. An intimate gathering built around art, sound, and connection—designed to feel effortless, like an extension of home. 11AM– 3PM 🎨 Pawtucket, RI Curated Latte + Tea Menu | Barista + Small Bites available by: @cafesjimmys Curator/ Host: @graphicole (DM to RSVP) @graphicole_sundaysocialclub Featuring: 🎧 Sounds by @bimbojackie 🎨 Local Artists: @blaqsav @marmelaart @nikotolentinoart @byhalay_ @jpittswiley Limited capacity. RSVP required — comment or leave a ☕️ and I’ll send you the link which is 🔗 in BIO (get your ticket there + address will be send a few days before the event) . . . #SundayBlend #LoftSessions #CoffeeAndCulture #LocalArtists CreativeCommunity SundaySocial

🔥 FIRE returns Saturday, June 13th 🔥 10AM - 4PM // 80 Fountain Street • Pawtucket, RI Help us kick off Juneteenth Week as we show up and show out on behalf of the newly-opened African-American Museum of Rhode Island (@aamuseumri )! 🔥 OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL ➡️ $1000 🔥 Session booking opens on Wednesday, May 13th. Don’t miss your opportunity to make art and make a difference. 🔥📷 ALL POWER TO THE PORTRAIT 📷🔥 . . . . Frame 19 and 20: @lawrferreira Frame 24: @jay_marie2405

Kim and Ma Dukes, with backing vocals by Annye Raye Pitts in a mural created by Mary Beth Meehan. An excerpt from the “Bat/on” solo exhibition presented in partnership with @trinity_rep ’s 2024 production of ‘Fences.’ On this Mother’s Day, I am reminded that the mothers in my life are proof that I never really take losses. In my practice as a photographer and far beyond that realm, the blessings, gifts, and lessons from my Mother-Mentors are abundant and I am grateful for them every day. Which Mother-Mentor has shaped you in a way you’ll never forget? Sing their praises in the comments.

Visiting Hours / Jota, in the fabric(s) of his element. Working across digital point-and-shoot, 6x45 medium format, 4x5 sheet film, and 4x5 Instax Wide — documenting @jota.ph.a inside the spaces where process becomes practice. ‘Visiting Hours’ is an ongoing portrait series focused on artists in the environments that shape their work. Which frame draws you in most? ↓

My mother, in the theater my parents founded, surrounded by so many beloved memories. Part of my 2024 solo exhibition Bat/on. At its core, my practice explores how we take up space in the world—and how we remember having done so.

In Good Company / John and Kate, one chilly morning in 2024.

In this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with @jpittswiley , a Rhode Island native, Yale graduate, portrait photographer, and Artistic Director at Mixed Magic Theatre. Jonathan’s photography is rooted in the human experience. His portraits seek to capture the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability, revealing the authentic humanity that exists in every subject. Through empathy and artistic intention, he creates images that invite viewers to connect with the people in front of the lens. In this conversation we explore his journey from studying at Yale University to building a creative life that bridges both photography and theater. For Jonathan, storytelling exists across multiple mediums, and each discipline influences the other. Since 2010, he has served as the Artistic Director at Mixed Magic Theatre, where he has directed, written, and acted in numerous productions. His work includes powerful performances and adaptations such as August Wilson’s Fences, The Spirit Warrior’s Dream, The Baghdad Tale of Romeo and Juliet, Moby-Dick: Then & Now, Misery’s Fiend: Frankenstein, The Tempest, Art of Attack, King Lear, Great Holiday Traditions, and Dutchman, which was named a Top 10 Show of 2017. Throughout our conversation we discuss how photography and theater intersect in his creative life, how storytelling shapes both art forms, and how the stage and the camera can reveal the emotional depth of the human experience. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of creativity, portraiture, performance, and the power of storytelling to both reveal and heal. Listen now to The P.H.Y.S Podcast. Photography heals your soul. #portraitphotography #photographypodcast #theaterarts #visualstorytelling #creativecommunity #artistinterview #rhodeislandartist #yalealumni #theaterdirector #creativeexpression #photographyinspiration #storytellingmatters #thephyspodcast #tysonmartin #communityovercompetition