After years of dreaming, creating, and growing, I’m so happy to finally share my first photobook RESPIRA with you all. 🎉
This book comes from a really personal place. It all started in Mexico City in 2023, where I bought my first camera and found not just a hobby, but a whole new way to see myself and the world.
The creative process was a wild ride. Late nights editing, reliving memories with each page, and figuring out which moments really told my story. There were times I wondered if I’d get it done, or if anyone would care. But every photo reminded me why I started.
Holding this book in my hands and finally sharing it with the world is such a joyful moment. It’s a gift to myself, and I hope it inspires you to take that leap, trust your instincts, and carve out your own path.
RESPIRA means “breathe” in Spanish. That’s what this whole thing is about: pausing, taking a breath, and stepping into your own journey of self-discovery.
As a Black, queer woman from the South, this book is also about breaking free from what others expect and owning who I really am.
I’m so grateful for the people in my life who’ve already shown so much love and support. Your encouragement means the world.
Follow along @vi.infocus to see what’s next for me and my cameras. 📸
Special shoutout to the shops and photo labs that supplied me with gear and beautifully processed the photos included in the book: @bellowsfilmlab@fotohercules@centrofotocopa
#photobook #photographybook #filmphotography #photographyzine #womenwithcameras #photozine
#blackphotographer #blackqueerphotographer #blackwomenphotographer #blackwomenphotographer #booklaunch #shotonfilm
I’m 31 today! 🎉 What a gift it has been to spend the last days of thirty and the start of this new year traveling across the beautiful European cities of Copenhagen,Denmark; Prague,Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria, and Budapest, Hungary!
So far, I’ve gotten to cook traditional Hungarian food, swim in the traditional thermal baths of Budapest, attend a symphony orchestra show in one of the world’s most famous concert halls(Musikverein in Vienna) and tour the castles of Prague. All while trying my best to stay warm in 30 degree weather and adjusting to 3:15pm sunsets! 🥶
30 was a year of revelation and reminders of what is most important to me now. In 31, I hope for more love, curiosity and moments of joy.
My love of my people and photography sparked my most recent project; “Ephemeral Letters”. 📸💌📪
During the summer, in a quest to expand my relationship with my photography and also physically share it with more folks in my life, I bought a photo printer, some stationary and envelopes! I started printing portraits of friends I’ve taken over the last few years and mailed them to folks without their knowledge. I love the process of choosing and editing these photos, remembering the connection and conversations that took place when we made the photos and handwriting and mailing letters off to them. It’s been an intimate process of seeing how far one moment can stretch across years and feel even more special today. If you’re a homie and I’ve taken a portrait of you, don’t worry, I’ll be sending a cryptic request for your mailing address soon. If I HAVEN’T taken your portrait yet, HMU so we can make it happen and a lil green envelope can land in your mailbox soon.
#photography #filmphotography
Did a bit of Content Producing for an immersive experience in art and nature in the Florida Everglades back in May for @airieverglades x @cmxnr ! While there, I caught a few film photos of my own 📸
@airieverglades and @cmxnr are two wonderful organizations doing impactful work for artists here in South Florida and beyond. @tubbyateawaffle caught footage of the event, including conversation with a few AIRIE artists, before we ventured off into the Everglades for an deeply educational walk through the land.
Photos shot on #olympusmjuii & #kodakportra400. Developed at @bellowsfilmlab
#filmphotography #blackfilmphotographer #environmentalphotography #environmentalphotographer
Apparently, I’m at the “giving wisdom to the next generation” stage of my career. And honestly, I kind of love it! ✨
I recently hosted a creative career roundtable for our summer interns at @ideasunited . It was a space for them to reflect, get real, and map out what it means to step into this industry with confidence.
We spent 90 minutes digging into the real stuff: imposter syndrome, creative confidence, and what it actually means to feel “ready” for a career in the creative industry. I shared a bit of my own journey working with creative professionals, and together we built game plans for how each of them can approach their next chapter with clarity and intention.
What stood out most?
1. The shared experiences across different backgrounds and disciplines.
2. The moments of affirmation, like when one intern got to hear her work praised and validated by the group.
3. And the reminder that clarity doesn’t always come before action. Sometimes it comes from it.
I left feeling proud of how much honesty, support, and ambition these interns brought to the table. And even more committed to making sure our spaces don’t just teach skills; but that they nurture confidence, connection, and courage.
Speaking of, if you’re a DP or photographer in ATL, peep my story. I’ve got work for you 👀 💵
#creativecareers #mentorshipmatters #earlycareersupport #careersupport #internshipprogram #creativeleadership #communitybuilding #talentacquisition
30. 🎉🔥 What a blessing it is to celebrate 30 years of life in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I could write a memoir about my 20s and the tales I’ve lived to tell because of them. In every season, the highs always outnumbered the lows. 29 taught me about pain, patience and joy. Thinking back to March, when I was going through a stubborn recovery process and barely had control of my arms; this was also the same month that my first series of photography commissions went live. 🙏🏾
Now, as I welcome in this new decade, I am full of gratitude for everything that has lead me here and excitement for everything that is to come. The present is a blessing and the future is promising. It’s only getting better.
📸: @cadumpaiva
“Stroll”
I’m currently wrapping up one photography series and in pre-production for another one(🙏🏾), so I’ve been trying to embrace the moments where I’m able to just go out with my camera and capture whatever I stroll upon.
For this set in particular, it was 7:00AM and I had about ten exposures left and less than twenty minutes before heading to the airport…so I took a QUICK stroll around this cute lil neighborhood that my airbnb was in. Very happy with how these shots came out. Even more excited to share what I’m currently working on VERY soon 👀✨
Shot on #canonae1 📸 edited in #adobelightroomcc
#filmphotography #kodakgold200 #
Feeling full of gratitude. 🙏🏾✨ For just a few hours last month, a few talented Black creative women gathered in the Atlanta forest to share stories, laughter, and delicious food. The energy was electric, and the connections made were priceless. Thank y’all for showing up and bringing your authentic selves and contributing to such a supportive atmosphere. From what began as just an idea in my head is slowly turning into something that I can’t wait to continue building on. We’ll be running this back very soon. HMU if you missed out but wanna tap in for what we do next.
Special shout-outs to: @stefaniewongfilms Location scout and photographer extraordinaire. And my mama for holding it down as Creative Director iykyk 🤣 #BlackCreatives #ATLcreaticed #CommunityLove
Y’all good? Like fr? 👀 I’ve been trying my best. Debated sharing this, but in the spirit of authenticity...This year has been throwing punches and I been trying to learn the lessons.
Earlier this year, while already trying to heal a frustrating shoulder injury, I also got tendinitis in both elbows. By March, I had very little control of my arms and hands. It was a very scary time. Since then, Ive been going through the arduous process of trying to heal and strengthen my entire upper body. I’m not where I was, but it has been a journey that is all types of physical, emotional and mental. I’m expanding and adjusting daily. I’ve learned a few hard lessons through trial and error over the last few months as I’ve slowly began to recover:
1. Healing is not linear. I will have good days and bad days. I have the choice to be present and hopeful through it all.
2. Nothing changes overnight. The greatest act of self love is believing in yourself enough to show up for yourself even on the hard days.
3. Sometimes our biggest critic can be ourselves. Surround yourself with folks who see you fully and can affirm you when needed.
4. God got me.
All photos taken by ME on Canon AE-1
2023 recap, but my photography highlights. 📸One of the best things I did this year was finally pick up a camera and explore film photography. It has taught me soo much patience and given me a renewed sense of innocence and playfulness. It has taken me way out of my comfort zone and connected me to many new people and places. Grateful for every humbling moment and proud of the growth so far. I can’t wait to travel to even more cities and countries and tell more stories with my camera. And something very special dropping at the beginning of 2024! 🤫🙏🏾
#filmphotography #ilfordhp5 #ilfordphoto #ilfordfilm #blackphotographer #blackwomanphotographer #lightroom #adobelightroom
#canonae1 #kodakgold200 #kodakportra400 #fujic200 #cinestill400d
29 today 🎉 This is a special birthday. There was a time not too long that I didn’t think I’d make it to 29. For those who don’t know, I used to be almost 400 pounds. At 24, I had a pretty big health scare. I sat in the hospital and didn’t know if I would make it to 28…scared that a heart attack would take me out before then. Starting that night, I began to turn my life around. I couldn’t have imagined what would have come from that decision. Life has been blessing after blessing since then.
I’m soo glad that I’m still here. I’m soo proud of where we’ve come. And I’m soo excited for all of what life has in store for me. This isn’t just a celebration of reaching 29, but a hope for all of the many birthdays to come. 🙏🏾❤️✨
“Going Places”: A coincidental photo series by me!- November 2023. Views captured across Chicago, Atlanta, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Miami, Las Vegas 🧳 ✈️
If you know me, you know that I can’t sit still. I’m always going somewhere or planning something. I did a whole lot of planning and moving during the last 5 months. I’m grateful and I’m tired. Glad to have captured some symbolic moments during those journeys.
But it’s time for me to sit down for a lil bit. Taking this current season to focus on resting and intentionally slowing down in order to speed up.
Shot with @canonusa AE1 on @ilfordphoto HP5. slight edits in @adobe Lightroom
#filmphotography #ilfordhp5 #ilfordphoto #ilfordfilm #blackphotographer #blackwomanphotographer #lightroom #adobelightroom
#canonae1
