My journey so far
It all started at the University of Georgia
where I studied Photojournalism and Sociology, learning from intentional professors to ask deeper questions and approach stories with curiosity, humility, and determination. I was able to work on several long-term projects which focused on people experiencing homelessness in Athens, local politics, and a historic local restaurant that raises interesting racial and cultural questions. I was selected by faculty to represent Grady College of Journalism as a McGill Fellow and a Levin Leader, due to my commitment to professional development, academic strength, practical experience, and leadership.
Then, the pandemic hit.
I decided to move forward despite obstacles and began working as the only photojournalist on staff for Charleston Magazine during the lockdown summer of 2020.
This led to many unexpected adventures on shrimp boats, meeting sailors, and documenting the stories of the Gullah Geechee People on St. Helena Island.
Shortly after this, I began the daunting but exciting job of documenting the term of Georgia’s 83rd Governor full-time, as both photographer and videographer
Doing this was an immense honor I took full responsibility for.
At first, I was hesitant to enter into the political realm, as I strongly believe that the world needs more collaboration and less division. But the more I heard about the position, the more eager I became to document history in our state from a non-partisan perspective, telling stories of the good, the challenging, and everything in the vast in-between.
I learned to be reliable, consistent, and innovative, and how to maintain a positive, helpful attitude even on long, difficult days. I was able to develop trust with the First Family, leading to impactful work and lasting, meaningful relationships.
Now…
I’ve turned my focus towards documentary work with human interest, using impactful storytelling to bring aid, hope, and healing to people all over the world, particularly those who are displaced due to conflict. Celebrating the beauty of diversity, the uniqueness of each person, and the importance of each of us in the grander narrative brings me joy and connects me to those I never would have encountered otherwise. We’re all connected, and this is what all good storytelling should prove.
Currently, I’m working as a freelance photojournalist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Associated Press, along with creating visual content for Refuge Coffee Co., a non-profit that uses cafes as a platform for job training and personal development of resettled refugees in Clarkston, Georgia. TIME magazine once referenced Clarkston as “the most diverse square mile in America,” a place where 30% of the population is foreign-born, and a new home to a brilliant array of cultures and stories.
Here’s what I’ve been thrilled to create so far.
Worldwide Welcome
Refuge strives to be an agendaless place of welcome for those seeking asylum in Georgia. Many ethnic groups are represented and languages are spoken in Clarkston, so I wanted to create a series of videos for social media that extend a tangible welcome that can be heard and experienced by viewers in their mother tongue. The Refuge baristas teamed up with me to create these fun and engaging reels:
I also was given the exciting task of documenting US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ visit to Refuge’s Midtown location
I’ve developed relationships with countless members of the Clarkston community at cultural events that invite everyone to experience the traditions their neighbors have cherished since childhood.
This nurtures a shared sense of community values and an appreciation for a multiplicity of backgrounds. These photos were made at Refuge’s most recent Iftar dinner, a celebration of breaking fast during Ramadan.
I’m also starting my first visual storytelling class
Due to a surprisingly large amount of interest from the refugees I've begun working alongside in Atlanta, I'm creating a visual storytelling course hosted by Refuge where I will teach members of the community the tenants of bringing their stories to life through the powerful mediums of photography and videography. I intended to teach just one student how to work a camera, but slowly, more residents heard about the idea and began asking if they could be taught as well. I'm so excited by the prospect of sowing the seeds of storytelling within a culturally vibrant community that has a wealth of heritage to offer.
We advocate for minority groups to possess the dignity and honor of telling their own stories, free from outside interference, yet a fundamental question arises: how can they accomplish this without the necessary tools?
With this in mind, I aim to gain one or several sponsors for the course (Sony, I'm looking at you!) in hopes that corporations will donate used or new gear for the students to work with. Additionally, I plan to raise awareness through these sponsorships in order to facilitate possible job opportunities for the students once they "graduate."
Want to join in?