It’s been 3 years…
Well, not exactly 3 years, more like 1 year since I’ve written a blog! SO welcome back to my website!
If take a look back at this past year, I’m not sure if I have many wins that were big enough to allow me to be a full-time photographer/creative. So, as of today, I’m still employed full-time and a photographer part-time. Now, that’s not me complaining. I’m always thankful but
sigh, I’d really love to turn thing around!
Ok, so over the past year, I’ve officially become an AAU basketball mom and man, what a hell of a rollercoaster when it comes to emotions. Not just from me, but from my child as well. The past year was his first year as a basketball player and from my perspective, there’s some emotions and inner thoughts that are playing out throughout this whole experience. How can I tell? It’s all playing out through his facial expressions….and in his demeanor and attitude. So, as a mom, I’m doing the best I can to support and that alone can be tough as well. Besides that, he is thriving and growing at a pace that is respected. This year, February 2026 will be the start of his 2nd year within this AAU universe and just like the 1st year, I’ll be documenting the growth with photos and videos.
As far as photography, I’ve marketed myself more towards documenting families and sports. I’ve recently realized that I really want to provide families with an opportunity to preserve their family legacies by presenting to them different packages and also provide them tips and ideas on ways to store their photos/videos. It such a blessing to be able to open up an old photo album and trace your lineage in a physical sense as well as pulling up a digital archive from the early 1900’s. Personally, I can’t relate, and it hits me the most when I begin to think about my granny, Dorothy Word (1943-2002) and how I don’t know much about her story. How’s there’s no videos where I can go back and her voice amongst other things!
This past year, I begin researching information pertaining to archival work. I’ve also been looking into other platforms such as: Black Girls in Archives, Black Women Directors and a few other pages, while also looking into museums and how to ger some of photography into local art galleries that provide the opportunities to network and extend my portfolio into a different crowd. I’m mostly just thinking of longevity over financial because I believe the longevity will also bring in the financial growth. Hopefully!
This past year in September 2025, I also had my first solo gallery out in Frisco, Texas inside a local bistro. It was a month long and gave me a small glimpse of what it’s like to have a solo gallery. The curator/director was so nice and helpful when it came to planning and placing my photos on the wall of the local business. I had the opportunity to have a “Artist’s Talk” but declined because I’m not much of a social butterfly. Once that exhibition was over, I already had a little pep talk to myself that the next time an opportunity like this pops up, I’ll do the “Artist’s Talk!” See the photos below!
Also, Iin February 2026, my photos were accepted to be shown in Brooklyn, NYC present by Monad NYC. It was a showcase for Black History Month, “Still: Moving.”. I was not able to attend in person, but the process was easy to make sure everything ran smoothly. I just recently received my photographs back and made a short video because that was first time actually seeing them in person! Click the link below to see the video: Youtube!
What has changed for you from Last year to this present day?