We’ve carried this baby to term!!! 😭 Qurissy and Tumi celebrate the season finale of Photographer Life Check podcast!!! Together, they celebrate nine months of captivating conversations and creative journeys. Qurissy reflects on her growth as a host and photographer, sharing insights from her personal experiences and the inspiring stories of her guests. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the power of community, creativity, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Tune in for laughter, gratitude, and a glimpse into the dreams that drive these talented artists forward.
Many thanks to our guests for sharing your journeys with us. To our listeners!!! For your time, energy, & feedback. We’re so grateful! & Thank you to our network, Black Women Photographers!
PLC Playlist:
Tumi: Lancey Foux – 25WAGG3DOU2
Qurissy: Solange - Losing You
Gear Don’t Matter But: V-flats!!!
Shoot Yo Shot: Peerspace!!! Holla at me!!!!
You can find, hire, or reach Qurissy at: instagram, website, & obviously PLC Instagram
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
Titilayo Ayangade, a dynamic photographer and cellist, takes us on a journey through her life as a multi-hyphenate artist. She delves into her profound synergy between music and photography, revealing how each art form enriches the other for her. Titi shares her creative process, emphasizing the vital role of community and collaboration in her work. She candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a classical musician, her aspirations for groundbreaking collaborations, and her vision for leaving an indelible mark on the arts.
Shoutout to Uncle Don who was the first to put a camera in her hand!
PLC Playlist:
Titi: Beyonce - Plastic off the Sofa
Cleo Sol - Self
El debarge - I like it
Jungle - Dominoes
⭐Classical edition⭐
Qurissy:
Jungle - Dominoes
Gear Don’t Matter But: Our first guest to use a technique!! - COnstant lights with shutter drag!
Shoot Yo Shot: Creative Director role or curational work for music brands! Sony, Bose, Philharmonic??
You can find, hire, or reach Titi at: on the train, instagram, facebook, website, or with her duo - Duo Kayo
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Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
In this episode, DeeDee Casimir shares her journey from fashion to filmmaking, discussing her experiences in the film festival circuit and the creation of her thesis film, "The Last Hoorah at G-Baby's." She reflects on personal stories, the challenges of the industry, and the importance of authentic representation in media. This synopsis of the episode is super short but baby we were YAPPING! Please enjoy the beautiful storytelling of the writer and director of The Last Hoorah at G-Baby’s!
Shoutout to her DeeDee’s dad, Mr. Casimir who dropped multiple bars that came up this episode lol
Shoutout to Minds Matter who DeeDee volunteers for
Stephen Saito’s interview of DeeDee mentioned in the show!
PLC Playlist:
DeeDee: Mac Hommey - Copy Cold from Rich Ass Haitian
Seal - Future Love Paradise Live in Paris version
Aztec Baby - bash for the world
Portobello - Young Nudy
Qurissy: Mr. Fingers - Mystery of Love
Gear Dont Matter But: Canon BF7
Photographer Fit Check: DeeDee: Elisa Johnson Frames
Shoot Yo Shot: Directing commercials and her personal project about haitians at the Floridian border will be getting made all 2026!
You can find, hire, or reach DeeDee at: DeeDee's Instagram, Last Hoorah at G-Baby's Instagram,
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
You don’t have to niche down if you dont want to!! Kai Tsehay shares her journey as a photographer and how shes been able to do it all. We get into the importance of capturing joy and intimacy, how event photography documents history and IS art. Kai reflects on her creative influences, the impact of AI on the industry, and her aspirations for the future, including a desire to be a photo director.
Shoutout to Jennifer Shavers!
Kai: EJ Jones - Too Good
Qurissy: Monaleo - Sexy Soulaan
Gear Don’t Matter But: 15-35mm lens
Shoot Yo Shot: We got a lot of manifesting to do this week, let’s put our woo woo caps on babes.
National Geographic - being able to travel the world documenting different communities
A tour with a large artist
10k-20k gigs
More growth in producing/media coordinating carrer.
-Eventually being a photo director for some festivals
You can find, hire, or reach Kai at: instagram, website,
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
This week, Qurissy sits down with Adrena Trice who shares how the vibrant art scene in Chicago shaped her into the illustrious director, producer, & writer that she is now. Adrena emphasizes the significance of feedback, diversity in production teams, and the necessity of taking risks in the creative industry. In fact, this episode is largely about the rewards we receive after the risks. Get into it - especially our Chicago girls!
Shoutout to John singleton & Toni morrison who are all of our inspiration for real. & Shoutout to Clint Ellis
PLC Playlist:
Adrena: Doja Cat - AAH! Men & Amaarae Dove Cameron
Qurissy: Kaytranada - Championship
Photographer Fit Check: Negro League patch jersey is siiiiick
Gear Don’t Matter But: Black magic camera, sony motion cameras, iphone shooting 12 & below
Shoot Yo Shot: directing and producing a horror film - monkeypaw productions, A24films
You can find, hire, or reach Adrena at: linkedin, website coming soon, & instagram
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Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
Get in babes we’re going to Londooonnnnnn! Switched up a bit this episode with the London photographer Angela Ogunfojuri!! What do yall think about this flow? We discuss Angela's journey in the photography industry, her experiences as a Black woman photographer in London specifically, and the challenges and triumphs she has faced. Angela shares insights into her creative process, the importance of authenticity, and her aspirations for future projects. We wanted to see what it could be like if we needed to pack them bags real quick.
PLC Playlist:
Angela: Khya - mary jane
Qurissy: LoVibe - A good man with a broken heart
Gear Don’t Matter But:
14-24mm
Nikon d850
Shoot Yo Shot: Listen up, Melia, KFC, British Airways - We’re thinking a 3 day shoot for British Airways then flying Angela out for a Melia campaign, from there she rests up at one of her favorite hotels and another 3 day campaign for you guys. Lastly, KFC you can pick her up from the hotel & take her straight to set for a full day shoot. Sound good? GOOD!
You can find, hire, or reach Angela at: instagram, website, don’t go looking too far lolol
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
How to be a Cover girl with Phylicia J. L. Munn!! We get into all of her work but it was especially important to learn how Phylicia navigates and captures these excellent covers. She gives us tips on where to look for connections and how to put yourself out there. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities that arose during the pandemic, the dynamics of working on set, and how to maintain a unique style while navigating commercial work. Phylicia shares insights on her creative process and how much she has grown since transitioning out of finance just before the pandemic.
PLC Playlist:
Phylicia: Metro Boomin - I Want it All
Qurissy: Benjamin Earl Turner - Immune
Gear Don’t Matter But: A speaker MUST be present. Her fave cams are N ikon z9 24-70mm 2.8 & Mamiya rz 67
Shoot Yo Shot: The Obamas!!! Oprah!!! We know you’re listening!!
You can find, hire, or reach Phylicia at: on the beach with a lot of money first & foremost. Then you can find her at instagram, website
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Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
Qurissy and Priscillia Grubo explore the multifaceted world of brand photography, particularly through the lens of Priscillia's experiences as a black woman photographer in Munich, Germany. Going overseas for the first time in this episode - wow so proud of us!! Another milestone!! They discuss the importance of personal branding, the creative process behind capturing authentic portraits, and the challenges and rewards of navigating the photography industry. Priscillia shares insights on marketing, the significance of diversity in photography, and the impact of personal projects on artistic expression.
PLC Playlist:
Prisicillia: Tayc - DoDo
Qurissy: The Paradox - Do Me Like That
Gear Don’t Matter But:
Sony alpha 4
B10 protofoto
Shoot Yo Shot: VEJA brand!! We’ve learned a lot about and really feel you and Priscilla are aligned so reach out ASAP!! You dont wanna miss ehr!!
You can find, hire, or reach Priscillia at: instagram, website
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Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
In this episode, Qurissy speaks with Aspen Cierra, a travel photographer, about transitioning your niche. Aspen fills us in on how just 2 years ago she transitioned into becoming a travel photographer & content creator and gives us some gems on how to do it. We cover negotiations, portfolios, kits!
PLC Playlist:
Aspen: Kehlani - Folded
Qurissy: Jadakiss - We Gon Make it
Photographer Fit Check: Renaissanceeeeeee merch!!
Gear Don’t Matter But: here eye
Shoot Yo Shot: Uzbekistan, Marriott & Delta Airline Singapore, Emirates - I see a whole package deal you guys can all work together and make this thing happen. Let’s get it.
You can find, hire, or reach Aspen at: creator instagram, photography instagram, website,
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
“You deserve to be perceived”
Denita shares her journey as a photographer and new mother, discussing the challenges of maintaining creativity with motherhood. (Actually, the second mom we’ve had on the pod!!!) She reflects on her experiences with imposter syndrome, the evolution of her brand Comfort Studio into a creative wellness space, and the importance of community and support for & from mothers. We get into the need for inclusive spaces for parents in creative industries and the significance of documenting memories for future generations. And still, Denita shares her insights on photography, focusing on color grading, capturing softness in portraits, and the challenges of street photography. Emphasizing the importance of inspiration, self-growth, & creative expression!
Life Check:
Big inspired by Recho Omandi of Cutting Room Floor, Tracee Ellis Ross, Renell Medrano, &Tyler The Creator
Shoutout to Cool Moms Podcast, Brandon Hicks, Russ, & Ri, & Aunt Francis!
PLC Playlist: Luther Vandross - Superstar & Destiny’s Child - No, No, No, Pt. 2
Photographer Fit Check: TANK TOPS lol
Gear Don’t Matter But: BIG THREE: FIlm, Camera, Sun. Favorite films: Portra 800/400, Ilford, & Arthouse DUH
Shoot Yo Shot: A24, bts on move & tv sets. And the Clipse!! But especially Malice! Get on her line!!
You can find, hire, or reach Denita at: IRL!! instagram, website, substack
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Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
✨Trigger Warning✨
We discuss themes of sexual assault in this episode. While it is not graphic we want to give everyone the opportunity to take care of themselves during and after this listen. Feel free to jump ahead if you need. 🖤
This week’s episode is all about Maya June Mansour’s new book, Light Brown Butterfly, releasing this week, August 29th!!!
Qurissy and Maya delve into the themes of reflection, identity, healing, self-discovery, and the creative process behind her new book. While exploring the relationship between the body and soul we also discuss the crucial role intuition plays in Maya’s life and work.. But this episode isn’t heavy - the significance of play and joy in art is highlighted throughout.
Life Check:
Shoutout Botania Moreno, Nick Solata at Typecraft, Scope of Work, & Grace Abbott
PLC Playlist Additions:
Maya: Rosalia - Motomami
Qurissy: Heem, Fo1006, Woojinee - Starmaker
Photographer Fit Check: a lady in uniform!! Tank tops & denim>>>
Gear Don’t Matter But: A mirror!! Better yet - a car mirror!
Shoot Yo Shot: Maya’s dream is to take self portraits for a brand, maybe a cool furniture brand? Who are you?? Reveal yourselves!! And pay Maya the big bucks!!
Dashwood looks like a really cool bookstore and we want them to carry the second edition of Light Brown Butterfly!! Everyone go tell them to add it to their inventory!
You can find, hire, or reach Maya at: substack, instagram, website ← where you can buy the book!!
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Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
We couldn’t let Tonika leave without doing the last segments!!! So, we actually did in fact let her leave, we ran out of time…she has things to do, don't be selfish. But we brought her back 🎉 to put us all on for our fave segments at the end!
PLC Playlist:
Tonika: Willyynova - Infinity Stone & Novacane
Qurissy: Jean Deaux - Just like me!
Gear Don’t Matter But: Nikon d850 w/ 50mm
Shoot Yo Shot:
Exhibition at Columbia College Museum of Contemporary Photography Coming in 2027!!!
Exhibition at MCA is big dream!!!
You can find, hire, or reach Tonika at: instagram, website, or Tonika Lewis Johson on Facebook - we working on tiktok lol, check out the linktree for all other links!
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
We taking it out south this week!! Photographer and social justice artist Tonika Lewis Johnson discusses her impactful projects, Folded Map which connects residents from different neighborhoods in Chicago to explore the realities of segregation. We also get into Tonika’s projects Inequity For Sale and Unblocked Englewood which aim to educate and empower residents while addressing historical injustices in home ownership on Chicago’s South Side. Tonika discusses her deep connection to her community in Inglewood, the cultural significance of Black neighborhoods, and how her art serves as a catalyst for social change. All in all, Qurissy is GAGGED! And a proud Chicagoan.
Life Check:
Tonika Lewis Johnson’s work is extensive!! So we have a lot of links this episode:
Tonika was named the 2025 Red Cross Social Justice Impact Hero
Project: Inequity For Sale
Read Her book! Don't Go: Stories of Segregation and How to Disrupt It Co-authored by Maria Krysan
Fellowship: 2021 Artists as Instigator for the National Public Housing Museum
Fellowship: 2024 Gordon Parks Foundation Fellow
Co-Founder: Englewood Arts Collective
Shoutout to the Chicago legend Que Billa
“Remain diligent & curious”
You can find, hire, or reach Tonika at: instagram, website, or Tonika Lewis Johson on Facebook - we working on tiktok lol
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Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
This week’s episode of Photographer Life Check, Qurissy sits down with photographer and set designer Ariana Bailey. They discuss Ariana's unique style, her transition into creative direction, and the importance of sensuality in her art. The conversation explores the intersection of photography and set design, the challenges of experiential event production, and her co-creation SHORTY! A short film screening event happening August 16th at Arthouse Film Lab in LA.
PLC Playlist: Cadillac or Lex by Pink Siifu
Photographer Fit Check: cyanotype denim?? Im gagged
Gear Don’t Matter But: Handicam!!
Shoot Yo Shot: Tyler the Creator - Ari is ready for your next era!! Tap in!!!
You can find, hire, or reach Ariana at: instagram, website, IRL - Dont be shy, say hi!
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
Happy Half Birthday to US!!! On this very special 6 month anniversary episode, our guest Nailah and host Qurissy talk color grading, editing ethics, and the importance of authenticity & personal style. Nai let’s us in on being in creative transitions and how she’s navigating that. Plus, The Photographs Not Taken this episode is so sweet, you don’t wanna miss it! AND we added a new segment!!! We created the PLC Playlist as a memento of all the sounds that are helping us through creatively and so we can all have something to listen to on set!
Here’s the deets:
Life Check:
Dyme Taylor Auto Biography - Dyamond in the Rough
PLC Playlist Addition: Destiny’s Child - Say My Name Timbaland Remix
Gear Don’t Matter But: Pentax!!
Shoot Yo Shot: Long term project with a group or artists
You can find, hire, or reach Nai at: instagram, website,
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
We getting grown over here!! Episode 26 explores Bri Ali’s photography journey - particularly as a sports photographer within the NFL. But please be clear - SHE SHOOTS EVERYTHING! We go into the importance of personal style, the challenges managing shoots, and the dynamics of game day experiences. Bri shares insights on the gear she uses, her aspirations for the future, and the impact she hopes to have on the community, especially for aspiring photographers. And much like Qurissy, she wants to do A LOT.
Huge to shoutout to Bri’s cousin Von and colleague Mikayla for being a source of inspiration. We loved talking about you on the show!
Photographer Fit Check: Tackma fitted hats
Gear Don’t Matter But: good quality harness
Shoot Yo Shot: Coi Leray & De’arra Taylor - yall know what to do!!
You can find, hire, or reach Bri at: instagram, website,
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
To celebrate Black Music Month, BWP teamed up with Live Nation Urban for the Black Creatives Music Summit at the BWP Summit featuring Megan Sumpton. In this episode, Megan gets real about her path into music photography—sharing the highs, the hurdles, and how important it is to build solid relationships in the industry. She talks gear essentials, juggling a day job with creative work, and how she carved out her unique style. Megan also drops gems on getting paid in the live music world, dealing with rejection, and using social media to open doors. It’s an honest, inspiring convo for anyone looking to make moves in music photography.
You can find, hire, or reach Megan at: website, instagram,
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
In this special collaboration with Story Time by Adam Davis, three of the four Black Magic Rodeo Residency women artists — including our host, Qurissy — come together to reflect on their time in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This episode centers the voices of Black women as they share their unique experiences and perspectives on the Black rodeo and its cultural legacy.
Artists Da'Shaunae Marisa and Amber Aisha open up about their personal connections to the rodeo, the challenges they encountered, and the deep bonds formed through collaboration. The Black Magic Rodeo Residency brought together six photographers in total to explore, document, and develop their craft through the lens of Black rodeo history. The conversation highlights the importance of confidence, audacity, and community in creative work — and the powerful imprint this residency will leave on future generations.
Special shoutout to the other residents: Brian Edwards Jr., Samone Kidane, & Tosin Popoola <3
You can find, hire, or reach Da'Shaunae at: website, instagram, heydashaunae@gmail.com
You can find, hire, or reach Amber at: website, instagram, hello@amberaisha.com
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
Happy Birthday BWP!!! Our founder, Polly Irungu joins us on the anniversary of BWP to reflect on five years of building Black Women Photographers into a thriving global community. We talk about what it means to lead with care, the emotional highs and lows of advocacy, and the stories that often go unseen behind the work. Polly shares how BWP grew from a simple idea into a movement that continues to shift the photography industry. She opens up about the beauty of missed moments, dreaming out loud, and why building something for others has transformed her life. It’s an, honest conversation about legacy, leadership, and creative purpose. Now everybody say Happy Birthday Polly!!!
Gear Don’t Matter But: Nifty Fifty!
Shoot Yo Shot: Go on tour with…..
More partnerships!
You can find, hire, or reach Polly at: instagram, website, youtube
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Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original
Yall know we love archives here!!! Alexis Hunley sits down with Qurissy to share her journey as a photographer and archivist, reflecting on the profound influence of her grandmother on her artistic practice. We delve into the emotional aspects of memory, family history, and the importance of documenting. This episode features a list of gear you can see in full on Alexis’s Substack. Alexis also provides the resource that helped her get started by Sierra King. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating generational trauma and the desire to break cycles of suffering. Through her project, Alexis aims to inspire others to take their own documentation seriously, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage and identity.
Photographer Fit Check: Def Sounds Merch
Gear Don’t Matter But: Epson v600
Grandmother’s slide projector
Shoot Yo Shot:Documentary photography for SZA! SZA where you at??? We need this piece made!!
You can find, hire, or reach Jaz at: instagram, website, & substack
Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Instagram, & TikTok
Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original