Today’s guest is Cheriss May, a celebrated portrait and editorial photographer based in Washington, D.C. . Known for her powerful ability to connect authentically with her subjects, Cheriss’s work shines a light on stories that matter.
She is a member of the Board of Directors at Focus on the Story, the immediate past president of Women Photojournalists of Washington (WPOW), co-chair of photography at The National Press Club, an Adobe Education Leader, and an adjunct professor at Howard University, her alma mater.
Cheriss has been commissioned to speak on inclusive storytelling and trains organizations and educators worldwide, including Spotify, Adobe, Leica, The Financial Times, the Center for Creative Photography, and the International Center of Photography. Her photography has been featured in The New York Times, O Magazine, The White House website, People Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, ABC News, The Today Show, and more.
Her traveling exhibit and forthcoming book, “Cheriss May Soul Connection”, highlight her mission to connect with the soul of those she photographs. Her work is part of BET’s “Content for Change” campaign and is held in the permanent collections of the African American Museum in Philadelphia and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, NY.
In this episode, we explore:
- Cheriss’s journey as a portrait and editorial photographer
- The importance of inclusive storytelling
- Her career highlights and international exhibitions
- How she balances teaching, speaking, and creating impactful art
- The role of resilience and authenticity in her creative process
If you’re passionate about photography, storytelling, and cultural impact, this episode with Cheriss May will inspire you to see the world through a more intentional lens.
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Music: IOMH Built For This (Feat. Melody Val)
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