In this powerful episode, Qurissy sits down with Director & Photographer, Kalynn Youngblood to explore the healing power of art and the ways movement, memory, and expression shape our stories. Kalynn opens up about her personal journey—growing up in South Central, navigating family trauma, and uncovering strength through creative practice.Together, they reflect on the legacy of loss, the complexities of maternal relationships, and how poetry, dance, and photography serve as both resistance and healing.This conversation dives deep into the significance of family archives, the role of community in artistic growth, and the fluid, powerful ways we move through pain and into self-discovery.Photographer Fit Check: Kalynn’s wearing Creative By NatureGear Don’t Matter But: Kodak Gold 200 & Arthouse 250DShoot Yo Shot: Issa Rae on a hulu short!! We love you Issa! Gone hit that inbox!You can find, hire, or reach Kalynn on: instagram, website, vimeo, [email protected]  GOOGLE Kaylnn Youngblood - she pop right on up!Read her poetry book: Journeys of a WOMBmanSaul Williams SLAM movie clipWatch/Listen to Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTokPhotographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original

Image makers cannot stop talking about this film!! 😭 Director and DP, Ashley O’shay sits down with Qurissy to discuss Sinners on episode 14! Hopefully the first conversation of a few about SInners 👀 ( Send a prayer up!)  We wanted to give our overall thoughts and feelings through the context of both being image makers, music enthusiasts, & the results of the great migration. We talk about THAT scene and more. And don’t worry - this will not be the last time you see Ashley on the show! She has to come so we can talk more about her film and expertise so she can drop some more gems! Did yall hear she used to be a projectionist?!You can find, hire, or reach Ashley: in peace & high spirits 🙌🏽 or at - instagram, website, or an upcoming DJ Frotasia page where you can watch her spin!Don’t forget to tap into the film she’s working on Southmont Drive - a reflection on the legacy of a Black family from Tuskegee, AL, centered on Ashley O'Shay's late grandfather and the 17 children he raised.Help Southmont Drive come to life!Qurissy’s listening to Sinners Soundtrack on SpotifyWatch/Listen to Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTokPhotographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original

Episode 13 with Taylor Washington highlights the importance of self-discovery and the continuous pursuit of creativity in the ever-changing landscape of art. In this conversation, Taylor and Qurissy delve into the intricacies of photography, exploring Taylor’s creative process from concept to execution. They discuss the impact of technology, particularly AI, on her work, and how learning new tools has transformed their approach. We talk a lot about life & work. Big yappin this week!Taylor’s gems:Freeform for brain mappingQR code generatorsShoot Yo Shot: Perfume companies!! New campaign shot by Taylor is necessary!You can follow, hire, or reach Taylor at: [email protected], instagram dm, or website!Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTokPhotographer Life Check is a BWP Network Origina

In this moving conversation, Qurissy sits down with archivist and photographer Da’Shaunae Marisa to explore the transformative intersections of grief, family, memory, and creativity. Together, they reflect on how archiving personal and collective history can offer healing, connection, and clarity—especially through loss.Da’Shaunae shares the story behind her powerful project No Mother Is an Island, and how art became a vital space for processing grief and honoring legacy. The two dive into Ephemeral Roots and how the presence of flowers, family photographs, and inherited stories shape the way we remember and mourn.They also discuss the evolution of Generations Blended—Da’Shaunae’s Rubik’s Cube-inspired project that centers beauty, curiosity, and family connection, encouraging deeper conversations across generations.This episode is a heartfelt meditation on how we carry our people with us, how grief transforms us, and how curiosity can become a bridge to understanding.Shoot Yo Shot: FKA Twigs & National Geographic!!You can follow, hire, or reach Da’Shaunae at: website, instagram, and youtubeWatch/Listen to Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTokPhotographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original

When it comes to having a signature editing style, Breyona Holt nails it. In this episode, Qurissy chats with Breyona about how she found her style through play, experimentation, and listening to the positive feedback that came her way. Breyona reflects on the influence of late ‘90s and early 2000s music videos—the best era, period—and how those visuals helped shape her artistic eye.The two dive into Breyona’s love for the handy dandy Olympus camera and the power of getting back to basics. And if you know Qurissy, you know she loves an archive—so naturally, they talk about Breyona’s family archive and how it keeps her inspired and grounded.This one’s for all the girls named Briana, born in the ‘90s, who grew up on Missy Elliott videos and now keep a camera in their bag. Lol Shoot Yo Shot:Rhianna - you have til the end of the year to get Breyona on a set!Topicals - let’s reconnect on a marketing campaign!You can find Breyona on her website,  instagram, or twitter!Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTokPhotographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original

SHAWTY IS A TEN! Dakotah Whiting teaches us how to be a good guest while traveling and shooting in episode TEN! Guys, we’re in the double digits!! What a milestone. To celebrate, we deep dived into some of Dakotah’s travels and how she navigates photography ethically in other countries. She gave us practical tips on how to pack, apps to use, and how to talk to strangers who may not speak your language! Plus, back stories on some of her favorite places and how she grew from forcing herself to be a little uncomfortable.Dakotah’s Gems: Rome2rio appGoogle translator appsFlat fanny pack for travel Build your kitWalking shoes, sandalsZip up pants/shortsMicrofiber towelsBring your own lockAntibacterial panties water resistant Build your Photo kit35mm, 85mm, 50mm lensesCompact cameralaptopHow to make $$$Reaching out ahead of time to tour guide companies, hotels, soccer teams, whatever you’re interested in shootingShoot Yo Shot: boyfriend’s family 🥹You can find Dakotah at: www.dakotahwhiting.comWatch/Listen to Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTokPhotographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original

On this week’s episode Qurissy talks to Kayla Sullers, the Eastside Chicagoan, Filmmaker and Cinematographer! Our convo was largely about her commitment to education and mentorship for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of representation and support for future generations. We followed Kayla as she let us in on her journey of becoming a cinematographer, getting inducted into the Local 600, & her dreams of building a cinematic lens - potentially the first Black woman made cinematic lens? We’ll do more research!Get involved with Visionaries in Motion, Kayla’s educational filmmaking project through BBTL.Chicago Artist-Based Programs: True Star FoundationFresh Films at Roosevelt UniversityJohn Walt FoundationIllinois Media SchoolSisters in Cinema - workshops with  Courtney Edwards, Chan C. SmithLearn about the BlackWing7 Lens at Tribe. By Bradford Young & Neil FanthomListen to Kayla’s late stepfather, Chicago Poet, Armen Rah.Shoot Yo Shot: TDE , Beyonce, Kamala Harris (AGAIN), Issa Rae & Hoorae - tap tap tap in!You can find Kayla at: instagram, website, IMDB, Bookings: [email protected] Follow BBTL on instagram or like she said - GOOGLE ME!Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTokPhotographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE! Amandla shares her experiences with spirituality, community, and the influence of her revolutionary family background on her artistic vision. Our conversation delves into the importance of expressing emotions, the role of humanity in art, and the complexities of representation in media. We go into the darkness & back into the light throughout this entire conversation.Find Amandla on Instagram or her websiteSupport Amandla’s film! Follow For Peace of Mind Film on InstagramAmandla’s Inspirations: Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, & HerranaAmandla’s Reads:  Echo Tree by Henry Dumas, 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia MarquezShoot Yo Shot: Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg - a cover feature shot by Amandla would be crazy!!Ramadan Mubarak to all who observe!Watch/Listen to  Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTokPhotographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original.

In this week’s episode host Qurissy sits down with cinematographer Sade Ndya! We explore Ndya’s journey in the film industry, the importance of community organizing, and the challenges faced as a Black woman in cinematography. We get technical with her favorite lenses and show love to Belize! Her home country! Sade also laced us with her secret sauce - lots of warming & cooling filters.You can find her at https://www.sadendya.co/, instagram,  Made in Her Image - or you can catch us all at Arthouse Film Lab fr.Sade’s deck for Soñadora & the talk she did with B&H!Sade’s reads: Soul of A Nation, The New Black Vanguard, any book on color theory Shoutout  to Tru - the master of sound! And Trey the gaffer Shoot Yo Shot: Doechiiiiiii - a photographer’s fave already! Watch/Listen to Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTokPhotographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original.

Shoutout to our first Pulitzer Prize Finalist guest, Professor of Photography, courtney coles! We dive into courtney’s ongoing photo series “Momma”, becoming a pulitzer prize finalist, & how people be gay!! Shoutout to Quinta Brunson! Professor Coles speaks passionately about her students, her teaching approach, & how to engage with subjects.You can find courtney in the middle of the dance floor underneath a disco ball. Or on her instagram, website, or linkedin if you’re looking for a new professor to tenure at your university. But really she’s probably just at a coffee shop.Courtney’s Pulitzer nominated work:The Tulsa Race Massacre 100 Years LaterThe Dreams of Jack & Daisy ScottCourtney’s tattoo artist: KD Diamond Courtney listening to: Taylor Swift - Mirrorball  & Muna - What I Want Another milestone was made in this episode – our first re-recording! Wow, our newborn podcast is really growing yall. I’m so proud. Follow Photographer Life Check wherever you get your podcasts and ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTok. And wherever you get your podcasts!Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original.