As a photographer, I’ve been blessed with the gift to be still, always searching for unique stories that capture the essence of the people and places around me. My latest print collection is a culmination of this quest, and I’m excited to share the inspiration and stories that lie behind each photograph.

The Collection: DC Heartbeat

This print collection is a celebration of my local community and the rich culture that thrives within it. Each photograph captures a moment in time, preserving the stories of individuals and groups who contribute to the vibrant fabric of our society.

Reflection at Dawn: This poignant photograph was taken during a protest after the killing of George Floyd. As I marched towards Capitol Hill, I captured a moment of reflection at the Lincoln Reflecting Pool, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. This image reminds me of the powerful legacy that we carry with us as we continue to fight for justice and equality.

Peabody Community Garden: I was touched by the sense of community and growth in this heartening image of a woman nurturing her garden. It highlights the importance of connecting with our neighbors and fostering a strong, supportive environment for everyone to thrive.

United: The spirited Juneteenth Parade in Washington, D.C., was a celebration of unity and freedom that I couldn’t resist capturing. This photo serves as a reminder of our shared history and the importance of coming together to honor our past and shape our future.

Reflection at Dawn

The powerful image of “Reflection at Dawn” was taken during a protest march following the tragic killing of George Floyd. As I stood by the Lincoln Reflecting Pool, I couldn’t help but think about the historic significance of the location, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the continuous fight for justice and equality.

Peabody Community Garden

Walking around my neighborhood on a hot Summer day I decided to breeze through our community garden. I noticed how peaceful I felt once I stepped inside the garden. There was a woman picking lettuce to take home and then I saw another woman watering her vegetables. “Peabody Community Garden” highlights the importance of community engagement in urban environments. The photograph showcases a woman tending to her garden plot, a testament to the power of collaboration and shared responsibility in creating sustainable, thriving communities. 

United

  In celebration of Juneteenth, we paraded the city alongside some of our most iconic Gogo bands, such as Back Yard Band and EU Band.  Juneteenth is a holiday established on June 19, 1865 when enslaved Africans in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom two years after the Confederacy lost the Civil War. On social media on days leading up to the holiday, Black Americans urged that the day should be celebrated with the same passion as July 4, if not more. Earlier that month corporations across the country began recognizing it as a paid holiday. Captured at the Juneteenth Parade in Washington, D.C., “United” is a spirited photograph celebrating unity and freedom. The image is a reminder of the importance of coming together to honor our shared history and progress towards a brighter future.

TOB Band and Show at Moechella

 In 2019, when a Metro PCS store  known for blasting go-go into the neighborhood air was briefly forced to turn off the tunes, leading to petitions, protests and eventually a massive half-concert, half-demonstration called Moechella that swallowed U Street. Bands came out to perform at the corner of 14 and U st. which lead from late afternoon till night ending with TOB. Crowds of DC residents came out in demonstration to keep Go-go music alive. This photograph shows how music is a powerful force that transcends barriers and unites people. “TOB Band and Show at Moechella” captures a dynamic performance during the “Don’t Mute DC” movement, demonstrating the power of music in bringing communities together and creating shared experiences.

Wale

As a proud D.C. native, photographing local musicians is a passion of mine.  This was a star struck moment for me because I had always looked up to Wale because of our shared Nigerian heritage. He was one of the only local artists I could identify with growing up and it made me feel cool. I had the honor of capturing portrait for the cover of True Laurel Magazine, a magazine, a media platform dedicated to highlighting Baltimore’s most captivating music, visual arts, and the surrounding culture that informs both. The portrait of Wale at The Wharf  captures the talent and creative drive that runs deep in our city. It’s an honor to showcase the essence of such a prominent D.C. musician.

Fat Trel

I had the honor of capturing Fat Trel for the Washington Post. I got to spend some time with him around his neighborhood in NE. Standing in front of a mural of himself in his hood, you can see the impact and influence Trel has amongst his people. In the studio he was at home, you can see that its his place of refuge. Shot in the recording studio, “Fat Trel” encapsulates the relentless pursuit of artistic expression that defines D.C.’s music scene. This image is a testament to the dedication and passion for craft that is at the heart of our city’s thriving artistic community.

The Creative Process

Each photograph in this collection is a product of countless hours spent scouting locations, connecting with subjects, and refining my skills as a visual storyteller. Printed on high-quality Lustre photo paper, these 12 x 8 prints are designed to showcase the beauty and depth of each captured moment.

As a photographer, my mission is to preserve and highlight the stories of the people and places that make our community what it is. I hope this collection serves as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the importance of documenting our shared experiences.

Thank you for joining me on this journey and for your continued support. I invite you to explore the entire collection and experience the stories behind each photograph for yourself.

Until next time,

Kyna