Sincerely, Us.
As a Kansas City transplant, I found my way through unfamiliar streets with a camera in hand. Over time, those streets started to speak back — through the people, the quiet corners, and the everyday beauty that too often goes unnoticed. This series is my way of listening.
Shot entirely on medium format film, these environmental portraits focus on Black men of all ages — brothers, fathers, sons, friends — existing in their element. Not posed. Not performing. Just present. In a world that’s quick to define us, I wanted to slow things down and let these moments speak for themselves.
This work is deeply personal. It’s my way of saying: you matter, even when no one’s watching. Every image is a reminder that ordinary is extraordinary, and visibility is power. These men — familiar, proud, thoughtful, quiet, bold — deserve to be seen not as symbols or statistics, but as people.
This is my small offering to the larger conversation. A fight against invisibility. A love letter to Black presence. A call to look again.
Confronted With The Gaze of Another.
I started this project as a testimonial in hopes to create a book or magazine for the images but year after year, it just never felt complete. Recently I had a member of Kansas City Artist Coalition reach out about potentially showcasing some of the project in an upcoming gallery exhibit that they were doing around portraits. I decided it would be a great opportunity to share some of this project, especially since I have been holding int so close to the chest and most of it hasn’t ever been seen by someone. I have 6 pieces being shown from Aug 1-29th 2025 and if you’re in Kansas City… stop in.
