#bwbanks

[bwbanksphotography]

I now create from inspiration, where once I worked from desperation. This is being liberated and black.

Muse: Tijahnni

Styled, directed, shot and edited by me.

Medium format film.

[bwbanksphotography]

Novi Brown; Head in the Clouds

[bwbanksphotography]

Our son will be here soon. Photos expressing generational Blackness mean something different now. Seeing myself as apart of the sustainability of a routinely crucified people feels like like Thanksgiving food, or pushing your limits in workout or falling in love; all is welcomed weight. "Angela Davis Speaks to Young Child" shot for @blmlosangeles x @theundergroundmuseum speaking engagement #blacklivesmatter #familyfirst #bwbanks (at The Underground Museum) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5wK4fJAkFr/?igshid=ms4c6wxx77ky

[bwbanksphotography]

"Ava a Rising Tide"

Muse: Ava Monet

Shot with Bronica Etrs on Fuji Velvia

[bwbanksphotography]

I recently read @lpeopleswagner article in @thecut about being black in fashion. Later reading posts from different black creatives, triggered to share their traumas of being black, using their black voice to tell black stories in white spaces. A great number of empathetic and sympathetic thoughts roiled inside of me, but one that resonated and spoke to the global issue of black faces in white spaces: why "can't" black people work with each other? Intellectually I wrestle with that idea constantly as it feels as cognitively dissonant as "black on black crime." There's just crime. Human on human. Why, as it pertains to black folks, is it suddenly an epidemic? Same with work. Why is it that even as we see companies feud and dismantle regularly, the narrative is that black people in particular have difficultly finding harmony in the workplace. Yet and still, I've had my fair share of shameful business experience with black creatives and business folk. I predominantly have worked in the fashion/portrait arena so Lindsay's article and posts shared by creatives, such as @danascruggs , spoke at very unique frequency to my soul. In questioning the fidelity and veracity of white support in black space, I'm lead down a logical rabbit hole. If we conclude, with 400 years of examples, that white people can not be trusted with black culture, then shouldn't black people monopolize our own narrative? If we should monopolize our own narrative, we would be required to work with each other, right? Then why can't we? Shot circa 2015 for Beads and Whim by Aree campaign Muse: @adelesupreme Wardrobe: @beadsbyaree / @whimbyaree MUA: @makeupbymye_belle ASST: @itsthewrightinsta #representationmatters #blackwoman #collab #fashionportrait #jewelrydesign #goldjewelry #bwbanksphotography #bwbanks (at Solstice Canyon Hiking Trail Parking)

[bwbanksphotography]

I'd love to have a dialogue about natural hair. If and how it shapes your identity. What you feel connected to because of your hair. Hell, even any products you use. These conversations are necessary for the collective strength of our community. I'm all about any Mango & Lime product. Also Dabur Amla or Essential 17 for hair growth. Dr. Bronner's or Renpure for shampooing. Lemme know. Put me on game. "The Difference Between Hair and Fur No. 3: Sister" Model: @angelicacheri MUA: @mindbodyandbeauty_ Styling: @lyriccross #naturalhairdaily #braidstyles #fur #blackwomen #bwbanks #bwbanksphotography (at Point Dume)

[bwbanksphotography]

My hair is a source of fascination and curiosity amongst my students. I'm fine with that. It puts me in the preferred position of being photography teacher, comic book collaborator, emotional counselor, and African American ambassador. Even in consideration of the pride I take in those responsibilities, I'm dismayed at the idea that if I don't introduce this largely Korean and Mexican student base to the notion of "don't touch my hair" (or anybody's hair for that matter), who will? Still, the amount of times I've had to tell 11, 12, and 13 year olds the same thing I've had to tell adults, that reaching out, without permission, to touch someone's hair, is a no-no, actually says so much more about the adults than the kids. I feel a series coming on. "The Difference Between Hair and Fur 2: Keisha" Model: @court_kneela #blackisbeautiful #donttouchmyhair #braidstyles #fur #blackwomen #bwbanks #bwbanksphotography (at Los Angeles Fashion District)

[bwbanksphotography]

Brown Sugar. Model: @tijahnni Sincere thank you to all who swung by #brownsugaronadams this past Saturday! My gallery is still up at @runwayboutiquela Go check it out and support black business while you're there! #supportblackbusiness #bwbanks (at West Adams, Los Angeles) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5qcw8igUpr/?igshid=1ijsov6yy303m