“I was first introduced to a camera when I was a child. Like many families from the 1990’s (before smart phones), my family captured special moments using instant Kodak cameras and video camcorders. I was so fascinated by film and the story-telling aspect of capturing candid moments of everyday life. Today, I am inspired by noble photographers, Gordon Parks and Ming Smith. I have also come across a travel photographer, Ryan Neeven whose work I find to be quite captivating. Addition to photography, I’ve sought inspiration from an array of films I used to watch as a child. Ranging from documentaries, Blaxploitation, and black and white films such as, St. Louis Blues and Imitation of Life. Some of my all time favorite classic films are Black Orpheus, The Temptations, Stompin’ at the Savoy, Lady Sings the Blues, Mahogany and more!

Throughout my adolescence I had to find creative ways to cope with my behavioral health that stemmed from trauma. During my sophomore year of high school I took up photography 101 which later became therapeutic for me. I felt empowered to express myself using a camera and tweaking my photos using photoshop and other photo software tools. I would continue to practice shooting on my moms camera, a Nikon CoolPix S230 (I know, I’m aging myself) because DSLR’s were (and still are) pretty expensive. I’d take her camera with me everywhere! I love music and so while shooting I’d listen to some of my favorite neo-soul and R&B artist (e.g., Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Aaliyah, Amerie, SWV, the list goes on). Thanks to my 1st generation silver iPod Nano, I’d escape to my music while taking photos during my two-hour bus rides from school to work. Many of my photos were of people walking downtown Minneapolis, the skylines, and pretty much anything I could capture in the city that spoke to me. I wish I still had those photos!

In 2012, I enlisted in the U.S. Army. Throughout my time in service, I was blessed to see many parts of the world and documented some amazing experiences. For instance, January 2017, I was selected to participate in the Norwegian Troop Exchange. I had the opportunity to train with the Norwegian National Guard and participated in their winter survival training. I cross-country skied in the mountains, learned to build an igloo, slept in an ice cave, and toured the city of Trondheim and the country side of Fannrem. I was so pleased with the accessibility of my iPhone camera and Go-Pro. I felt magic from every moment I captured. Whenever I look back at those memories it feels like I’m time traveling back to those moments.

May 2017, I visited Slovenia, Croatia and Italy for a study abroad experience. Without hesitation, I took pictures of moments that spoke to my heart. In Slovenia, I captured gems in the city of Ljubljana, hiking in the Vintgar Gorge, as well as the magical experiences at Lake Bled. While in Croatia, my soul escaped in the Groznjan Hilltop Village of Artist in Istria. My final destination lead me to Venice, Italy where I was introduced to the Venetian lagoon and fell in love with the vibrant island of Burano…Need I say more about Venice? Later that summer, I continued documenting more European countries such as France, Spain, Netherlands, U.K., as well as U.A.E., Kuwait, and Canada. I do aspire to capture more parts of the world, in due time.

September 2018, I deployed to Kuwait and returned in the summer of 2019. I was so eager to pick up my camera again when I returned to the United States. That Fall, after my camping trip in Mount Shasta, California, I remember feeling so far removed from photography. It felt as if I lost connection and lacked passion. Ultimately, I was in the process of realignment and discovered new inspiration. I wanted to connect with people through storytelling. Shortly after, I rekindled with my community, my friends, local business owners, start-up’s and new clients. It’s where I began offering my services with local vendors. It was a pivotal moment for me and that’s when it clicked!

After a few major life transitions and humble beginnings, I decided to take a sabbatical leave from photography and from my career in order to further my education. August 9th, 2020, I towed my car to the back of a pickup truck and made my way to Los Angeles (all by myself ;) in light of a new chapter and as a renewed woman. As of now, I am developing a few personal projects and collaborating with local artist. Most importantly, I’ve made room to serve as a volunteer for a social justice organization along with a non-profit charity as an HR consultant and I completed my Masters in I/O Psychology on June 9th, 2023.

As you get to know me, I prefer to take my time with developing ideas before showcasing them. For me, I see no value in publishing work that is rushed and lack intention. Hence, why it took time to find my way back to photography.

In closing, I am so grateful for this journey. It took faith, patience and grit. I aspire to expand on my ideas and I wish for more meaningful opportunities to share with all of you. Many blessings.”

Love,

Vanessa Adisah