We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Imani Mansfield a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Imani, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Honestly, the most meaningful project I’ve worked on was during my time developing myself as a self portrait artist. I used to be very against getting in front of the camera because I used to believe that I wasn’t photogenic. I always felt awkward and had critiques of every shot I took. I didn’t know many good photographers in my beginnings and so receiving poorly done photos of myself didn’t help either. When the lockdown happened I had no choice but to focus inward, as person to person shoots were not an option for me. It was rough at first, having multiple shoots where I could see the vision but couldn’t accept myself as my own muse. I was going through lots of personal development during that time and as I began to get closer to myself, I began to notice I was more and more pleased with how my photos were turning out. I became more vulnerable, and decided to start telling stories through my compositions. Conveying the effect that Isolation had on my mental health. Displaying strength by turning my lockdown prison into an endless canvass for expression. Exploring my creativity and learning how to capture my form from the opposite side of the camera.
Because of this period of self discovery and artistic development, I was able to harness my skills in portrait photography, and expand the boundaries of my own imagination.

Imani, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I gained my interest in photography from my Father, who is now the owner of his own brand, Digie Made Photography. He started it out of hobby and quickly excelled into professional shoots. It sparked an interest for me to begin using my artistic mind in ways outside of my comfort zone of writing and music. I got my first camera as a gift in 2018 and began as a hobbyist, taking photos of nature and bringing my camera on family trips. I did my first paid photoshoot for a good friend, and local rap artist Jayso Creative. From there, I fell in love with portraits.
I used to do many kinds of portrait photography: family photos, engagement shoots, business headshots, etc. But I became burnt out after a couple years, as the creative component got lost while I was helping other people realize their visions.
I had a camera malfunction in 2021 that resulted in me taking a year away from contracted work. During that time, I was able to get my creative spark back, get a new camera, and a new mission. I currently am focused on creative portraits. Moody, sensual, out of the box concepts in which I have the majority of the creative control. I came back to photography to honor my creative side. I no longer take on projects that do not light a creative fire in my mind. I understand that limits the type of business I could be receiving, but the most important part of photography for me, is being inspired by what I capture. If the idea that comes to me does not spark excitement, I will gladly refer a client to one of the many wonderful photographers in the city that I know. I always keep faith that those who trust my vision and have ideas that I find interesting will find me!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing your vision come to life. Having all these ideas buzzing around and then plucking one out, and making it a reality. The satisfaction of taking a shot and saying to myself “thats exactly what it looked like in my head!” Plus, seeing how the models react to seeing themselves through my lens. Showing people an unexpected beauty, as I turn them into a work of art.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

The biggest thing I get from non-creatives is a critique on my very selective nature when taking on clients. I’m told that I could be making so much more money if I were to accept a wider range of shoots, and that I’m limiting myself by doing so. In my opinion, taking on jobs that don’t inspire me is limiting. I don’t do photography because I NEED money. I do photography because I NEED to express myself. Thats the most important thing to me. Yes, I still charge clients, but I will not limit myself as a creative by boxing in my imagination.
Capitalism has us in a chokehold of being dependant on making money to survive, so I understand why I get this so often. And I fully support photographers that pursue jobs based mainly on income. But my personal goal is to distance myself from that grind mentality and just focus on the enjoyment that my creative medium has to offer.

Contact Info:

• Website: imanimphotography.darkroom.tech/
• Instagram: imanim_photography
• Other: imanimphotography@gmail.com

Image Credits
1. “Black Boy joy” Omar 2. “Holy” Alex Bernier 3. “bath petals” Ariel Cherry (arielcherrydesigns) 4. self portrait 5. “Birthday suit shoot” Connie Mrotek (Conrad_mumbles)