We were lucky to catch up with Qurissy L recently and have shared our conversation below.

Qurissy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

In the early days of my photography journey, the advice circulating within the community was centered on choosing the right gear to initiate one’s career. I meticulously followed blog recommendations and watched numerous YouTube videos, eventually acquiring entry-level cameras and lights as per the conventional wisdom.

A significant shift in perspective occurred during a casual browse on Twitter. A photographer I highly admired suggested investing in the most capable camera one could afford and mastering its intricacies. This revelation challenged my previous approach of constant upgrades.

Since embracing this new outlook, my focus has shifted from routinely upgrading my equipment to strategically investing in gear that aligns with my needs. This change in perspective not only saved me from pouring thousands of dollars into successive camera upgrades but also led to one of my most valuable investments: time spent understanding and harnessing the full potential of the gear I already possess. I am forever grateful to that photographer, whose unwitting guidance reshaped my photography journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into photography was spurred by my inherent curiosity. I often refer to myself as a “photo album kid” because my fascination with family photos served as my gateway into this craft. Those precious moments captured in photo albums became my love language, prompting me to meticulously study the photo collections of anyone willing to share. It was only later in my career that I truly grasped the profound impact of those moments and how they’ve profoundly shaped my artistic vision.

Over time, I’ve dedicated numerous images to preserving the essence of the family photo album—a source of immense pride for me. What began as a subconscious pursuit of my early curiosities has evolved into a deliberate effort to create meaningful images, whether for a photo series or a music artist.

In my role as a photographer, I see my primary task as crafting something both I and my subjects can take pride in. This involves a delicate blend of gentle direction during sessions and thoughtful editing afterward. Regardless of the approach, I consider it my duty to bring patience, openness, and curiosity to every session, ensuring a collaborative and enriching creative experience for all involved.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2020 we all had to pivot didn’t we? For me, that meant putting a pause on my photography work for almost the entire year, prioritizing safety over everything else. During this hiatus, I found a new avenue to navigate through uncertain times – Art Direction.

As an Art Director at Gumbo Media, we experienced an influx of service clients seeking brand refreshes or buildouts. It turned out to be a silver lining during a time that was incredibly uncertain for all of us. I found myself relying on my skills as an Art Director and the support of my community, especially my partner, to stay afloat. Gratitude fills me as I reflect on how these unexpected turns allowed me to adapt and find stability in a challenging year.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media seems like a perpetual journey. In this era, creatives often find themselves not only crafting their art but also navigating the role of content creators to market their work. It’s an interesting dynamic, especially for me, as I engage with my community across platforms.

The landscape is diverse – from the videos I create on TikTok to the images I share on Instagram and Twitter. It’s fascinating to see how people connect with different facets of my work. Despite the varied introductions, the heartbeat of my work and following remains rooted in word of mouth. I find great appreciation for those who share my work, lifting up the art they resonate with.

I consider myself fortunate to have a modest following on social media that might be small, but the support is monumental. It’s heartening to have a community that consistently shows up for me in significant ways, reinforcing the value of meaningful connections over sheer numbers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.qurissyphoto.co
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/qurissy

Image Credits
Photographer: Qurissy Models: Sade Naya, Lei Phillips, Mercedes Zapatas, Kaykay, Adam Davis, Ian Lipton