"We Out Here:" An Exploration of the Contemporary Black Lived Experience
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The Images
I took this image on a trip to the Smokey Mountains with friends in the Fall of 2025. It was a pretty diverse group of us that decided to join the vacation, and as someone who hikes frequently I can say with confidence - we didn't represent what the typical group looked like on the trails. I captured this image to remind the world that we belong in any space we occupy.
"We Out Here II"
I got this shot as a part of my first paid gig in Houston. It was my first time shooting in an event context so I definitely didn't get everything I would've wanted to, but when I saw the subject here laughing at some joke that had been made I knew I had to capture it.
"Joy in Houston"
My friend Samatar. I got this shot during my first ever day of shooting with the camera he loaned me - a Canon EOS 30D with a 18-135mm lens included. I'm forever thankful; I hope this image serves as some form of repayment.
"Samatar I"
A shot from my first time in New Orleans. We were there on a family Thanksgiving/sports trip (Rise up!), the week before Thanksgiving. Checking out the Second Line was a must while I was in the city - I'm very thankful we managed to get there while one was happening. Nine Times put on a show and a half.
"We Deserve II"
It's not every day you have the chance to take in a harp concert - and even less frequently is the instrumentalist in question a black woman. AnJelic, a Detroit based musician, put on quite the performance in the aims of raising funds for her harp repair; I was glad to capture this image from the rehearsal prior to the performance!
"The Black Harpist"
I got this shot at Detroit's Push Gallery - an art gallery hosted in a liquor store off Gratiot. It was my first time in the venue that I'd heard so much about, and I was lucky enough to run into this well-attired gentleman before I left. I asked if I could take a picture and he was happy to oblige.
"Kool Kat"
This is another shot from my first paid gig, which I got randomly during my first trip to Houston. I really enjoyed shooting in this space - the bar and texture of the walls made for very interesting composition possibilities. Further, there's something to the quality the expression on the subject's face in this image - I honestly don't know how to describe it - but it makes us want to know more about the conversation being had.
"Contemplation"
Whenever I'm out shooting, I try to make a point to capture an image of myself or my shadow in the space/moment I'm capturing; there's something about the imprint we leave on a space (as well as the mark it leaves upon us) that I want to capture the essence of. I'm particularly fond of this portrait as the window I was shooting into gave the image a character that I think was pretty unique.
"Self Portrait in Gatlinburg"
Thank you for your consideration.
As stated in my application, I feel that my putting this project together - regardless of acceptance or denial in this moment - represents a large step in my practice as an artist. I've always shared my appreciation of working artists who are able to produce meaningful bodies of work, and now having put this together I feel like I enter into that tradition in my own way.
Thank your for your consideration, and thank you for appreciating my work.
-Vincent