Samantha Everette

Photo by Cornell Watson

Portrait photographer, Samantha Everette, found her true calling in telling stories through the camera lens. She has traveled the world but calls Durham home:

You recently returned to Durham from NYC, anything you immediately miss about New York?

I don't miss anything at ALL. I love being back home, nearer to my family. I love the slower easier pace of NC.

What motivated your recent series of photographs, Crowning Glory?

My motivation for all my work is to create powerful images of Black People.

Crowning Glory by Samantha Everette

What is missing from the global conversation about beauty?

I think that we are still missing representation for all body types. There is more inclusion now than in the past, but the current standards of beauty still leave out a lot of people. I for one would like to see more representation of post-partum bodies. We celebrate mothers that snap back to their pre-baby bodies but we don't celebrate the women that show visible signs of childbearing.

Who'd make an exciting subject?

I really want to photograph candids of Michelle Obama. I think it would be interesting to see her in her everyday life... like wearing a headscarf before bed or something.

The future is_______.

Black AF.