A recent graduate of Georgia State University, photographer Inari Briana, 23, is making a name for herself in the photography world. It was a swift flick of the wrist that launched her into her career and now she is in the process of building her empire.
What kickstarted you into your photography career?
I was doing film since I was 12 years old. Literally in middle school taking classes. I was honestly [my main goal was film]. But then I spent the whole summer after graduating from high school saving up for a camera and because I didn’t have any editing software yet I was like, “Let me see what it’s like being a photographer.” So, I started taking pictures at this stroll off for the alumni of Savannah State University. They came out pretty good, so I posted them on my Instagram page. When I did that so many people were liking. A lot of fraternities started following me, wanting to see if I could take pictures for them.I started practicing and it makes sense that photography would go hand in hand [with film]. [Film] is basically moving pictures. I was like, “I can still create how I want as a film maker. They’ll just be stills and the photos can be up for interpretation.”
Your work is making it way in the entertainment industry. What has been the most monumental moment for you as a photographer?
I think when my photos were featured in Future’s music video “Feds Did A Sweep.” They used them as surveillance photos. James Bambu, a really dope artist, plays one of the surveillance photo men that is in the old cop cars. The pictures they actual snap are my photos. They’re in the video as the snapshots, bust also as the actual photos that are on the police officer’s wall, who is trying to figure out what Future and his team are doing. I think that was one of the most monumental and when I did Lil Uzi Vert’s behind the scenes photos for “You Was Right.”
When now have smartphones that allow almost anyone to be their own “photographer.” How do you think photography has changed from back in the day to now in 2018?
Photography has really, really evolved because of the cameras that people have now. But of course there are photographers who still use those old cameras and other objects to still take pictures, because they’re nostalgic. It also brings a genuine quality to the photo. I think that people that have iPhones and Samsung’s now get a chance to create, because say the iPhone 7 Plus has the same quality as the DLSR camera that I have. [Smartphones] are portable and allow people to get things they aren’t able to get with a normal camera. I think it gives people a chance to dive in the art more, in a way they weren’t able to in the past.
Where do you see the photography scene going in the future and how do you wish to contribute to it?
I think there are more photographers out there trying to pave a way for themselves. There are a lot of photographers inspired by people. And I think that photography as a whole is becoming more recognized as an art form more than anything. I think how I can contribute is by still being creative. [For instance], I just started an online platform called HAVE. digital. It’s basically for creatives, pushing people past their limit. What I do with platform and what J do in general, I can definitely contribute to society as a whole.
Can you tell me a little bit more about HAVE?
It will be launching next year in January. I decided to start over. It’s been a couple of times I started and I realized, “ Hmm… this is not what it’s supposed to be.” Then I had to go back and as a creative we do that. I feel like as a creative we do that. You have to keep going and don’t be afraid to start over. If you don’t like something, throw it out and start over.
What inspired HAVE. and what will set it apart from other digital platforms?
I pretty much had this photo series called the 2wenties, where people embraced their imagination no matter what age. So you know how when you’re in your 20’s you’re figuring out who you are as a person. Your personality is already developed. You’re trying to figure out what your next move is, because you’re hungry. You’re trying to figure out what’s best for me. What when you think about it children do the same thing, except they don’t think about what they want… they just create. I feel like as an adult we shouldn’t leave that mindset. I realized I wanted to do more [than just photography]. My mom is the one who actually gave me the name. HAVE. is to going to be a creative platform that gives creatives and entrepreneurs a chance to push past their limit!
You were the star of a Michelle Obama graduation photoshoot shot by Donte Maurice. It appeared in US Weekly. How did you decide on the concept? What it feel like?
I knew everyone was having traditional photos, but I knew I needed [nontraditional] photos. I was looking through Pinterest and saw Michelle Obama’s picture and I was like, “This while photo is just beautiful!” I sent it to Donte and told him, “We have to do this please!” So we did. In the beginning I didn’t even like the photos. It wasn’t Donte. It was me and my confidence, but when I looked at them again I was like, “Wow! These are actually nice! Then one day, I ended up on Twitter and I see the USA Today feature. I’m like, “What in the world is this?!” That was one of the best feelings ever and then to know that Michelle Obama probably saw your photos!
Creating a lane all on your own is no easy feat. Have you ever had any fears throughout your journey?
I think that’s every creative. I’m having some now. I thinks [it’s] because you don’t know how your work is going to be interpreted. Is this going to be a hit or miss? Also the fear of not knowing, because it is a very unconventional lifestyle in that you go through these emotions, which are up and down. You don’t really know what’s going to happen next and that’s the really scary part.
Sciler Williams
