DAMARI MCBRIDE
editorial/portrait photographer
aspiring filmmaker
educator
activist
tech enthusiast
I am a portrait/editorial photographer and aspiring filmmaker based in New York. I’m an educator, activist, and tech enthusiast passionate about empowering other creative professionals to connect with people in authentic ways. Through personal branding development, self-reflection, and digital tools, I teach creatives and business professionals how to embrace their true selves and share their passion with their community. In addition to this I love making time for my personal projects that also encompass my passions for connecting with people.
Image by Susan Rico
Much of my personal work stems from questions that arise from my daily interactions with my community.
These questions form projects that focus on one of two areas:
1. Personal reflections of a black person navigating the world—What does that feel/look like? Educating not only myself but others out there who also have questions.
2. Interpersonal connections—Things that connect us all regardless of our differences. We are more similar than we think we are.
These collections of images are from two projects—Strawberry Soda, a personal project about my mother-in-law’s roots to Juneteenth, and the other, Black Coffee, is an ongoing editorial project that spotlights the BIPOC community members working in specialty coffee. These two projects were both created this year after I developed my mission and vision. Once the business plan was outlined it was easier to see how to combine my personal and commercial work.
“Danielle is amazing! Reclaim Power did just that, it helped me reclaim power over myself both physically and mentally. There are so many elements that go into a business but it all starts by how you speak to yourself. Danielle took us on an amazing journey of growth. I can honestly say the fear that I had is still there but it no longer rules my life. This experience really helped and I don't know where I would be without it.”
— Damari