In June 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, a client of mine reached out (I was shooting a family session for her) and told me, "Hey - we don't feel comfortable ONLY having pictures taken of us in our very white, very privileged home right now. We want to do more. Is there any way for you to do the same shoot for another Black family or business in the community and we sponsor that anonymously?" All anonymously! I immediately thought this was a brilliant idea, but also reached out to some Black folx in the community to make sure this was not seen as demeaning or a problem in any way. I got great and positive feedback from the community and so I went ahead and shot for 13 different individuals, businesses, and families (their stories are all so unique and beautiful).I have since had multiple more clients and sponsors interested in shooting, but haven't had the right space or ability to coordinate for this. I have about 12 people in line wanting headshots or imagery for their Black-owned business right now, including 2 businesses that are filled with "powerful Black and BIPOC leaders in the Trans community" as well as "Local Black artists" that are interested in having shoots with me. I want to use my skills as a photographer to further promote and support Black-owned businesses around Austin, as well as Black entrepreneurs. I don't want the community support to stop on this just because we have gotten further from Floyd's murder: the Black community still has very tangible needs and it's my home to be able to fill those with photography.
I would love to be able to give clients really impressive headshots and lifestyle photography in some of these Peerspace locations. I want them to be taken seriously and to give them the highest quality lifestyle imagery possible - the right space is needed for this to happen. Lifestyle shots could include working on their computer on a desk, on a couch, in the yard, etc.
Peerspace is on a mission to bring people together. We believe it is impossible to achieve that goal unless we also fight for equality and access to resources in the communities we serve.
Having a space to gather, create, and exchange ideas is an important part of any movement. In order to magnify voices that are often quieted, Peerspace will sponsor venues for people who challenge prejudice and fight for social justice and equality.
Each quarter, we will sponsor space for three projects that are relevant to our community. These projects can range from fundraisers and educational initiatives to art exhibits and photo series.
