Photographer and Visual Artist
BIO
Amber Aisha is a Washington, D.C.-based photographer and visual artist whose work reimagines how people of color are portrayed through intimate, emotionally resonant imagery. Influenced by personal experience and community, her practice centers Black identity, cultural pride, and honest storytelling. Since discovering photography in 2008, Amber has expanded her work across editorial, fashion, and documentary photography, collaborating with brands including Nike and Netflix. Her work has appeared in Vogue and Refinery29, reflecting her commitment to creating visual spaces where resilience, tenderness, and individuality are seen and celebrated.
When do you first remember being creative, and what first drew you to it?
My first memory of being creative was in middle school in art class. My teachers championed me and saw my passion. They encouraged me and poured into my talents – even the ones that I didn’t yet know existed. Also my mother raised us in museums. I was exposed to so much art at a young age but truthfully thought it would be just a hobby… not my career.
How did you pick your medium?
Photography found me through my father, he was the dad who always had his camera to capture candid family moments. From there I grew an interest. There was something about being able to hold a moment still. Moments that we might not be able to get back but can relive through photographs. Once I attended art school and studied fine art I was exposed to other mediums but knew photography is where my heart always was.
What questions or ideas are you most interested in exploring right now?
Self Discovery, I’ve been in practice with self portraits for close to 10 years now. With each year and each image, I can see the shift in me, and sometimes I shift backwards not forwards. It’s been beautiful to document my ‘becoming’, as well as shooting on film and not knowing what I’m capturing until I see it adds value to these moments for me.
“Art has been my therapy and my escape when times get dark. It’s also been my joy in reliving moments through photos.”
How has your practice evolved over the years?
My practice has evolved tremendously, I started off strictly digital. Now I use strictly medium format film photography as far as technical. Creatively, in my self portrait series you can see me constantly evolving. I’m also experimenting with how I print/exhibit my photography, storing away from the standard prints and using material like woven blankets, wood, mirrors etc.
Who do you look up to?
Artists that I look up to – not just limited to photographers – are Kerry James Marshall, Ulysses Jenkins, Renee Cox, Mary Ellen Mark, James VanDerSee, Carrie Mae Weems, Thierry Le Goués, and last but not least, Malick Sidibé.
Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
I’m thankful for God, for my talents and being my push when I’ve wanted to quit. Art has been my therapy and my escape when times get dark. It’s also been my joy in reliving moments through photos. Any one who has ever supported me and my art in anyway I’m very grateful. Thank you to The District Vanguard for this opportunity to be highlighted amongst community of other creatives.
“There was something about being able to hold a moment still – moments that we might not be able to get back but can relive through photographs.”
