Born and raised in Hampton Roads, Virginia, Aeysa Nixon-Bright grew up watching family moments get preserved through a grandfather's camcorder and a stepmother's film camera - an early lesson in the power of the image. That foundation shaped the storytelling instincts she brings to her work today.

Flickr: Can you introduce yourself and share a little bit about your background as a  photographer? 

Aeysa: I am Aeysa Nixon-Bright, and I’m a photographer born and raised in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, also known as the 757. My journey with photography began early, with seeds planted by my family: my grandfather with his camcorder and my stepmother with her film camera. They captured and preserved family gatherings, outings, and small everyday moments, which deeply influenced my perspective. Although I’ve been taking photos on and off since I was young, it wasn’t until recent years that I began pursuing photography both artistically and professionally. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to exhibit my work locally, allowing the stories I capture to be shared with a wider community.

Flickr: How would you describe your style or preferred genre as a photographer? 

ANB: I would describe my style as documentary. I draw deeply from the people I encounter, my loved  ones, and my own background and experiences. I also turn the camera toward myself, using self-portraiture as a language for healing, reflection, and truth-telling. I gravitate toward  capturing candid moments as they unfold naturally. I find raw, genuine emotions to be the most visually relatable. While storytelling is always the goal, I often rely on my eye to recognize moments of opportunity. My work focuses on highlighting history, community, overlooked everyday moments, underrepresented stories, and the many facets of what makes us human. 

Flickr: What inspires you to shoot at a specific location? 

ANB: When choosing a location, I consider several factors. It has to support the needs and visual  direction of the shoot. I ask myself whether the space relates to, enhances, or distracts from the story I’m trying to tell. If the location itself is the focus, I think about its history, its significance within the community, and the details that often go unnoticed. 

Flickr: What gear or tools are essential to your workflow, and do you have a favorite  camera setup?

ANB: My essentials are my camera, prime lenses, comfortable shoes, pockets, and a cleaning kit. When I’m out walking and photographing, I prefer to travel light, usually carrying my DSLR with a 50mm lens. Depending on the location, I may also bring my 85mm lens. I bring a tripod when  the shoot calls for it, but I try to keep my setup minimal so I can stay present and responsive.

Flickr: What message or feeling do you want viewers to take away from your work?

 I want viewers to see the beauty in the ordinary; the everyday moments that often go  unnoticed. I hope people can see themselves reflected in my images and find a sense of  connection, understanding, and shared experience.

Flickr: Is there a body of work, project, or specific photo that feels especially  meaningful to you right now? Can you share the story behind this? 

ANB: Yes. One of the most meaningful images to me is titled 09.11.15 . It comes from a deeply personal experience. In the summer of 2015, I was pregnant for the first  time. After hearing the heartbeat, I experienced a miscarriage just weeks later. It was one of the most devastating and traumatic periods of my life. I spent days in a deep depression as I  grieved and struggled to care for myself. I found myself grappling with the absence of  something that had felt so real. I had been pregnant, yet there was nothing tangible to hold onto. In response, I created a series of photographs to honor that experience, my pregnancy, my loss, and my grief. I didn’t want to move past it without acknowledging it, and in many ways, I still carry it with me. This work reflects the root of my photography: taking a raw  experience and memorializing it. 

Flickr: You’re also a member of Black Women Photographers, can you share your  experience being part of the community? 

ANB: Being a member of Black Women Photographers has been incredibly meaningful to me. I’m grateful for the resources, the sense of community, and the opportunities the group creates for photographers like myself. It’s important to have spaces that intentionally support Black women in sharing their perspectives, stories, and creativity. 

Contributing to the visual landscape as a Black woman photographer carries a deep sense of  purpose, specially, because of my background and lineage. Many of my loved ones are very creative and talented, and they haven’t yet pursued this type of path. I want for my people is to  be inspired.

Flickr: Besides photography, what are some other passions of yours? 

ANB: Outside of photography, I have a deep love for film. I’m especially interested in documentary storytelling and hope to eventually direct my own documentary film. I’m also a writer, primarily focused on poetry and short stories, which often intersect with and inform my visual work. 

Flickr: What is the best way for people to reach out to you? 

ANB: The best way for people to reach me is on Instagram @loveaeysa and at aeysanixonbright.com.

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