Today we’d like to introduce you to Daisy Brown
Daisy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up I was always surrounded by pictures of family portraits, photo albums, and taking family pictures at local department stores. My mom was the family photographer and captured everything from our birthdays to family reunions. I remember when I was in kindergarten back in the late 70’s, she gave me a Fisher Price camera for my birthday. It had colorful child friendly images when you look through it. Then I got my first film camera when I was in the 4th grade and have had a camera in my hands ever since. I’ve always had a good eye, but I had no idea what that was back then lol!
There was a moment where I wasn’t taking pictures for purpose. Like most I fell prey to the camera phone before it became what is today and I forgot how much I enjoyed capturing the world. Some don’t know that I had a cupcake business so photographing my products was a necessity for sales. Then one day towards the end of my sweet venture. I realized I never really had a professional camera. It was in that moment I decided to put down the cupcakes and picked up the camera.
I’ve had the opportunity to work as a still photographer in a few documentaries directed by some amazing individuals Baltimore. Which encouraged me to do my own documentary projects, “Dark Beauty” and “The Caregivers.”
I’ve had my work in local art festivals, group exhibitions and a solo exhibit at The Peale Museum for “Dark Beauty.” Last year I was one of seven Baltimore photographers whose work was highlighted in the Bearing Witness: Photographing Black Families in Baltimore sponsored by JHU Sheridan Libraries, Humanities and Arts Education for Black Liberation Inheritance Baltimore, The Alexander Grass Humanities Institute, Eubie Blake Cultural Center and JHU Billie Holiday Center for Liberation art. The work from the exhibit is now a part of the Eubie Blake Cultural Center private collection. Not bad for a girl from West Baltimore.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There where challenges from a younger point of view. Growing up in West Baltimore I could only take pictures of what was around me. To think about it, I wouldn’t call it challenges because that’s what lead me to street photography and the love of black and white photography. Ironically, I didn’t enjoy being in photos taken by others because of my darkskin but that’s a topic for another day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently I’m the staff photographer for the Peale Museum in Downtown Baltimore. Some of my images are used in their social media accounts and website or print material from time to time. I’m fortunate that I have been able to present my first solo exhibition featuring my work called “Dark Beauty”, that included black and white images of women with darkskin. Mainly African American women from Baltimore. It included interviews from the documentary that featured the amazing beauties on view for visitors to experience. I’m very thankful to the Peale for supporting and encouraging my photography journey.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’ve virtually met some amazing photographers on Instagram. But honestly, I’m inspired by the incredible creatives in Baltimore, some I’m fortunate to call friends that I truly inspire me. The energy and passion are contagious and most are not known to the public but should.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bearingwitnessphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrowngirlsproductions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebrowngirlproductions
