Meet Imani Hamilton | Photographer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Imani Hamilton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Imani, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since I was in pre school I was drawn to art. When my mom would pick me up from daycare, the teachers would show her my paintings I did during class and would urge her to let me pursue art in my later years. As I got older I realized I was never into the idea of being a doctor, a lawyer, or anything that felt “boring” to me. Thankfully in high school I was able to intern at Citibank, and that’s when it really solidified with me that this is not what I wanted to pursue in life. I explored different areas of art, such as drawing, trying to make my own video games, fashion designing, but then photography found its way into my life and I haven’t looked back. When I learned that you can have a career doing photography, I fully invested myself into the art of it. Through school and my personal experiences being a black woman, I was able to pinpoint what really motivated me to be a photographer. During my college years the BLM movement was really starting to get media attention. I was one of the photographers deep in the movement with the protestors, and having younger brothers really amplified my anxiety. I used my art to showcase what I wasn’t able to verbally say out loud, and despite the pain I felt during that time it motivated me even more to use photography as my voice.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My art is like my first born, I hold it so close to me I sometimes get defensive. I always put a little bit of myself into everything that I shoot. No idea is original but what makes it stand out are your experiences and your eye, and that is something that I like to remind myself. It’s so hard for me to choose my favorite shoot, but it might be my most recent editorial I did with Eazy Tiger. It’s just something about what the team and I were able to create as a whole that I can’t stop gagging over. The lighting I was able to perfect, the styling even down to the nails. Everything was just beautiful. When you and the team are in sync, you can really create some magic.

It wasn’t easy getting to where I am now. It took a lot of free work/ “interning” and forcing myself to be in uncomfortable situations. There is absolutely nothing wrong with interning and assisting to gain experience. It’s different if you are working on a big shoot and you’re working full days, heck yeah get paid! But, if you are assisting on a test shoot, something that takes a few hours out of your day, you don’t have to get paid. I might ruffle some feathers with that one, but get paid in other ways besides money. You can learn how to communicate on set, how to set up a shoot, how to use certain equipment that you don’t have access to. Whatever it is, money isn’t the only way to get paid, and from my experience interning and assisting for a few shoots for free, really helped me overall.

Now when I say forcing myself to be in uncomfortable situations, I was always safe, but it was more about going to events and meeting people, when I would rather be in my room watching YouTube. Breaking out of my social bubble and meeting so many creatives has helped me in more ways than I can imagine. You never know who you’re going to meet at certain events so just go. My basic rule is; if my social anxiety is still on edge after about an hour and a half, it’s time to go.

Imani, also known as Cherokee, is a black girl from Brooklyn who had a voice she didn’t think would ever get heard. I want to be the voice for all the black and brown creatives who feel like they will never be heard. Representation has always been important to me and it will always be what I stand for. I will always find creative ways to tell my story or someone else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

So I’m going to be describing a day, but I will write down as many things that I can remember throughout. Okay so first we need to stop by Lips Cafe in Flatbush. Growing up in Flatbush there were a lot of bodegas where you can grab a coffee to go, but not a lot of cute cafes like in the other parts of Brooklyn. So once Lips opened up, it became my go to spot for either an oat latte or oat matcha latte. We can grab a quick bite to eat from their menu, while also enjoying the art from local creatives. Next we are walking to Prospect Park, yes we’re walking, you have to experience Brooklyn like a native, it’s only a 20 minute walk and there’s so much to see. On the walk, we can look at all the small mom and pop shops, and experience the culture of the neighborhood. Once we get to the park, we can relax for a bit and people watch. There is always someone barbecuing, kids riding bikes and scooters, or people jogging, there is always something happening.

From here we can definitely hop on the train and head to Sweet Chiks in Downtown Brooklyn. Now Sweet Chiks isn’t the only place you can get brunch in Brooklyn, you can go to Peaches, Soco, Rustik Tavern, or Brooklyn Beso. Those are a few places where I enjoyed the food and the vibes. When we get to Sweet Chiks, I always get the honey butter biscuit chicken sandwich with vegetarian chicken, brussel sprouts, and the lemon butter! Their waffles are bomb too. I know New York is known for thrifting but I personally have never had a good haul, but I will say L Train Vintage is a magical place. You will find a few gems especially in the mens section. Now for lunch we are going to LES and we have to stop by Jajaja or Bar Verde in East Village, both plant based and Mexican goodness. The nachos are amazing from either place and pretty filling. The drinks are chefs kiss* To help the food digest we can hang out at Washington Square Park and again people watch, or go to Happy Medium if there are any open spots. Happy Medium is an amazing place to go with friends or by yourself and create art for 2 hours.

Now for my art lovers, we have to check out the Chelsea galleries and gallery hop. I love doing this during the warmer season because you can really enjoy the weather and take your time getting inspired by the shows. The Jim Kempner Gallery is one that I visit as often as I can, just cause I like the way the building looks, and I’m a sucker for modern art. The Highline park is in the area and it’s always nice to see the city from above and also getting a view of the water. You can always check out the more notable galleries like The Guggenheim, The Met, or The MOMA, but fair warning those museums are a full day activity.

A night cap is always nice at Little Ways, Altessi, Adoro, or Buddha Bar. The lychee martinis from Buddha Bar are so good, and the vibe is nice. There is always so much to do in the city that you can easily overwhelm yourself and try to do everything at the same time, don’t! Take your time and enjoy the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I want to shout out my parents. If it wasn’t for them believing in me and helping me go to school for photography, I don’t think I would be where I am as an artist. I had so many people asking me “Do you have a plan B?” “Have you thought about teaching?” “You can do photography on the side!” I had so many people who were afraid for me, meanwhile I knew that I was going to make photography work! My parents saw my drive and determination and did nothing but support me. All I can say is thank you and I will let you see the fruits of your labor!

I also want to thank my boyfriend for always being my voice of reason. He is an illustrator, you can check out his work on IG @abeillustrations_! But, when I would fall deep into my existential crisis and imposter syndrome, he is always helping me see that there is an end to that dark tunnel no matter how far away it would sometimes feel. I can’t forget my therapist, she’s been a real one! I also have to thank all the people who took a chance on me. So many people have told me no and turned me down, but to everyone who gave me a shot, and saw my potential, thank you so much. It really just takes one opportunity to start a domino effect of both good and bad experiences.

Website: https://www.imanicherokee.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/che_ro_kee/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imani-hamilton-6b44837b/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRla9iu5fjwrJckuB_xmOPQ

Image Credits
First two photos: Photo Asssitant: Runze Yu @grappppeace Stylist: Keema Radway @nykrad Styling Assistant: Sibelis Taveras @hipsib Styling assistant: Tyanna Greene @tyanna_geanice Hair: Christina Rendall @tressesbycris MUA: Kyle Sheehan @kylesheehanmakeup Nail Artist: Joelle Rodriguez @crownjewelnails AD: Jay-Michael Wilson @styledbyjaymichael Talent: Alana @simplyy_alana Next two: Model: @taiilormade Stylist: @styledbyglo Stylist assistant: @ondrealee_ MUA: @marshallecrockett Empowered by @pinterest Next Two: Model: @eileenmatiass MUA: @katpackis Hair: @anikerabiu w/ @seemanagement Stylist: @starr_callahan Last Two: Model: @lingbol Stylist: @shonthebomb MUA: @glennbrownell Art Director: @wats_the_yams Agency: @statemgmt