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Nafisah Crumity

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Anime
  • Business And Entrepreneurship
  • Jewelry Making
  • Fashion

Reading

  • Young Adult
  • Adult Fiction

Bio

Being a black queer fashion photographer from the Bronx has given me my own perspective in my work. These details of my identity are weaved into the DNA of my photographs by representing the underrepresented people in these communities. That being said in my career as a photographer I want to build a free program that teaches underprivileged queer kids to be creative using photography as their medium and outlet. As I grow as a fashion photographer in the following years, gaining more knowledge and experience in this industry I will create a program for these kids. I feel the need to share the information I have plus the knowledge I’ll continue to gain with people that want to be creative and express themselves through photography. I was one of these kids and I didn’t have this opportunity at that young age. I didn’t have the opportunity to know that photography can be a career, that being a creative wasn’t just a hobby. I had to learn on my own later in life that this was possible as a career option. I can see it’s not an easy one and that it’s the road less traveled, for black queer kids coming from underprivileged communities. I want them to know that there are black photographers out there, I want to be one example of this to all of my communities. I am a hard working, self starting person. Going back to school at the age of 24 for my passion for photography was the best and hardest decision I had to make for myself. In my early college years I was pursuing a career I didn't necessarily want to be in for the sake of being able to live comfortably.

Education

Fashion Institute of Technology

Bachelor's degree program

2020 – 2024

Majors:
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Minors:
  • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

CUNY Bronx Community College

Associate's degree program

2014 – 2019

Majors:
  • Psychology, General

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Merchandising

    Retail · American Eagle Outfitters

    Jan 2019 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Photography
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Entrepreneurship
Matt Preziose Creative Scholarship
My photography takes a critical view of black culture, femininity, and queer identities. Often informed through fashion and the works of my predecessors, Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, Jamel Shabazz, and many more. My work explores the intersections of these 3 identities and cultures. I grew up thinking a lot of my interests were based on whiteness (i.e. rock music and my style), as a result, I would not claim my blackness. As I hit adulthood and discovered new information, I became aware of the fact that these interests were not born in whiteness but in blackness. My knowledge of these facts is now referred to in my work, showcasing black, feminine presenting, queer people. I give them the space to be who they are and show that through their style. Taking that into consideration, creative expression is important to me because it can shed light on underrepresented communities and topics that many wouldn't know about otherwise. In a way that will make them think subconsciously. It is a beautiful thing to express one's self, who they are and where they come from.
Nafisah Crumity Student Profile | Bold.org