SwagHer Spotlight: Aisha Brown

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Aisha is a 2017 two time Award Winner for Photographer of the Year for the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia area. She’s a self-taught photographer and videographer who loves to capture unique images that tell stories from just one glance, highlighting the essence of one’s beauty when they’re in front of her lens. Her photography journey started when she was young. From that moment, she completely fell in love with capturing love in its purest form, emotions, creativity, and significant moments when working with her clients. She takes pride in every photo she produces by putting her heart and soul into what she does.

She established Distinct Eye Photography in July of 2016 and has since worked with various local clients, magazines, organizations, and real estate agents. She’s been featured four times on one of Baltimore’s largest L.E.D. Billboards, and was contracted for The HBO Documentary Premiere of actress Sonya Sohn’s “The Baltimore Uprising.”,  videography for The Disabled American Veterans and Macy’s, to name a few. She’s been described as very distinct, creative, engaging, detailed, and relaxed when it comes to her process. She has a wide range of photography experience that entails portraits, weddings, events, lifestyle, boudoir photography, and more. One of her most recent and powerful experiences has been with Fashion Model Photography. It’s provided her with an even stronger inspiration and serves as a driving force when it comes to her business. In March of 2017, she decided to launch “Distinct and Curvy Models,” a platform for thick and curvy women to love themselves, be confident in the skin they’re in, and promote a positive self-image. 

In 2020, she was hired as Director of Media for The Temple Church and Ministries, and in just a short amount of time has created a strong media presence for the ministry, resulting in substantial growth for both the ministry that trusts her to carry out their vision, as well as her brand as a multimedia professional and creative.

 

Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Aisha, Aisha?

Aisha: I am God’s Child, I am a Room Shaker, an Irreplaceable Energy, an Abstract Creator, and a Jackie of All Trades. I am noticeably confident but humble enough to remember my journey and how it took challenging work to get to where I am today. I put God first before anything else and to whom I give credit to for everything. As for creating, I like to take what most people dislike and find the beauty in it. I wake up every day with a desire to push positive energy into the atmosphere. I strongly feel that everyone deserves love, respect, and fair treatment and that all aspects of life can be connected when given the three. 

 My quote that I live by is that “No Rules Apply to Me,” I have no rules when I am creating, no rules when I am thinking, and no rules when I am dressing. Many people do not understand my way of thinking, but they trust my vision and have a great appreciation for the finished work. I am one who thinks outside of the box. I do not like to follow or do what everyone else is doing. I want to be the one who starts trends so that everyone else can follow. I am a stand-up type of woman, and I speak my mind. There is never a question as to what I am thinking. 

Christina: Why did you choose to pursue a career in photography?

Aisha: I have always had a love for photos. Ever since I was a child, I enjoyed studying pictures and how they preserve memories. It is amazing to look back and remember people, places, and things just as they were. What I see is what is conveyed through my photos. When I get a vision, I cannot explain what I see but only create it. I study the smallest details in images and edit with a fine-tooth comb. When a client shares the theme of the session they want to create, I at once begin to create in my head. I am not the average click, shoot and send photographer. 

Christina: Why did you start Distinct Eye Photography? If our readers want to book with you, how can they?

Aisha: I have always dreamt of being a photographer, and the dream was activated in 2016 when we decided to have a surprise party for a family member. I decided to shoot the event myself, and from that, it took off. I had made several attempts to enroll in school, but life happened. While raising my children, I taught myself the art of photography, graphic design, and video editing. I am happy to say that not only do I cover photography, but it has also now expanded into Media coverage, covering website building, graphic and logo design, video branding, and social media presence. I want my clients to have full-service access! The best way to see my work or book a session is to go to our website www.distincteyephotography.com or visit us on any social media platform as Distinct Eye Photography.

Christina: What are some events you have captured?

Aisha: There were so many, but the events that stood out the most to me. I was one of the behind-the-scenes photographers for HBO’s Documentary entitled “Baltimore Rising,” directed by the actress Sonya Sohn know for Baltimore’s “The Wire.” and “The Chi” It was inspired by the protesting and rioting after the death of Freddie Gray in police custody. I was hired as the lead photographer & videographer for The Paul L. Thompson Memorial D.A.V. Chapter 1 Warrior Women’s Tea. This was a groundbreaking event honoring Veteran Women, the first-ever in history. Lastly, I was also hired to video Macy’s Department Store “I Still Do” event hosted by Walter Kennedy. A panel of married couples shared inspiration to the listeners who were married or engaged. The panelist then ended the event by publicly upgrading their wedding bands and say I do all over again. It was an amazing event to capture.

Christina: Tell us a little bit about Distinct and Curvy Models. What inspired you to start this platform?

Aisha: Distinct and Curvy Models came from noticing that plus-size models were not celebrated as much as the models of smaller sizes. We promote a positive self-image and give plus-size models another platform to be confident and to love the skin they are in.

Christina: What are some tips you would give others who want to pursue a career in photography?

Aisha: You must use your skills every day to enhance your craft. You must stay on top of your craft by creating something new every day and being open to criticism. That is how you grow.

Christina: What is your favorite lens to use and why?

Aisha: I guess I would say I like the Canon 50 mm f/1.8 prime lens and most of the sigma lenses. I can’t really narrow it down to one, but it would be the prime lens if I had to choose.

Christina: Who is your favorite photographer? Did their work influence yours in any way?

Aisha: One of my favorite photographers is Gordon Parks. He really focuses on capturing emotion, and his images tell stories. I would not say he influenced me in my shooting, but I would say that we have remarkably similar shooting styles. 

Christina: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you would like our readers to know about?

Aisha: I host quarterly events to highlight the services that I offer, how I can grow your business, or grow your business platform on social media. The upcoming dates will be announced on the website.

Christina: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Aisha: Always create with an open eye and never limit yourself! Always put God First in everything!

 

Connect with Aisha below:

Website: www.distincteyephotography.com 

Instagram: distincteyephotography

Facebook: distincteyephotography