Kai Tsehay

Kai Tsehay

Heyyyyy, I'm Kai Tsehay, a visionary Creative Entrepreneur and Freelance Photographer originally from Washington D.C. and now based in NYC. My captivating work has captured the essence of many creative scenes, specifically in live events, concerts, festivals, BTS, and underground nightlife across the world's major cities. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for creativity, I've worked with many celebrities, industry leaders, and notable music, media, and entertainment brands, producing breathtaking, evocative, and inspiring imagery. My current focus has been my niche in event photography, where I have captured the energy and vibrancy of the black and brown underground party communities. I feel strongly about the importance of capturing black people having fun and enjoying themselves. I aim to create photos that evoke emotions and memories that people may have forgotten. I want my work to be the photos people look at 30 years later and think, "Damn, I remember that moment." With my talent and passion, I'm creating timeless photographs that celebrate the beauty and joy of black culture, and I'm passionate about creating space for black women photographers in the live events field by diving into photo producing and commissioning to cement my status as a dynamic force in the world of photography.

My passion for photography is the desire to empower my community to take control of our own visual narratives. The media and photography industries have dictated how black people are portrayed and represented in visual media. I want the next generation to understand the importance of us creating our visual history through our experiences and creative hands.

For a decade now, I've proudly held the title of an official storyteller - a true passion of mine. My love for photography began at the tender age of 16, when I relocated from D.C. to Florida. I was inspired by the hues of Floridian homes, the sun and beaches, and the beauty of my friends. I picked up my camera and never looked back. As I pursued higher education at Spelman in ATL, I took my craft more seriously, interning at a music label, becoming a lead photojournalist for Morehouse student paper, and honing my skills at a professional photo studio; this is where I fell in love with music industry photographer especially because this was when ATL was going through a musical renaissance. Then fall of 2019, I took the most significant leap of my career - I relocated to the metropolis of NYC/NJ. This move opened up new avenues of creative exploration, professional growth, and community, where I found my passion for event photography.

I thrive on capturing the essence of the music industry through my photography. Seeing the artists on stage in their most vulnerable state, pouring their hearts out to the world is an absolute privilege. I'm equally captivated by the fans, whose energy and passion add a unique depth and story to the images. For events, my goal is to transport viewers to a moment in time, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia that leaves them yearning to be part of the action. As a black photographer, capturing my community's spirit and happiness brings me immense joy. Lastly, I take great pride in commissioning fellow photographers and providing them with opportunities to grow their portfolios, expand their networks, and earn a living through the A&R work I do for the photo label agency I work for.

Three people I have curated w/ in the past are: @WestsideGunn@RicoNasty, & @SneakerShopping. In the present, I’d love to curate with @GordonParksfoundationm@Pharrell, & @Maxwell

Afro PunkSmileSmile

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