TJ Samuel

Artist Statement

My photography is an exploration of overlooked perspectives—angles and views we don’t typically think to notice. I gravitate toward moments steeped in emotion, beauty, and storytelling, capturing unexpected yet deeply evocative scenes. I aim to illuminate the artistry within the ordinary, specifically the understated elegance of southern New England and its reflections, shadows, and fleeting details.

I’m drawn to underexposure because it holds mystery and sophistication. Darkness allows me to obscure details, leaving space for imagination while revealing the layers and stories beneath the surface. This aesthetic speaks to me deeply—it’s chic, luxurious, and invites viewers to reimagine the world through a lens that challenges the conventional. My favorite subjects are those that inspire a sense of sentimentality or emotional resonance—if I don’t feel connected to the moment, I simply cannot bring it to life for others.

Photography, to me, is an act of preservation, creativity, and advocacy. It’s a means of capturing moments we may never relive, an artistic record that inspires and educates. Through my work, I strive to remind others to savor life’s fleeting beauty—whether it’s the crisp autumn breeze on a New Haven street, leaves scattering across concrete, or the warmth of chicken soup in the sanctuary of home. I want my audience to experience the world as I do: as a place full of stories, brimming with potential, and worth engaging with fully.

My photographs reflect my personal history. I come from a lineage of hardworking Caribbean people, from Trinidad and Tobago and Puerto Rico with descendancy of Central Africa, and another nation in the West Indies called Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This heritage inspires my artistry and sense of resilience. Growing up moving across Connecticut, I’ve learned to find beauty wherever I am, to make the most out of what’s in front of me. For me, photography is not about searching for the perfect scene—it’s about uncovering the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary.
When I’m not behind the camera or at school, I find joy in creating memories with loved ones. These moments of connection bring me happiness and become a source of comfort and strength during more difficult times. In life, as in photography, I live unapologetically and proudly. I am flamboyant, unapologetically Black, and a king. I celebrate my independence and find strength in my ability to thrive, even with limited support.

Ultimately, my work is about inspiration and transformation. I aim to provoke thought, encourage others to seize their moments, and challenge them to see the beauty and artistry around them. Through photography, I share my vision of the world—a world where even the shadows whisper stories worth telling.

— TJ Samuel, Achievement First Amistad High School ’25

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