In this episode of the Paris Chong Show, Paris welcomes her guest, Cheriss May, an accomplished photographer and storyteller from D.C., loved by the Obamas and Oprah. Cheriss shares her journey working with Malachi Rivers on the mental health awareness series "Moments" and her collaboration with Brandon Ralph and LifeStance on a project addressing anxiety and stress. Paris and Cheriss discuss the importance of mental health awareness, highlighting the critical need for support and open conversations.
Cheriss recounts her experience at the Capitol on January 6th, where she was on assignment for Getty Images and found herself documenting the historic and chaotic events. Despite the trauma, she continued her work, finding solace and purpose in storytelling. She fondly recalls her special encounter with Maya Angelou, capturing her portrait just days before her passing. Cheriss reveals her upcoming project, a fine art photo shoot and book detailing how photography helped her overcome shyness and find her voice, marking an exciting new chapter in her career.
Episode Timestamps
- (00:00:00) Intro
- (00:02:18) Moments
- (00:03:02) Mental Health
- (00:05:17) Jan 6th
- (00:09:32) Heating up
- (00:13:28) Pics of Jan 6th
- (00:15:30) Getting Therapy
- (00:17:10) Maya Angelou Story
- (00:24:27) What's Next?
- (00:27:07) Photos in Ghana
- (00:30:37) Outro
Links to Cheriss May
- Link to Cheriss May's Instagram
- Link to Cheriss May's Website
- Leica Tech Talk: Cheriss May and David Butow with the Leica M11-P - Link
- Female photographers document the stories and lives of women - Link
Links to Mentions In The Show
- "Moments" by Malachi Rivers - Imdb Link
- Photos: A look back at the Jan. 6 insurrection - NPR Link
- Photographer Cheriss May finds new perspectives in the sameness - Andscape Link
- Cheriss May "Soul Connection" - Leica Gallery LA Link
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios
