Project 562: Changing The Way We See Native America

The images that Edward Curtis shot over 100 years ago continue to be popular representations of what an Indian is supposed to look like today. So when Native photographer Matika Wilbur picked up her camera and starting capturing images of contemporary Native American people, tribal members throughout the US opened their doors to support and be a part of this contemporary movement to reclaim how we are presented in mass media.

Photographer Profile | Nadya Kwandibens

I first came across the photography of Nadya Kwandibens when I was scouting for artists for Red Ink Magazine (left). The issue was going to focus on the loose idea that a Native pop cultural movement was occurring, and we wanted to infuse the issue with visuals that would capture the energy behind this idea. Nadya's work was a perfect match. It was bright. It was contemporary. And it was distinctively 'Indian.'

Photographer Profile | Levi BlackWolf

It was like the shot that took Native photography to places it's never been to before. Or maybe it's been there before, but never there there. Like, there there. The responses to the calendar put out by Wolfn Photographies (left) had the ladies saying quotable quotes like "I'll take one. Oh...you meant the calendar..." and "I need this at work, home, and in my car!" and my personal favorite, "creator was in a good mood when he made you."

The man who brought us this joyous image is Levi BlackWolf, the eyes behind Wolfn Photographies.

Photographer Profile | Tyson Anderson

Hello everyone! One of the coolest unknown aspects of the Native fashion world is the fact that many of the designers work with Native models and Native photographers. So, to expand the Beyond Buckskin circle, I am starting to profile the individuals who bring us the images, yes, I'm talking about those lens-fierce Indians. Right now, I want to share with you some background info on Tyson Anderson, the artist behind Tyson Anderson Photography.

Tyson is a member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation, born and raised in northern Manitoba. This guy captures images that radiate with an anticipatory energy that comes when you take a deep breath in just before something major is about to happen. And, as you will see from the interview below, he is amazingly articulate and has an extraordinary story - Tyson is only 19.

Collab: Sho Sho Esquiro and Turquoise Soul

I've been slackin'!

So, if you recall, I had an awesome opportunity to tag along on a photoshoot this past summer with Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez and Sho Sho Esquiro, who were working with photographer Anthony Thosh Collins and models Amberae Wood and Miigwaans Cameron. Click here to see my behind-the-scenes images before you scroll down to check out the awesome pro images that came out of that shoot:

Miigwaans Cameron models a Pendleton Leather Graff Zip-up by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and large beaded hoop earrings and beaded bracelet by Turquoise Soul. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti, NM.

Amberae Wood models a long-sleeve print dress by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and extra-long bangin' beaded earrings by Turquoise Soul. Extra-long legs by Amberae Wood. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti, NM.

Amberae Wood models a High Waisted Skirt with Leather Ruffle by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and extra-long beaded earrings and necklace by Turquoise Soul. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti, NM.

DJ Young Native models a Men's Pendleton Jacket by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti Pueblo, NM.

DJ Young Native models a Men's Pendleton Jacket with Leather Sleeves and a Fitted Beaded Hat with 14K Gold Beads, both by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. Photography by Thoshography. Location: Cochiti, NM.

DJ Young Native models a men's Pendleton jacket, custom t-shirt, and beaded cap by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. DJ equipment is model's own. Photography by Thoshography. Location: Cochiti, NM.

DJ Young Native models this Pendleton Jacket by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. Bingo card print on the inside of the hood. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti Pueblo, NM.

Miigwaans Cameron models a Black Leather Top with Carved Bone Feathers and Sterling Silver Beads by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and Turquoise Soul earrings and necklace. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti Pueblo, NM.

Photographer Profile | Whitney Minthorn

Check out this video made by Whitney Minthorn, who is a young aspiring fashion photographer from Pendleton, OR. An enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Cayuse, Minthorn works with and promotes Native models, and he received training from the Oregon College of Art & Craft (Certificate in Photography & Digital Manipulation) and the Institute of American Indian Arts (Studio Arts – Photography).