Ayanna Reyes-Dawson is an Harlem born/New Orleans-based documentary film photographer with a cultural anthropology-based background. For the past two years, she has focused her lens on the nuances of a harm reduction center where she has worked, focusing on community outreach efforts, while working in the longest continually running syringe exchange program in the US, located in the South Bronx. Through her work, Ayanna has developed strong relationships with program participants, allowing her to capture their intimate moments and experiences on a deeper level. Her photography seeks to shed light on the complexity and resilience of individuals navigating addiction, while also providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. By bringing these stories to a wider audience, she hopes to foster greater understanding, empathy, and compassion for those affected by drug use and addiction.

At the heart of her work is an interest in exploring the intersections of race, class, gender, and culture. Through her photography, Ayanna strives to create images that are honest, authentic, and nuanced, capturing the richness and complexity of the people and communities she photographs. By using exclusively analog film, she is able to create images that has a unique textural quality and a sense of timelessness that is often lacking in digital photography. She aims to use her work as a means of inspiring others to see the world anew, to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse range of human experiences.

“Drawing on my multicultural background as the child of a Trinidadian mother and Texan father who raised me in Harlem, I explore themes of diversity, identity, and representation in my work as a documentary film photographer. My current focus is on illuminating the stories and struggles of subcultures that often go unnoticed or receive limited or highly stigmatized representation in mainstream media. With a deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling, I aim to create evocative images that challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and encourage empathy and understanding towards these subcultures. By seeking out the untold stories of those around me, and sharing them with the world, I hope to contribute to a more just and equitable society.”

-Ayanna Reyes-Dawson