My name is Anthony R. McCray, and I hail from West Baltimore. Growing up in Park Heights, I faced numerous challenges, including threats to my life both from external sources and within my own home. Despite these adversities, creativity wasn't always a natural outlet for me; it took pivotal life experiences to unlock my artistic potential. After enduring hardships such as running away from home, being adopted, being bullied in school to thinking about taking my own life. I found solace and expression through photography. I felt as if I was drowning in my inner thoughts & needed a way to escape. During my junior year at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, my journey began by picking up my friend's camera. It felt like I was going into a different dimension, a place where I could fully be myself. I would walk around campus & take photos of nature & my friend where I sought to convey my innermost feelings to the world. Initially, my work tended towards the dark and moody, reflecting the struggles I faced. However, as I honed my craft, my perspective shifted. I tell everyone who asks about my journey, one thing I always mention is “Photography saved my life.” & it did.  Today, I specialize in capturing the essence of Blackness. What does that entail? It means reimagining how Black people and people of color are portrayed in visual media. Historically, these communities have been misrepresented or ignored altogether. I aim to rectify this by showcasing the beauty, resilience, and diversity of Black life in all its forms. My inspiration comes from a myriad of sources – movies, conversations, paintings, colors, other artists and my own lived experiences. For example, I was able to put together a futuristic editorial shoot based around a single color “Tango Tangerine” by Pantone that led to that piece being featured in my first gallery feature this year. I conceptualize and shoot with the intention of reimagining life through an African American lens, akin to a Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. For me, art imitates life, and much of my work is a reflection of my own experiences and aspirations. I have a multitude of ideas that I am confident will not only propel businesses forward but also push the boundaries of POC representation in art spaces. Moving forward, my goal is clear: to create the life I want through my art, to inspire other young artists to be authentically themselves through their art and while also amplifying the narratives of Black voices and reshaping perceptions. By sharing my vision, I hope to challenge perceptions & perspectives, spark conversations, and ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and equitable artistic landscape.