“My art is about seizing moments. It’s an art that so powerfully captures the beauty of an instance, reveals it to the world, and implants it into the heart and soul”
— Monica Janai
I can still remember holding my first camera as a young girl... the fascination that I felt as I held this strange piece of equipment. It fit so perfectly into my hands as if it was made for me. I remember the feeling of pressing the record button and peering out into the world through the lens. I felt so empowered, as I was about to see the world and notice my surroundings through what felt like brand new eyes. While other girls were playing with dolls, I found myself fascinated by camera equipment. Manipulating the functions to create the image that I wanted, to bring my way of seeing the world to a concrete reality that could be shared with others, to feel as I was able to steal a moment in time and have captured in forever made me feel so powerful. My lover of photography and film-making continued to grow. I knew I had found my passion, and I loved the idea of one day being a part of the film and television industry.
At 14, I shot my first music video, along with a childhood friend. Creating this art was becoming a part of my soul. It was a way of life. In 2009, I graduated with a B.A. in Mass Communications with a concentration in Television Production from Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. I went on to earn my Master's of Fine Arts in Film and Digital Technology from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA.
Over the past few years, I have worked on developing my craft. I have discovered a love of creating documentaries, which allows me to convey someone's story, an art that is truly rewarding. The words of the great Spike Lee explains the nature of this talent simply, but powerfully, " All directors are storytellers, so the motivation was to tell the story I wanted to tell. That's what I love." I have also developed a great talent for capturing images in motion.
After years of working on my craft and leading several projects, I decided to start my own business. Initially, starting my own company would foster a true opportunity for me to flourish and be a pioneer for women in this male-dominated industry. I am truly excited about this opportunity. My passion lays with capturing the beauty of life, freezing precious moments, and being an ally for memories, by creating a modality for them to live on.... what art could be more beautiful than that. Thank you visiting my website. I look forward and would be truly honored to capture those special moments in your life
