ICP Teen Academy

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Kiriah Howard



Growing up in my community, I have always been surrounded by strong hardworking and creative people. My family, friends, and peers around me have built a space filled with pride and support. Even though these qualities are present everyday, the stories and achievements are not always recognized in the way they deserve. Being a part of an African American community means being connected to those around you and always having someone to uplift you and support you whenever or wherever you may be. It is shown in everyday moments like spending time together, learning from older generations, and sharing different experiences and goals and many more. Whether it's quiet conversations, or loud parties, these moments create a sense of unity and belonging that continues to inspire me. Through my photography I focus on capturing real and honest moments. By documenting African American people and environments around me I aim to allow viewers to recognize the presence of Black excellence that's present in their everyday lives, and appreciate the value of the stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. I take time to build and trust with the people I photograph so their true selves can come through naturally. Through this body of work I want viewers to feel connected to these moments and see the beauty and individuality just as I am able to.

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Kiriah Howard is a photographer born and raised in New York City. She began photographing at the age of 14, capturing familiar faces in Harlem and hearing their stories. From then on she has been captivated by photographing the people around her to show their passions or their everyday life. She is currently a student at the International Center of Photography’s Teen Academy Imagemakers program where she explores visual storytelling. Howard’s work is mainly centered around building connections with her subjects and capturing candid moments that reflect who they are in their natural environment. She aims to make them feel appreciated for the things that the world may not take the time to notice. She enjoys raw emotion and vibrant colors. She plans to go to school to study exercise science with a minor in photojournalism and hopes to travel, documenting different communities and sharing many stories. Through her work she intends to create space for people to be seen and appreciated. Believing she is shaped by every person and experience she encounters, she uses photography to reflect the different stages of her life and deepen her connection to the world around her.