We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerry Crayton II and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jerry, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have enjoyed the arts and creative activities for as long as I can remember. Since I was really young I’ve been involved in dance programs, drawing courses, choir, band, and graphic design throughout my life. It feels like the natural way for me to conceptualize and navigate life. Creative work is not something I get to do full-time yet, but I do make time for my creative interests. My cameras, especially, are a vehicle for me to communicate and express myself visually. My photography and micro-documentary work are both the means and the end of themselves. I do it because I love it. I do it because life would suck if I didn’t get to.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got my first camera in 2018, and from day one I wanted to tell stories with it. I didn’t know at the time the adventure this craft would send me on, but I never could have imagined it. I’ve gotten to do some pretty cool photojournalism work for Dallas Doing Good and Reuters. I’ve covered historical parades, and protests as well as some fun events. My work has been featured in publications like D Magazine and Newsweek. The exposure and recognition are amazing, but what really makes me proud is when someone messages me because of how moving, beautiful, or thought-provoking they think my work is.
My goal in visual storytelling is to share perspectives that don’t normally get a lot of shine. My portraits and micro-films are mostly centered around black people in Dallas, especially black women. Growing up in Oak Cliff allowed me to see it for more than the very real challenges that normally label it. I got to witness the beauty of it, including the incredible people who live there. I always try to ensure that my work has an essence of humanity and dignity radiating from it. That foundation is at the root of my street work too. When I photograph locations that appear rundown or mundane, I think there is still a recognition of the beauty that exists there.
Now that I am five years into my craft, I look back and appreciate the progress I’ve made. I can approach it with the confidence that could only come with practice and time, which was probably the toughest lesson I had to learn. I tended to be really critical of myself and impatient. But by learning to give myself grace, and understanding that growth is built through mistakes, I can better contextualize my shortcomings and use them to learn forward.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas is rich in arts and culture and full of things to do. One of the places that would have to be on the list is Revelers Hall in Bishop Arts. They have live music every night of the week and really good food. Next, we’d have to catch a show at the Winspear or Wylie in the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Then maybe later we could do a bike ride on the Katy Trail or have a picnic at Lake Cliff Park. I love coffee, reading, and meeting cool people–all of which will happen at The Wild Detectives. That place has the coolest vibes. And lastly, a good place to watch the sunset and see the beautiful Dallas skyline is near the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I mean there are so many people who played a part in my photography journey–too many to properly mention. My girlfriend at the time encouraged me to buy my first camera when she noticed how much I enjoyed taking pictures with my phone. I was initially hesitant to make the investment into a dedicated camera setup because of imposter syndrome but it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life.
Then there are my friends who let me practice taking portraits on them in those early days when I was still trying to learn what all of the buttons and settings meant and how to work with lighting. I’m grateful for friends like Amaris, Xavier, Edna, Bryan, Ricole, Jonathan, Aaron, and Brittney who were a part of my early projects and were patient with me and supportive of my development. My friends Camila and Alex too are among my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. It’s important to have people like them in your corner if you want to go far with your craft, and I’m lucky that I have it in abundance. So a big shoutout to them all and to everyone who has supported my work by modeling for me, referring me, or hiring me.
Website: https://www.jerrycray.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerry.cray/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF6ZNmqaFZU
Other: D CEO Photography Feature: https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-ceo/2023/june-july/art-of-style-ashlee-kleinert-is-a-fan-of-socially-responsible-fashion/ Newsweek Photography Feature: https://www.newsweek.com/doctors-baby-black-maternity-childbirth-1809206