Today we’d like to introduce you to Shemar Anthony.
Hi Shemar, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY until I moved to Port St. Lucie, FL in the 7th grade. Honestly, I was a shy kid and I hated having my picture taken. It wasn’t until the 10th grade when I took a photography class as a last choice elective that my love for photography blossomed. Since I picked up my first camera that day, I haven’t put it down. I fell in love with capturing and manipulating moments to how I saw them in my imagination. Initially, I began taking photos with friends, exploring simple concepts and just having fun. As time passed, my passion grew more intense and I started to plan more and more specific details for my shoots from outfits to lighting and sets. I began posting them on my second Instagram page (Critical_Visuals) and with consistency, the page grew and so did my artistic endeavors. I studied my craft intensely, spending hours of trial and error fine-tuning my skills as well as finding my identity as a photographer.
Eventually, I started making small videos as well, ranging from behind the scenes content from photoshoots to amateur music videos and ultimately, my creative juices just started taking me down this path to becoming a creative. I went to Indian River State College as a film major but transitioned to a general studies degree over time because my interest shifted back to photography and being an indecisive young adult just ran its course I guess. I even had a little YouTube channel stint that is better left unknown. Fast forward a few years into the future and here I am now building my brand and my career through the usage of social media platforms like Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter and of course TikTok. It’s been a crazy challenging year and so many opportunities have unfolded from pursuing my goals and I’m truly enjoying this journey of self-discovery.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road. Life is truly unpredictable and you never know what’s going to happen. I’ve definitely had my fair share of setbacks that have gotten in the way of my goals ranging from failed romances, self-confidence issues, financial burdens, family members passing away and much more. Through it all, I’ve always bounced back. I often jokingly say that my camera saved me but in all honesty, that’s the truth. Photography has pulled me out of my darkest days and the drive to succeed keeps me going when I want to give up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a photographer, content creator and I’m actively pursuing becoming a videographer as well. To be honest, when it comes to photography I’ve worn many hats due to limited resources but I’m committed to getting the job done. I’ve been a stylist, make up artist, set designer, editor and much more. Basically, if you can name it I’ve done it, within reason of course. Dabbling in these areas collectively allows me to understand and embrace all parts of being a creative which gives me the thought process to execute a concept. I’d say I’m most well known for my viral photoshoot “Cosmic Black Love” which amassed 4.4 million views on TikTok and 202k views on Instagram as well as various reposts on art pages. It was a truly gratifying and humbling experience to have my work recognized by so many people and it also landed me a spot in an Art Basel Expo this year. Aside from that project, my self-portraits have recently been gaining more attention. I’m really proud of my self-portraits because they’re chronologically documenting my journey as an artist and each project has a deeper meaning to me as I’m growing and becoming a man. I also love hearing how viewers interpret the photoshoots themselves because the meaning of art is endless and one image can say a thousand things. I’d say what sets me apart from others is that I’m self-taught in everything that I do and that affords me a creativity that is not scripted. I basically never know what I’m going to create until I start and oftentimes, the result is drastically far from the base concept I originally began with but I’ve learned to love that about myself and my work.
What makes you happy?
Aside from the joy I get from finishing a project, hearing how much my friends and family believe in me really makes me the happiest. Pursuing a career as a creative in any medium is incredibly hard, tedious, emotionally, physically and financially draining. Knowing that people in my life support me and believe in my vision is truly a blessing not because I need outside validation but when the support is based off love and the genuine belief in my abilities it drives me to work harder to make them proud.
Contact Info:
- Email: critical.photography1@gmail.com
- Website: https://criticalvisuals.darkroom.tech
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/critical_visuals
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critical__?lang=en
- Other: https://instagram.com/_critical
Image Credits
All Images were taken by Shemar Anthony(me) Models Include: Shemar Anthony Ceana Mcneal Woodrow Claybon Jimmy Camile Zhane Simmonds Agiliki
