Born and raised in Manila, Charissa Soriano has become a notable figure in documenting the Filipino diaspora through her compelling photography, bridging communities across Seattle and Manila. With a focus on Filipino women’s multifaceted identities, her work challenges stereotypical narratives and offers a fresh perspective on migration and cultural identity.

From Economics to Photojournalism

Soriano’s journey from an economics major to a dedicated photojournalist underscores her passion for storytelling through visuals. Her transition was sparked by a desire to move beyond conventional photography, leading her to document significant social issues with the UN International Organization for Migration and later, through her studies at the University of Washington-Seattle. Her projects, including “Multitudes” and “Filipina,” highlight the diverse experiences of Filipino-American women, moving past the usual depiction of them in media.

Representing the Unseen

Through her work, Soriano seeks to represent the unseen and unheard, focusing on the totality of human experience. Her approach is influenced by the concept of histoire totale, aiming to encapsulate the political, cultural, and domestic spheres of life in a single narrative. This holistic perspective is evident in her project “Filipina,” which challenges the monolithic portrayal of Filipino-American women by showcasing their diverse roles and experiences in society.

Impact and Recognition

Soriano’s unique lens on the Filipino diaspora has garnered her significant recognition, including a Northwest Journalists of Color visual journalism scholarship and an Emerging Tech and Social Justice Fellowship. Her recent project, “Balikbayan,” revisits the notion of home through the experiences of those who navigate between cultures and geographies. Despite facing visa issues that prevented her from attending her exhibit in Seattle, Soriano remains committed to her craft, emphasizing the importance of documentary photography in shaping narratives around migration and identity.

Through Charissa Soriano’s lens, we are invited to see beyond the surface, to understand the complex narratives of the Filipino diaspora. Her work not only contributes to a richer discourse on migration and identity but also empowers individuals within these communities by highlighting their multidimensional lives. Soriano’s dedication to her craft is a testament to the power of visual storytelling in bridging gaps between cultures and bringing to light the diverse experiences that define the human condition.

A recent study by Cape Town-based travel portal Go2Africa has identified Kenya as the best destination for wildlife spotting and photography in the world. Singapore and India also made it to the top ten list, ranking third and ninth, respectively, for wildlife photography opportunities in Asia.

Canada closely follows Kenya in second place, with Australia taking the fourth spot in the list of best wildlife destinations spotting in the world. Botswana and Tanzania secure the fifth and sixth positions, while Lithuania ranks seventh. Namibia and South Africa round out the top ten, holding the eighth and tenth spots, respectively.

Kenya to India: Top destinations for wildlife photography

The study, which analysed around 70 million images on Flickr, highlights the top ten destinations with the highest number of wildlife photographs. The results reveal that half of the images originate from African countries such as Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, and South Africa, with the highest count recorded at Kruger National Park, totalling 40,965 photos.

Kenya emerges as a wildlife haven, boasting over 25,000 species of animals, 7,000 species of plants, and 2,000 fungi and bacteria. With excellent chances of spotting the iconic ‘Big 5’ – lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and rhinoceroses – Kenya draws wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe.

While North America, Oceania, and Europe each have one country in the top ten list, Asia is represented by two countries, Singapore and India.

Singapore, famed for its dense rainforests, offers ample opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, birds, monitor lizards, otters, and crocodiles in their natural habitats. Some of the best wildlife photography spots in the city-state include Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Pulau Ubin, Punggol Waterway Park, and Coney Island.

India, celebrated for its diverse landscape, boasts numerous wildlife destinations ideal for game spotting. From the majestic Bengal tiger to Asian elephants and Asiatic wild dogs, India’s national parks and reserves offer unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography. Whether it’s Hemis National Park in Jammu and Kashmir, Kaziranga National Park in Assam, Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, or Satpura National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India beckons wildlife enthusiasts with its rich biodiversity.

For further insights into the study, visit Go2Africa.

(Feature image credit: Fokke Baarssen/ Shutterstock)

Related: This Land And Cruise Safari Will Bring Travellers To See Incredible Wildlife

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In the bustling landscape of India’s smartphone market, realme has emerged as a frontrunner, boasting an impressive track record of delivering cutting-edge devices that resonate with consumers. The recent success of the realme 12 Pro+ series, in collaboration with Sony, underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence in mobile technology.

According to a spokesperson from realme, the realme 12 Pro+ quickly ascended to the top spot on Flipkart, garnering widespread acclaim and trust from consumers. With an astounding 150,000 units sold during its debut and over 120,000 pre-bookings in the INR 25K-35K price segment, the series has solidified its position as a leader in the mid-premium smartphone category. Notably, in January 2024, it clinched the title of India’s No.1 Online Sales Performer, a testament to its unrivalled success in the market.

Central to the success of the realme 12 Pro+ series is its integration of Sony’s state-of-the-art imaging technology. In an exclusive interview with Business Today’s Pranav Dixit, Katsumi Toma, Senior Director of Sony Semiconductor Solution (Shanghai) Limited shared some key insights regarding the collaboration between realme and Sony.

Toma elucidated on the specific Sony specifications incorporated into the realme 12 Pro series, elucidating how they enhance the devices’ overall performance and user experience. The series boasts Sony’s flagship sensors on the main camera, meticulously calibrated and optimized for optimal performance. 

“The realme 12 Pro+ features the IMX890 sensor, boasting a large 1/1.56” sensor size, while the realme 12 Pro is equipped with the IMX882 sensor, both supporting optical stabilisation. Additionally, the inclusion of the IMX709 sensor in the realme 12 Pro 5G offers users an unparalleled telephoto lens experience, delivering exceptional clarity and detail.” Toma added.

The collaboration between realme and Sony reflects a shared vision for innovation and excellence in mobile technology. Toma expressed Sony’s aim to empower consumers to capture the beauty of emotions effortlessly, aligning with realme’s ethos of understanding and catering to the needs of young users. This partnership has resulted in the creation of robust imaging products, setting new standards in their respective segments.

Looking ahead, Toma said that both realme and Sony envision a year of deep collaboration, with plans to introduce cutting-edge imaging technologies in subsequent product releases. Through their ongoing commitment to local production and made-in-India initiatives, Sony aims to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Indian electronics manufacturing sector. Their collective efforts seek to drive economic progress and technological advancement in India while offering consumers the latest and leading imaging experiences.

Meanwhile, realme has launched the 12+ 5G in India today with a segment-first 50MP SONY Portrait Camera with OIS.

When Brad Knox and his family stumbled upon a hidden compartment in a bureau they recently acquired in Austin, Texas, little did they know they were about to unearth a treasure trove of history. The discovery of a collection of photographs by British photographer Leonard Chettle, taken in the aftermath of World War One, has sparked excitement and curiosity among historians and photography enthusiasts alike. These images, found hidden within the confines of a piece of furniture, offer a unique glimpse into the past, capturing moments of soldiers, children, and families during a transformative period in history.

Unveiling Hidden Histories

The remarkable discovery was made by accident when Prof Knox, intrigued by a small crack in the bureau purchased by his wife Anni, investigated further with the help of his six-year-old daughter, Sabine. Their exploration led to the uncovering of numerous photographs, all bearing the insignia ‘Leonard Chettle Nuneaton’. The images, predominantly portraits, shed light on Chettle’s specialization in children’s photography, alongside poignant depictions of soldiers and everyday life in the post-war era. This find not only highlights Chettle’s contribution to early 20th-century photography but also opens new avenues for historical research and understanding of the societal impact of World War One on British communities.

Rediscovery and Recognition

The significance of this discovery extends beyond the initial excitement of finding hidden artifacts. For historians and relatives of those captured in Chettle’s photographs, this event represents an opportunity to reconnect with lost heritage and gain insights into the lives of individuals and families during a pivotal time in history. The photographs, now being carefully catalogued and researched, have started to reveal stories long forgotten, offering a personal connection to the past for many. This rediscovery has not only brought Leonard Chettle’s work back into the limelight but has also underscored the importance of preserving historical artifacts for future generations.

Implications and Future Explorations

As the story of Leonard Chettle’s photography unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the serendipitous nature of historical discoveries and the profound impact they can have on our understanding of the past. This remarkable find in a Texas bureau speaks volumes about the journeys that objects and their hidden contents can take, crossing oceans and decades to reveal their secrets. For the Knox family, what began as a simple curiosity about a piece of furniture has transformed into a custodianship of a valuable slice of history. As researchers continue to delve into Chettle’s work and more stories come to light, the legacy of these photographs is set to enrich our collective memory and appreciation for the nuances of post-war British society.

Sony has just unveiled the FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lens, a game-changer for travel photography enthusiasts, promising unparalleled versatility and performance. Launched on February 27, 2024, and updated with pricing on March 6, this compact zoom lens, also known as SEL2450G, is designed to be the ultimate travel companion for full-frame Alpha camera users.

Compact Design Meets Versatile Performance

What sets the SEL2450G apart is its compact size, measuring just over 9cm in length and weighing 440g, making it an excellent addition to any travel photographer’s kit. Despite its small form factor, it covers a wide range of focal lengths from 24mm to 50mm, making it perfect for capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed portraits. Its constant F2.8 aperture ensures it performs exceptionally in low-light conditions and allows for creative depth-of-field effects.

Advanced Features for Enhanced Usability

The lens is not just about size and versatility; it’s packed with features to enhance the shooting experience. It includes focus, zoom, and aperture rings for hands-on control, with the option to de-click the aperture ring for smoother adjustments during video recording. Powered by two linear motors, the SEL2450G promises lightning-fast autofocus, capable of keeping pace with the high-speed shooting of cameras like the Alpha 9 III. Its minimum focusing distances of 19cm at the wide end and 30cm at the telephoto end add to its flexibility, allowing for close-up shots with beautiful bokeh.

Availability and Special Offers

Priced at S$1,639, the Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lens is now available for pre-order, with a special promotion running until March 31. Early birds will receive a complimentary BB Nano portable electronic blower, perfect for keeping your lens dust-free. The lens is set to hit retail stores in mid-April, just in time for travel season. For those planning a trip, especially to destinations like Japan where the light offers a unique photographic experience, this lens could be the perfect addition to your gear.

As travel photography continues to evolve, the Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lens stands out as a significant leap forward. Its blend of compactness, versatility, and performance makes it an ideal choice for photographers looking to capture the world without being weighed down. With this latest offering, Sony reaffirms its commitment to innovation, providing creatives with tools that push the boundaries of what’s possible on the go.

Platon, an international award-winning photographer, captivated the audience at Texas Hall Tuesday during “Powerful Portraits,” a discussion for the Maverick Speakers Series.

Platon is known for his portrait photography and has produced over 20 covers for TIME magazine. His 2007 cover photo of Vladimir Putin was awarded first prize at the World Press Photo Contest, according to UTA’s website.

President Jennifer Cowley opened up the Maverick Speakers Series with an introduction going over Platon’s achievements before welcoming him on stage to speak.

For his presentation, Platon talked over a slideshow of some of his most famous photos, providing the stories behind them and what the photos taught him.

He opened the presentation by mentioning the togetherness of the audience.

“Looking at all your beautiful faces, I see you’re all together,” Platon said. “In these days of division it’s amazing that you’re together.”

Platon went on to highlight various famous photos of his, including former U.S. presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

He said every president he has photographed has gone through painful and vulnerable processes of personal reflection.

“I bet all of you, when your time is done, you will look back at these moments when life was good,” Platon said. “When you have responsibility in your hands, you will say ‘how did I do?’ ‘Did I get it right?’ ‘Did I get it wrong?’”

When Platon photographed Mark Zuckerburg, he recounted the story of a poster that was in Zuckerburg’s office that read ‘what would you do if you weren’t afraid?’ He went on to question how people’s lives would be if they didn’t let fear drive them.

“That’s one of the most powerful questions we would ever dare ask ourselves,” he said. “Would your life be different? Would your career path be different? Would the relationships in your life be different? Don’t think for a moment that I wouldn’t dare stand in front of you today as if I’ve got the answers. Because if I’m honest, I have to confess, fear has always played a part in my life.”

Platon then showed the audience a picture of an eye. He asked if they knew whose it was or if it was from a good or bad person. He proceeded to show more pictures of cropped eyes and to whom they belonged to, making the point that humans are all similar.

The second to last photo of the presentation was a portrait of a woman wearing an Army T-shirt with an American flag draped over her shoulder.

Platon said he suggested for her portrait that she wear one of her husband’s Army shirts as a tribute to him, but before then she had never opened the box of his belongings that the U.S. military sent to her after he died.

“For the first time in my life, I put a photograph above the wellbeing of a person and it wasn’t for me to push her into this delicate emotional place,” Platon said. “And as I apologized, she said ‘you don’t understand why I’m crying.’ ‘I’m crying,’ she said, ‘because I just realized they washed his clothes and I wanted to smell him again.’”

Platon then paused as silence hushed over the auditorium. He brought the presentation back to the beginning by bringing the audience together in an emotional moment.

Platon ended the presentation with a question to the audience:

“Are we to be bystanders, like moths dancing around somebody else’s flame? Or are we to be upstanders, and we light the darkness ourselves with our own torch of compassion?” he said. “Because when there is light, we see each other as we really are, not as strangers or opponents, but as creative partners. And together we learn the respect of history and transform this chaos into a beautiful cosmos.”

@wall035203

news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

In an inspiring act of philanthropy, Bowling Green’s own Austin Anthony, a photographer renowned for his landscape and portrait work, has initiated an auction to support those in need in Palestine. Anthony’s decision to auction a professional photoshoot is part of a broader charitable effort that also features artwork by Joe Downing, Palestinian cultural items, and tickets to a Tennessee Titans game.

Empathy Through Artistry

For Anthony, the auction transcends the mere offering of his photography services; it embodies a heartfelt response to the crisis in Palestine. “It’s such a tragic situation. It is hard to feel like there’s anything that you can do from Kentucky to help. So this is the least that I could do is to try to raise some money for the people there in hopes that aid can reach them,” Anthony expressed. This initiative reflects a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference through his craft and resources.

A Diverse Auction for a Noble Cause

The auction, which is more than just a photoshoot, includes a variety of items aimed at raising significant funds for Palestinian aid. Among these items are original artworks by Joe Downing, an array of Palestinian-related items that offer a glimpse into the culture and heritage of the region, and four coveted tickets to a Tennessee Titans game, broadening the appeal of the auction and engaging a wider audience in the fundraising effort.

How to Participate

Those interested in supporting this cause can learn more about the auction by visiting the BGKYforPalestine Instagram page or Austin Anthony’s official website at austinanthony.com. The initiative not only highlights Anthony’s philanthropic spirit but also serves as a call to action for the community to contribute to a humanitarian cause, demonstrating the profound impact that art and generosity can have in addressing global crises.

As the auction unfolds, Austin Anthony’s efforts shine a light on the power of local actions in addressing global challenges. Through his photography, Anthony not only captures the beauty of the world but also harnesses it as a force for good, offering hope and support to those in need thousands of miles away. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the difference one individual’s passion and generosity can make in the lives of others, inspiring others to consider how they, too, can contribute to positive change in the world.

This story is featured in CityBeat’s March 6 print edition.

It’s late January at a coffee shop in Clifton, and I’m waiting for Romain Mayambi. The Cincinnati-based photographer, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is on his way to becoming a self-taught great, and has agreed to tell me his story. I pull up his website again while I wait.

As a gray dusk falls outside, I scroll through a warm and bright assembly of portraits, athletes and funky editorial. I am one of tens of thousands following Mayambi’s colorful, high-energy work via Instagram. His visual storytelling has captured everything from street-style fashion to athletes in action. What started as a random hobby has turned into a skilled art form, connecting people, places and communities frame by frame.

Mayambi walks in right on time, wearing a bomber jacket and a friendly smile. He’s just come from editing the latest in his series of “athletes in unconventional spaces.” Mayambi works as a risk analyst full time, so photography is like a second job. But he doesn’t seem tired. He’s as bright and energetic as his photos. We find a table and take a seat.  

Cincinnati photographer Romain Mayambi  
Photo: Kyle Woodford” class=”uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle”> click to enlarge

Photo: Kyle Woodford

Cincinnati photographer Romain Mayambi

Maybe it was fate

Mayambi has been taking photographs since he was a freshman in college studying finance at the University of Cincinnati. He’s curious and observant. That, combined with his love of fashion, made him an avid people watcher and a natural behind the lens.

“I wanted to be able to capture those moments and those people,” Mayambi says. So he picked up a camera. “It honestly just sparked out of nowhere.”

The way Mayambi tells it, becoming a photographer was borderline fate, the trajectory of which began when he was 14. Mayambi’s family wanted to move from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the U.S. They had no specific destination in mind, but a family friend suggested Cincinnati.

“Sometimes I think it’s kind of random. Like, Cincinnati of all places?” Mayambi says. “Everything happens for a reason. We were meant to come to Cincinnati and put our roots here.”

A few weeks after their move, Mayambi’s mother enrolled him and his siblings at Aiken High School. The staff and the students made the transition easy. He felt welcome at his new school, comfortable even. He made friends and found a community. Mayambi attributes some of his sense of home here to the way he was treated in high school. Without that experience, maybe it would have been harder to find the confidence to pick up a camera.  

“Do you ever have moments where you try to imagine what things would be like if they went differently?” Mayambi asks. “Like, if we moved to California or something, maybe I wouldn’t have done photography.”

His first subjects were fellow UC students, whose personal style caught his eye and imagination. Mayambi — who is very well dressed — had an eye for fashion even as a freshman, and decided to photograph the people around him.

“At first I was about to start walking up to them with my iPhone,” he laughs. “But my friends are like, ‘that’s kind of weird.’”

Determined to take the more professional approach, Mayambi borrowed a camera from his brother and started shooting. He learned to approach strangers and initiate conversations out of nowhere. He prioritized comfort and professionalism. 

“Through that I was able to meet super cool people who are friends with me to this day,”  Mayambi says.

Mayambi didn’t have mentors or teachers to show him the ropes. He learned through experimentation and YouTube videos. Being self-taught in this way allowed him to develop a unique style from the ground up. Certain elements of the art were more intimidating than others — like lighting, which he put off learning for the first few years. “I didn’t know where to start,” he says. But the interest always overcame the intimidation. 

“When I love something I kind of get obsessed,” Mayambi says. “That’s all I’ll do. I’ll just be in my room watching YouTube videos about lighting.”

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Evans photographed at Madison Bowl  
Photo: Romain Mayambi” class=”uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle”> click to enlarge

Photo: Romain Mayambi

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Evans photographed at Madison Bowl

It’s all about the people

Community is key to how Mayambi approaches his photography. Many shoots are a collaborative effort, with friends assisting and models sharing ideas throughout the process. His series “Your Flower” highlights people in the city who are actively creating community spaces, events and opportunities to connect. Mayambi gives each person flowers, takes their portrait and asks them questions about community, collaboration and art. The project is part showcase, part gratitude.

“I feel like we have a lot of amazing people in this city who make these moves,” Mayambi says. “I want to show appreciation.”

Mayambi is a very affable person, easy to talk to and be around. That comes through in his photographs. Subjects seem at ease and fully present, almost certainly as a result of Mayambi’s genuine, friendly demeanor.  Each model’s personality shines through the picture, making for photographs that feel alive and distinctive.

Curiosity also plays a part. Mayambi has a practice of incorporating interviews into his projects, as with the “Your Flower” series. For another series, he’s talking to photographers across the U.S., “diving deep into what it’s like being a photographer.” This video project is meant to dig into the nitty gritty of life behind the camera, to fill in the information that was missing when he started. There are plenty of videos that recommend cameras or talk about lighting rigs. But when it comes to understanding what it means to people to work in photography, and what it takes to stick with it, Mayambi says there’s not a lot of content. 

Now that his audience is growing and he’s becoming more established, Mayambi often gets messages from people asking how and where to start as a photographer. He hopes that these videos will become a resource to share. And he wants to know the answers, too.

“I’m doing it for myself as well, because I’m curious,” he says. “I’m always fascinated by the mind when it comes to creativity.”

Mayambi continues to connect with other artists and collaborators across the country. It seems like his current trajectory could take him to other cities with bigger populations and more opportunities. But a move like that is not on his radar. Instead, much like the subjects of his “Your Flowers” series, Mayambi is committed to putting Cincinnati on the map as a hub of arts and culture.

“This is my home. This is my favorite place to be,” he says. “I’ve learned everything that I know now from here.”

Jiu-jitsu fighters at a baseball field across from Spring Grove Cemetery  
Photo: Romain Mayambi” class=”uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle”> click to enlarge

Photo: Romain Mayambi

Jiu-jitsu fighters at a baseball field across from Spring Grove Cemetery

Athletes anywhere and everywhere

Last year, Mayambi shared what would become the first photos in an ongoing series of athletes performing in unexpected places. Two jiu-jitsu fighters stand poised on a red mat in the middle of an empty baseball field. Their movements are mirrored by their shadows. Clouds of the freshly tilled dirt rise from their bare feet. A bright white sun hovers above as one flips the other over his shoulder. 

A few weeks later, Mayambi shared part two: boxers in front of Union Terminal. Instead of fighting in a ring (where one might argue they belong), the men face off on bright green grass with Cincinnati’s historic landmark as their backdrop.

The series continues to unfold, gaining more traction and attention with every new installment. A football player prepares to throw the ball down a lane at Madison Bowl. Track athletes sprint through Household Books. Two masked figures fence in Clifton Market. Each photograph celebrates athletic prowess and strong bodies in their element but out of place. 

At the same time, the series reads as a subtle homage to the city that Mayambi calls home. Half of these locations are familiar places, buildings and overpasses one drives by regularly. These are the spots that catch Mayambi’s eye as he goes about his life in Southwest Ohio.

In fact, the entire series started because of a particularly stunning baseball field. Mayambi and his dad were on their way to visit his older brother in Dayton.

“[I was] just sitting by the window,  just staring outside, and I saw this dirt that was perfectly tilled,” he says. “I’m like, oh my god. That dirt looks so pretty!”

He was drawn to the setting before the rest of the idea fell into place. Mayambi started thinking about what he would do with a field like that if he used it in a shoot. His vision? Two fighters going at it. 

“I thought about like, who do I want the fighters to be?” he says. “And for some reason I’m like, oh, jiu-jitsu fighters would be perfect.”

He immediately posted a call for jiu-jitsu fighters on Instagram. A friend connected him to their brother, a jiu-jitsu fighter, who had another friend that was into the idea too.

The day after Mayambi found his fighters, he was driving home and felt that familiar tug of fate again.  

“Guess what I saw,” he says, wide eyed. “A baseball field with tilled dirt, like literally right next to my house. Immediately I was like ok, found a spot.”

Mayambi does not have a master plan for the athletes series, but he does have a running list of great ideas. Sometimes a location just speaks to him, and he mulls it over until he can decide which athlete would work best there. He also keeps notes on all the different types of athletes he’d like to shoot. And athletes reach out to him, too. He’s even had Olympians show interest, although distance and budget prevent him from taking up certain collaborations.

Mayambi himself is not much of an athlete. (When I ask, he laughs and says “I’ve been busted!”) This opens the door for deeper collaboration. The athletes in his series know their bodies and their sport, so they can contribute ideas that Mayambi may not anticipate.

“It feels like a collective project,” he says. “It’s a 50/50 thing. I’m like, ‘I’ll leave the technical to you guys, and I will capture you guys.’”

Fencers photographed at Clifton Market  
Photo: Romain Mayambi” class=”uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle”> click to enlarge

Photo: Romain Mayambi

Fencers photographed at Clifton Market

Perhaps this collaborative spirit is part of what inspires the remarkable dedication in each athlete at the shoots. Mayambi says they all show up determined to get it right, and they maintain that spirit even when their photoshoot lasts for an hour and a half in the sun. 

Positive feedback and enthusiastic support continue to pour in for this series. The athletes, Mayambi’s community of followers, and even random onlookers all seem invested in the project, interested to see where it will go next. By connecting photography, athletic performance, familiar landmarks, and public spaces, Mayambi maintains that thread of curiosity and community that runs through most of his work.

“People are sitting there watching it, enjoying it,” he says of passers-by. “And people feel a part of it.”

And again, Mayambi himself gets to satiate curiosity. His life as an artist and a risk analyst doesn’t have him crossing paths with athletes out in the wild. Through this series, he gets to learn something new.

“It’s a different world for me,” he says. “Doing this project allows me to bring it into my world and also get into their world.”

When Mayambi first laid eyes on that neatly groomed baseball field, he didn’t have a story in mind to tell. But as the series continues to grow into itself, something coherent is starting to unfold. It’s a commentary on belonging, and how societal expectations can hinder a person’s ability to feel at home somewhere. 

“It just ties back to kind of like the way life is set up,” Mayambi says. “Like these certain expectations in people’s lives. Like ‘Oh, you don’t belong in these places. Only people who look like this belong here.’”

By placing divers in lecture halls and wrestlers on rooftops, Mayambi isn’t just creating engaging art. He’s rewriting the rules. 

“I can place these athletes in these spaces even though they don’t belong there,” he says. “I feel like it translates really well with that story where it’s like, we can do whatever we want.” 

As of now, there’s no clear end game to the athletes series. The ideas are too plentiful, and Mayambi is following the momentum. Eventually he plans to showcase the series in an exhibition, and possibly a book. But for now, he says, “I’m kind of just going with the flow.”

Follow Romain Mayambi’s work on Instagram at @romainmaya.