Malcolm X
FromThe
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Located in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, NYC.
Near the B/D/F/M/J/Z trains
My journey as a photographer spans nearly a decade beginning way back in early 2014. Photography, for me, isn't just about taking pictures; it's a profound connection to emotions and moments that resonate deeply within me. It's what originally got me hooked in the first place. The idea that I can use color, shapes, lines, light and shadow, motion, and the like to capture/create a moment or a series of moments that FEEL.
My photographic style has evolved over the years, with a focus on trying to create images that convey feelings—whether it's the softness of a moment, the intimacy of a scene, the joy of a situation, or the somberness that life sometimes presents. I've always aimed to create photographs that can evoke something from the viewer, as if they were emotions themselves. Its a consistent and surprisingly therapeutic learning experience that I've grown to love.
Malcolm X Brown
Portrait | Lifestyle | Street | Creative Director
Collaboration is a central theme in my work. I value feedback, suggestions, and the insights of those I work with. I'm a firm believer that the creative process is a shared experience, and the joy of creating art should be felt by everyone involved.
My journey into photography began in an unexpected way. It was at a New Year's party in 2013 when a random stranger handed me a camera, a Nikon Coolpix with questionable low-light capabilities. Those first photos weren't great, but they sparked a passion in me that I couldn't ignore. The stranger's generosity in gifting me that camera set me on a path I never anticipated.
Initially, I used my camera casually, snapping pictures of friends and the occasional selfie. It was only when I stumbled upon the world of photography on Instagram that I began to see the potential. Intrigued by the captivating photos of New York City, I decided to learn the craft myself. I spent countless days and nights exploring the city, learning to capture the moments I envisioned.
It wasn't until 2015 or early 2016 that I ventured into portraiture. My early attempts were far from perfect, but I was determined to improve. I started approaching strangers for impromptu portrait sessions, refining my skills through practice. Those interactions and the resulting portraits eventually formed the foundation of my portfolio, attracting others who wanted to collaborate with me.
My influences come from a diverse range of photographers, including Saul Leiter, Helmut Newton, Ellen Von Unwerth, Nobuyoshi Araki, Paul Graham, Bob Carlos Clarke, Irving Penn, and Richard Avedon. Their work has been a guiding light, helping me shape my own unique style.
For years my photography had both a consistent theme while also being aimless in a sense. I experimented and photographed whatever I liked, but always tended to find the same elements across all these different scenes. I spent most of my time doing street photography, portraits, and architecture. I've also spent time photographing rooftop panorama's to abandoned hotels to food photography for restaurants.
Featured & Published in:
Osphilia
RGSP
PSMM Magazine
YumeMag
*I'd just like to clarify I chose my logo (which is my middle name) before twitter rebranded to 'X'.
As I look ahead, my goal is simple: to continue growing as an artist. I'm driven by the desire to challenge myself, to reach new heights in my creative endeavors. I'm looking to push myself to continue advancing as my biggest fear is stagnation. I want to be a better portrait photographer, a more well rounded creator, a more empathetic artist, and learn of more ways to create things that can illicit specific feelings from the viewers as well as myself. I dream of a future where my art takes root in Spain or Portugal, in a studio bathed in sunlight, with a terrace overlooking endless possibilities. Currently, I'm working on my second photobook and my first novel, both untitled for now.