Ayesha Kazim

Ayesha Kazim

Photographer in London, She/Her

About

Freelance creative working between New York City, Cape Town, and London. Within my practice, I utilize analog and digital mediums to capture the intimate, transient moments of everyday life. My multicultural background as a Nigerian-South African living abroad influences my desire to create compelling portraits that speak to a wide range of audiences and communities.

Exhibitions

2023
ILẸ WA at Billboard Campaign
United Kingdom
2023
Unsung Heroes of Public Health at Photoville
New York, NY
2022
Women of the World at Nowhere Gallery
New York, NY
2021
Edition by Modern Luxury at Art Basel
Miami, Florida
2021
Crypto Bending at Het Nieuwe Instituut
Netherlands

Awards

2024
The Photography Foundation x Leica (shortlist)
2022
Leica x Black History Month Grant (shortlist)
2021
American Photography 37
2021
Creative Activism Awards
2020
Gordon Parks Foundation Scholarship
2020
Thomas Drysdale Production Fund
2019
Benjamin A. Gilman International Grant
2018
Gordon Parks Foundation Scholarship

Work Experience

2022 — 2023
Head of Digital at Chris Levine Studio
London, UK
  • Project management of digital content, social media, and website design for Chris Levine Studio

  • Provided pre and post-production support on shoots for high-profile celebrity talents in the UK and abroad

  • Utilized InDesign to create professional artwork directories and exhibition catalogues to increase client sales

2019 — 2022
Intern at Photography Collections Preservation Project (PCPP)
New York, USA
  • Spearheaded artist interviews and long-form profile pieces for PCPP’s digital content platforms

  • Developed strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills working as artist liaison to acquire new clients and coordinate institutional acquisition of archives

  • Utilized Art History background to perform research on underrepresented photography collectives and better inform new acquisitions

2021 — 2021
Lighting Assistant + Digital Tech at Frances Marais Photography
Cape Town, South Africa
  • Provided appropriate lighting recommendations and established efficient photography workflow on commercial shoots while maintaining high professionalism and on-set etiquette
2018 — 2020
Student Aid at NYU Photo Bureau
New York, USA
  • Executed 8-10 professional headshot sessions per day while managing the organization and upkeep of completed client jobs on Filemaker, SmugMug, and Portfolio platforms

  • Communicated with clients to mitigate issues involving online galleries; streamlined turnover process to 1-2 days

2017 — 2019
Stills Photographer + Social Media Intern at Indigo Veil Media & Entertainment (IVM)
New York, USA
  • Utilized understanding of full-cycle digital content and media production to grow IVM’s social media presence and provide documentation for funding and grant opportunities

  • Worked independently to document behind-the-scenes of the Owls & Echoes Anthology as unit stills photographer; curated target shot list required to provide evidence of company’s growth

2019 — 2019
Teaching Assistant at NYU Photography & Imaging Department Summer High School Program
New York, USA
  • Concepted and pitched technical demonstrations for 20 students to aid in the establishment of their analog and digital skills

  • Contributed to curriculum development and production of student-centered exhibitions around New York City

  • Facilitated student learning by assisting professor with lectures, group critiques, and workshops

2014 — 2014
Intern at International Center of Photography
New York, USA
  • Developed strong decision-making skills through the curation of an exhibition for Bronx-based photography program

  • Performed administrative tasks and took initiative on daily assignments to increase productivity of Community Programs and Communications Department

Education

2024 — 2024
Mentorship at Clarks x The Elephant Room
London, UK
2017 — 2021
Bachelor of Fine Arts at New York University
New York, NY
2020 — 2020
Mentorship at Michael George Photography
New York, USA

Certifications

2019
Archival Arrangement & Description (CEU) from Society of American Archivists (SAA)

Contact

Website
LinkedIn
Instagram