VSCO Gallery Premieres at SCOPE Art Show

Tom Sanders is a professor of photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and a photographer whose clients range from Esquire magazine to senior living communities. He is the author of two books, “The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of WWII” and “Vietnam War Portraits: The Faces and Voices”, both widely praised for their authenticity and humanistic approach. The Chicago Tribune called his work “meticulously rendered and brilliantly lit.” Sanders has spoken at prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and the WWII Museum in New Orleans. He holds a B.A. in photography from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an M.A. from San Jose State University. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, he now resides in Savannah, GA, with his wife, Allison, and their two daughters.

In my view, we're inundated with so many images daily that photographers need to merge multiple images into a single photograph to achieve uniqueness. My portrait, for instance, consists of three distinct elements. The first component involves paper passed through a large printer before a print run. As the printer operates, any excess ink is absorbed by the paper, creating a completely random and unrepeatable pattern. I scanned this pattern and overlaid it on the cowboy. The “American Cowboy” featured in the image is holding a gun he inherited from his grandfather, and the landscape was captured somewhere along the 10 Freeway in the West.

Jake Myers is a visual artist whose photography delves into the emotional landscapes of his subjects, aiming to create connections that linger. A 2023 graduate from SCAD with a BFA in Fine Art Photography, Jake combines technical expertise with a keen sensitivity to evoke profound and lasting impressions. Now based in Florida, he is celebrated for his narrative-rich images that resonate on a deep, emotional level with viewers."To me, photography is all about connection and storytelling. Every image I create offers a bridge between the viewer and the subject, inviting a shared emotional experience. Through both subtle details and bold compositions, I aim to spark curiosity, empathy, and meaningful conversations. My goal is to create images that do more than capture a moment—they leave a lasting emotional imprint."

Lee Kierman is one of the guitarists in a Bristol based band, IDLES. Described as 'Britain's most necessary band, IDLES create music that resonates with there fans across the world to have infectious dancing, violent movement, and gut wrenching dogmatic rhythm. This photograph shows Lee playing guitar in the dead center of a moshpit, on his LOVE IS THE FING '24 North America tour.

Will Foerster is a fashion, portrait, and contemporary photographer who works exclusively in black and white. His academic background in both the history of photography and art history deeply informs his graphic, minimalist style. Will’s work is rooted in classical techniques but remains refreshingly modern, with a focus on identity and perception.

In this piece, “Self Portrait, NYC, 2023”, I explore the interplay between identity and perception through the distortion of form. The figure, which is in this instance me, abstracted by a pattern of shifting lines, represents the way external influences can blur and reshape our sense of self. The use of black and white creates a stark contrast, displaying the tension between clarity and obscurity. The lines that wrap around the figure are intentionally irregular—some areas tightly compressed, others spaced out—mirroring the fluid, often fragmented nature of identity. These lines create a sense of movement and disorientation, suggesting the subject iis not static but constantly evolving, influenced by experiences, environments, and internal reflections.

Emily Jahr is a traveling photographic artist creating cinematic imagery and storytelling through light. She focuses on themes of religion, vulnerability, and surrealistic liminal elements. Emily’s work has been awarded and exhibited by the International Photography Awards, the Mint Museum, The International Fine Art Photography Awards, and National Geographic. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA, where she continues to refine her unique visual style, blending complex visual elements with emotionally charged narratives.

Bedhead, explores raw, unfiltered moments when we lose control and are most vulnerable. Within the vacant haze and the chaos of hair and skin, we engage with the concept of beauty. Beyond the polished and perfected. Messy hair, sweat, and the chaos of early morning—these are the moments when we are most real and exposed. BedHead takes the concept of high fashion and twists into it the realities of something as inexplicably vulnerable as our early morning sunrise selves.

Liza Gershman is a multidisciplinary storyteller whose work in photography, writing, and design uncovers both the seen and the unseen. Curating the VSCO installation for SCOPE Miami 2024, Liza collaborates with VSCO to showcase artists who inspire her, blending visual, auditory, and tactile elements to create an immersive experience. A bestselling author with 19 books, her celebrated works Cuban Flavor (National Geographic’s Best Books of 2018) and County Fair (Smithsonian’s Top Ten Best Books of 2021) highlight her commitment to cultural storytelling.

With nearly two decades of creative practice, Liza’s career spans partnerships with top brands like Goldman Sachs, Visa, and Airbnb, and as Senior Digital Photographer for Williams-Sonoma, she shaped the brand’s visual identity. Liza’s work has been featured on CBS, NPR, and in publications such as Travel & Leisure. She has led talks at institutions including Google and Disney, and as a former Associate Chair at SCAD, she guided students to find their own creative voices.Her VSCO piece, “Res Ipsa”, a powerful reflection on national identity, invites viewers into a nuanced dialogue on belonging. Liza’s approach fosters connection and empathy, making her work resonate deeply with audiences around the world.

The photograph “Res Ipsa” explores the inescapable realities of identity, perception, and the societal structures that frame them. The title, meaning "the thing speaks for itself," evokes the undeniable truth of existence and experience as portrayed by two figures draped in the American flag. This work confronts the viewer with the question of who defines national identity, and how collective symbols are both inclusive and exclusive. The figures stand unified yet distinct, representing both the promise and the paradox of the American dream—a dream that simultaneously unites and divides. Through this image, “Res Ipsa” calls attention to the silent yet powerful forces of identity, challenging viewers to reflect on how deeply ingrained narratives of belonging shape our perceptions. Printed and Framed by Bay Photo Labs.

Weston Applegate is a lens-based artist from Indianapolis known for his dramatic portraiture and narrative-based photography. His work draws on art history and the study of Hellenistic sculpture, blending light and movement to explore the complexity of the human experience. Inspired by photographers like Herb Ritts and Bruce Weber, Weston’s portraits aim to capture both the essence of his subjects and the emotions that lie beneath the surface.

In my own vision, the American West has always been symbolic of a place where independence and infinite possibility converge. In this portrait, the cowboy stands silhouetted in darkness, embodying strength, resilience, and a quiet power that reflects the spirit of America. I believe that what isn’t seen often holds more intrigue than what is shown, and this figure represents that idea. Intrigue and allure, speak to an  identity that go beyond an individual. Even in the shadows, he radiates a sense of self assurance and embraces a call to adventure. This, a standing reminder of enduring American character that embraces challenges, and grabs a bull by its horns; riding forward despite uncertainty.

Kyla Rys is a New York based photographer known for her compelling and minimal imagery. She draws influence from her Chinese heritage and American upbringing. Her imagery has been featured in National Geographic, The Huffington Post, and LensCulture. In her recent work at Ralph Lauren, she has photographed distinctive brand visuals for the iconic fashion house. Rys’s visual style continues to explore both an intimate and expansive world with a sense of timelessness.

In A New World, I aim to explore the ambiguity of change. The shadowed figure emerging into light represents the emotional and psychological journey that occurs in moments of transition. I intended to create an image that feels both dreamlike and haunting, echoing the uncertainty, hope, and mystery when stepping into the unknown. My work frequently walks the line between abstraction and emotion, offering viewers a space to interpret and connect with the feelings evoked by these shifts.

Martine Séverin is a lifestyle and advertising photographer known for celebrating color, diversity, and inclusivity. Based in Chicago and Los Angeles, her work is deeply influenced by her Haitian roots and her commitment to highlighting non-Western narratives. Martine’s photography has been exhibited in solo shows at City Hall in Boston, Sony Alpha Female NYC, and American Photographic Artist Chicago. Her bold use of color and her focus on representing people of color, femme, and women in non-stereotypical ways have set her apart in the advertising and lifestyle sectors. She also hosts the podcast “This is How We Create”, where she delves into the creative processes of contemporary artists of color, fostering a sense of community and providing valuable insights into their artistic journeys.

As a lifestyle and advertising photographer based in Chicago and Los Angeles, I strive to capture the vibrant tapestry of human experience through my lens. My work is a celebration of color, diversity, and the rich cultural heritage that shapes our world. Drawing inspiration from my Haitian roots, I seek to challenge conventional narratives and broaden the representation of people of color femme and women in visual media. My photography is a testament to the beauty and complexity of non-western stories, often overlooked in mainstream imagery. I believe in the power of photography to not only document but also to transform. Through my work, I create a visual language that speaks to inclusivity, empowerment, and social progress. By collaborating with companies that are dedicated to advancing the lives of others, I merge my artistic vision with a commitment to positive social change.

Dulce Bautista is a fine art editorial and studio photographer specializing in people and compositing photography, known for her raw, surrealistic imagery. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Dulce earned her BFA in Fine Art Photography in 2022. Her work explores the intersection of reality and imagination, crafting captivating visual narratives that challenge traditional perceptions and evoke deep emotion. Through her lens, she pushes the boundaries of photography, using both technical precision and imaginative creativity to bring stories to life.

In creating “The Weight of Acceptance,” my goal was to truly and authentically capture the persistent struggle that minorities regularly face as they seek validation in a society that is largely dominated by white ideals and power structures. The central question, “Am I good enough now?” speaks to a reflection of the overwhelming and constant pressure that so many individuals feel to conform to standards imposed from outside their own unique culture and identity. The piece highlights the intense and complicated internal conflict that these individuals experience, where their worth is not measured by who they truly are, but rather by their ability to fit into a framework that was never built for them in the first place. Through this image, I sought to convey the exhaustion, vulnerability, and emotional weight of that long journey, asking how much more must be given before they are finally and truly seen, acknowledged, and accepted.