In this episode, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Dr. April Ruiz, the creative powerhouse behind Candy APEL Photography in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From her first Kodak camera to capturing milestone moments across the country, Dr. Ruiz is redefining what it means to turn memories into masterpieces. Whether she’s shooting downtown with natural light or bringing portraits to life in unexpected locations, her work is filled with emotion, color, and purpose. Let’s step behind the lens and hear how she brings everyday beauty into focus—one powerful image at a time.

In this episode, we’re sitting down with the incredibly intentional and soulful photographer Kawan Moneek. Based in Grand Rapids, Kawan is known for more than just clean edits and bold color—her work is rooted in purpose, healing, and legacy. From creating portraits that reflect God’s image to capturing the raw emotion of the Black Lives Matter movement, Kawan’s photography doesn’t just document moments—it preserves meaning.

We talk about how a simple love for family photos grew into a mission, how YouTube University shaped her technical skills, and how she's mentoring the next generation of artists—while still working a 9-to-5. This one’s full of gems, y’all.

Today, we're diving into the powerful world of Kim Roseberry—an artist whose camera doesn’t just capture faces, it captures truth. With over three decades of experience, Kim has carved out a lane rooted in Black beauty, bold softness, and spiritual connection. From Atlanta’s vibrant energy to the natural light of Fort Worth, her journey is both personal and universal. We’ll talk creativity, timeless images, the soul of black-and-white photography, and how to build a legacy with intention—one frame at a time. So whether you’re behind the lens or simply a lover of visual storytelling, stay with us—this one’s about the art of seeing.

From the early days of MySpace and Model Mayhem to being featured in major magazines, Greg’s path into photography wasn’t just about picking up a camera — it was about picking up purpose. Based in Michigan and rooted in Grand Rapids’ creative scene, Greg’s work is bold, raw, and real. He’s built a reputation on consistency, connection, and community — especially with 616 Models, where collaboration means more than just a shoot.

In this episode, we explore how Greg went from local shoots to national spreads, how he balances emotion with execution, and what advice he has for the next generation of photographers finding their voice.

So grab your headphones, get inspired, and let’s step behind the lens with the one and only Cowboy."

In this powerful episode of Framed in Black, we sit down with Detroit-based photographer Ernest Sisson, whose work blends raw urban storytelling with deep emotional resonance. From watching his father document family life with crates of labeled film to exploring abandoned buildings in the heart of Detroit, Ernest shares how photography became his way of preserving memory, rewriting narratives, and honoring Black legacy.

We talk about his love for black-and-white imagery, the spiritual connection to Michigan Central Station, and the responsibility of capturing truth in every frame. He opens up about the challenges of navigating the art world as a Black creative, the importance of family in his work, and why authenticity always comes before aesthetics.

Whether you're a photographer, a creative, or just someone who values stories that matter — this conversation will move you.

Follow Ernest Sisson:
📸 Instagram: @ErnestSissonPhotograpy
📘 Facebook: Ernest Sisson Photography

In this episode, I’m joined by Ronald Parker, a talented photographer from Durham, North Carolina. We dive into his journey behind the camera—how he got started in photography, what drives his passion for capturing powerful moments, and how his love of music influences his creative eye. Whether you're a fellow photographer, an artist, or simply curious about the intersection of visual art and sound, this conversation is full of inspiration and insight.