Black Leisure, Recentered: Reclaiming Space, Declaring Presence
A reclamation of what was once denied. This editorial repositions Black leisure as essential, not exceptional — photographed poolside at The Lafayette in San Diego, where elegance becomes resistance, and presence becomes power.
Search vintage archives, flip through old magazines, or scroll Pinterest — and you won’t find her there. For decades, poolside leisure and luxury told a narrow story.
Black Luxury, Recentered corrects that absence, not with spectacle, but through intentional presence.
Set against the retro backdrop of The Lafayette — once a place where Black people were often either excluded or marginalized — this series insists on reframing history. It places Black elegance exactly where it always belonged: center stage.
Historical Echoes & Cultural Context
In the Jim Crow era, many municipalities preferred to close public pools entirely rather than share them with Black swimmers — reinforcing the shame and neglect of segregation. Stories like that of David Isom, a 19‑year‑old who courageously desegregated a Philadelphia pool in 1958, remind us: these weren’t just bodies of water—they were frontlines of resistance This isn’t passive history—it’s living legacy. These photos counter that erasure by thoughtfully placing a Black muse by the pool, sunlit and unashamed.
Through the Lens of Representation
What you see: a Black muse poolside at Lafayette, draped in calm authority—bold lips, sunlit skin, private presence.
What it means: more than leisure. It’s reclamation. Quiet audacity. Editorial elegance rooted in lived history.
What it whispers: “Luxury isn’t inherited—it’s authored.”
Why Brands Should Care
This isn’t just pretty imagery—it’s editorial storytelling with purpose. It speaks to culture, honesty, and emotional resonance.
High‑end brands, arts publications, and mission‑driven clients will recognize this as more than portraiture—it’s a movement. TIKA offers visuals that hold space and shape dialogue.
Conclusion
This is not recreation. It is reclamation—quiet, undeniable, essential. Representation doesn’t bend to trends. It becomes the narrative.
Here, by the pool at Lafayette, luxury speaks her language.
View the gallery here.
Key Links & Sources
Meet David Isom—the teen who broke a color line at a segregated pool gawatersafety.org+4becauseofthemwecan.com+4blackpast.org+4
NYTimes: How Black people were kept out of U.S. pools
USA Today: The lasting fallout from segregated pools reddit.com+11usaswimming.org+11becauseofthemwecan.com+11
HuffPost: History of segregated parks & pools en.wikipedia.org
The Colors That Never Miss: What to Wear for Photos Based on Your Skin Tone
Choosing the right color can elevate your entire photoshoot. These are the shades that look stunning in photos — and work beautifully on every skin tone.
Whether you’re stepping into your first editorial shoot or your fifth creative era, one question always comes up:
“What should I wear that actually looks good in photos?”
If you’ve got melanin-rich skin, the usual Pinterest boards filled with beige on beige and washed-out whites? They won’t do you justice. At TIKA Studios, I’ve photographed artists, creatives, and humans across the spectrum of brown — and here’s what I know:
The right color doesn’t just match your outfit — it magnifies your presence.
Let’s break down the tones that consistently photograph beautifully on Black and brown skin, and why they always hit.
Earth Tones — The Holy Grail
Examples: Burnt sienna, olive green, rust, camel, terracotta, ochre, chocolate brown
These tones aren’t just "neutral" — they’re rooted. They reflect light softly, add warmth to the skin, and never fight for attention. Deep tones like sienna and espresso bring dimension, while muted greens and golds evoke natural balance.
Why it works: Earth tones harmonize with undertones found in deeper complexions — especially golden, red, and olive-based hues.
💡 Styling tip: Try monochrome layering (like a rust blouse and deep brown trousers) or pair with textured fabrics like linen, wool, or denim.
Jewel Tones — Vibrancy Without the Loud
Examples: Emerald, amethyst, deep teal, ruby, mustard, indigo
These colors radiate. They pop against melanin without feeling artificial — and they show up rich on both film and digital.
Why it works: Jewel tones are naturally high in saturation, making them ideal for darker skin tones that reflect light differently than lighter tones.
💡 Styling tip: An emerald dress, a sapphire top, or even a plum coat can act as a statement piece without overwhelming the image. Add gold or brass jewelry to anchor the look.
Warm Neutrals — The Underrated MVPs
Examples: Warm taupe, cocoa, dusty rose, almond, sandstone, soft copper
Forget cold grays and flat whites. Warm neutrals elevate deeper skin without draining color from your face. These tones act as quiet confidence — soft, yet intentional.
Why it works: They enhance your skin’s natural glow and bring out subtleties in undertone — especially for mid-brown to deep skin tones.
💡 Styling tip: These tones are perfect for studio sessions or soft, natural light settings. Combine with minimal makeup and dewy skin for editorial softness.
Black (Yes, You Can — and Should)
Black isn’t basic when it’s used with power. It adds structure, boldness, and drama — especially in black & white edits or contrast-rich lighting.
Why it works: It grounds the image and makes your skin shine. When paired with strong posture or movement, it reads editorial every time.
💡 Styling tip: Choose textured fabrics like silk, velvet, or ribbed knits. This helps black photograph rich rather than flat.
What to Avoid (or Use Sparingly)
Bright white: Can over-reflect in sun and wash out contrast unless styled very intentionally.
Neon: Distracts from your presence and often photographs harshly.
Pale pastels: These can flatten deeper skin tones unless balanced with bolder accents or deeper makeup hues.
Shiny synthetics: Can catch light awkwardly and look cheaper on camera than IRL.
Final Thought: Let the Color Match Your Energy, Not Just the Aesthetic
You’re not here to fit in. You’re here to show up fully.
When we work together, I’ll help guide you toward looks that don’t just look good — they feel right. Because when you wear something that amplifies your truth, the camera sees it. The image holds it.
Your skin is not a backdrop — it’s the art.
Let’s dress it accordingly.
📍Based in San Diego, shooting anywhere the light calls.
Ready to book your editorial portrait session? Let’s connect.
What Sets Editorial Photography Apart — and Why It Matters
Editorial photography isn’t just stylized — it’s story-led, cinematic, and conceptual. Here’s what sets it apart and why it matters more than ever.
In a scroll-happy world filled with curated content, editorial photography does something rare — it slows you down. It invites you to see, not just look. It doesn’t just showcase the subject; it tells a story through presence, environment, and intention.
As a San Diego-based editorial photographer, I often get asked: What even is editorial photography? Isn’t it just stylized portraits? Not quite.
Let’s break it down — and why it’s the heartbeat of everything I create at TIKA Studios.
1. Editorial Photography Is Story-Driven
While traditional portraits focus on the person, editorial portraits focus on the narrative. It’s not just about what you’re wearing or how you’re posing — it’s about what the image is saying.
Are we capturing resilience? Mystery? Power? Softness? Grief? Joy?
Editorial work moves beyond vanity. It evokes feeling. It asks questions.
This is the style of photography you see in magazines like Vogue, The Cut, or Harper’s Bazaar — where the subject isn’t selling a product, they’re inhabiting a story.
2. It’s Cinematic and Conceptual
Editorial doesn’t rely on trend — it leans into vision.
The lighting, location, styling, and body language are all intentional, working together like a scene from a film. It’s visual storytelling that doesn’t need a caption to be understood.
At TIKA Studios, I often blend film and digital formats, sculpt light like it’s mood, and give room for the subject to breathe. Whether we’re shooting on a street corner, in a studio, or on stage, editorial photography creates an atmosphere.
3. Editorial Builds Brand and Identity
Whether you're an artist, creative entrepreneur, or public figure, editorial portraits can help shape how you’re perceived — and not in a manufactured way. Think press kits, magazine features, album visuals, and author profiles. It’s not just about looking “put together.” It’s about looking like yourself — elevated, centered, and clear.
When done right, editorial photography communicates:
I know who I am.
I’ve done the inner work.
I’m not trying to convince — I’m just showing up.
That’s power. That’s magnetism.
4. Editorial Work Has Longevity
You know those photos you never get tired of? The ones that still hit years later?
That’s editorial.
Because it’s not following a moment — it’s capturing a mood. It holds up across time because it’s rooted in something deeper than algorithm trends.
Final Word
Editorial photography isn’t just a style — it’s a philosophy.
It asks: What truth can we reveal here?
It honors presence over perfection. Energy over aesthetics.
And it matters because when people feel seen in that way, they carry that confidence into everything they do.
If you’re looking for San Diego editorial photography, artist portraits, or imagery that captures the why behind the visual — I’d love to work with you.
Curious about a shoot? Reach out here or visit the Portfolio to see more editorial work.
How to Prepare for an Editorial Portrait Session
Editorial portraits aren’t just photos — they’re presence, identity, and intention in frame. Here’s how to prepare for a portrait session that feels true to you.
Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative, an editorial portrait session is more than just a photoshoot — it’s a visual story. These portraits don’t just show what you look like. They reveal your presence, your essence, and the way you take up space.
As a San Diego-based editorial photographer working with artists, creatives, and changemakers, I’ve seen firsthand how a little prep goes a long way — not for the camera, but for you. Here’s how to prepare for a shoot that feels effortless, aligned, and true to who you are.
1. Clarify Your Intention
Ask yourself: What do I want these photos to communicate?
Editorial portraits can be bold, quiet, raw, or styled. But they should always feel like you, not a costume. Are you entering a new creative era? Rebranding? Telling a story? Bringing this clarity helps guide the shoot without boxing you in.
💡 Pro Tip: Share references, songs, colors, or textures that inspire you. Moodboards aren’t just trendy — they’re a creative blueprint.
2. Dress Like Yourself — But Elevated
Think of it like this: you on your best day, not you in disguise.
Clothes should complement your vibe, not compete with it. Editorial doesn’t mean over-the-top unless that’s your truth. Neutral tones, strong silhouettes, interesting textures — these all photograph beautifully. Avoid overly busy patterns or logos unless it’s intentional.
💡 Bring options. Even 2–3 looks can offer variation without overwhelming the shoot.
3. Rest, Hydrate, and Ground Yourself
This isn’t just vanity — it’s energetic. A well-rested, grounded body photographs differently. The camera picks up more than angles; it picks up presence.
Drink water. Stretch. Breathe. Take space the morning of the shoot to be with yourself. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s alignment.
4. Trust the Photographer (aka Me)
When we shoot together, you’re not just stepping in front of a lens — you’re stepping into a safe space. I’ll guide you, direct with intention, and read the energy. You don’t have to perform. You just have to show up.
Together, we’ll co-create something honest, cinematic, and resonant. That’s the TIKA approach.
5. It’s More Than Photos — It’s Your Legacy
The right editorial portrait session can change how people see you — but more importantly, it can change how you see yourself. These images often become part of press kits, portfolios, social content, and future brand storytelling.
But they’re also markers of your growth. Your evolution. Your becoming.
Final Thoughts
If you're preparing for your first or fiftieth editorial portrait session, remember: this is collaboration, not performance. You don’t need to force anything. You’re already enough.
And if you’re ready to create something cinematic, soulful, and story-rich — I’m here. Let’s shoot.
Ready to book? Get in touch here or visit the Collab page.
Ultimate Groom Outfit Ideas for 2025 Weddings
From timeless black tuxedos to modern green suits and relaxed linen sets — this guide breaks down the best groom outfit ideas for every wedding vibe. Whether your style is classic, creative, or casually cool, here’s how to dress like you on your big day.
Classic, Modern, and Bold Styles That Photograph Beautifully
White Jacket + Black Pants: High-Contrast Elegance
A white dinner jacket paired with tailored black trousers is bold, clean, and striking. It’s a classic choice for fashion-forward grooms who want a refined, unexpected edge.
Why it works on camera: The contrast helps anchor the image while spotlighting you in a sea of neutrals.
Style tip: Add a black bow tie and patent leather shoes for a timeless finish — or go open-collar for a modern remix.
All Black Everything: Modern, Sharp, Elevated
A full black-on-black look is a bold move — and it always pays off. Ideal for evening or formal weddings, an all-black suit paired with a black shirt, tie, and polished shoes creates a seamless, modern silhouette.
Why it works on camera: It photographs sleek and cinematic, especially under moody or directional lighting. It's timeless, but with edge.
Style tip: Opt for a slightly matte or textured black fabric to avoid light flattening the look in photos.
Linen Suits: The Effortlessly Cool Option
If your wedding is taking place outdoors, near the ocean, or during warmer months, linen is your best friend. It breathes, it moves, and it feels relaxed without losing polish.
Choose shades like soft beige, muted gray, or dusty pastel tones for an organic, editorial vibe. If you’re unsure about fabric choice, here’s a breakdown of how linen compares to cotton for weddings.
Why it works on camera: The texture of linen adds visual interest, and the muted tones blend beautifully with natural backdrops.
Style tip: Ditch the tie. Pair with a crisp cotton shirt, loafers or clean sneakers, and let the environment do the styling.
Chic Blue Suits: Modern, Confident, and Fresh
From midnight navy to bright royal, blue suits have become a staple for good reason. They offer personality without straying too far from the formal vibe.
Why it works on camera: Blue pops in daylight and adds depth in overcast or indoor light. Works especially well in spring or garden weddings.
Style tip: Match with a crisp white shirt and a contrasting tie or pocket square for a layered look.
Going Green: A Statement Without the Shout
Green suits are the sleeper hit of wedding fashion. Forest, olive, and emerald bring a richness that feels both bold and grounded.
Why it works on camera: Green flatters melanated skin and stands out without overpowering. Editorial, earthy, and unexpected.
Style tip: Keep the rest simple. Neutral shirt, maybe a gold ring or chain, and brown or oxblood shoes to tie it all together.
The Classic Black Suit: Always the Right Choice
If in doubt, go black suit. Always. It’s elegant, versatile, and easy to personalize.
Why it works on camera: Clean lines, no color clashing, and it's flattering across all skin tones. Editorial in its simplicity.
Style tip: Add personality with accessories: a silk tie in your favorite color, a boutonnière that speaks to your story, or cufflinks that nod to your roots. For more traditional groom style ideas, GQ offers a solid guide on suit fit and cut.
Looking for editorial wedding photography with soul?
Let’s create images that reflect your style and your story.
Reach out here or browse the Portfolio.
Final Thought: It’s Not Just About the Suit
It’s about how you feel in it.
Your wedding outfit should feel like a second skin — one that reflects your style, intention, and presence. Whether you’re walking down the aisle in linen loafers or a velvet blazer, make sure it’s tailored, thoughtful, and you. Looking for even more inspiration? Pinterest is a great place to see these colors in action.
And when it comes to capturing that energy in frame? I’ve got you
📍Based in San Diego, shooting anywhere the light calls.
Ready to book your editorial portrait session? Let’s connect.
The Moment I Photographed Janelle Monáe — and What It Taught Me About Presence
I photographed Janelle Monáe live in San Diego during Wonderfront Festival — a moment that deepened my understanding of presence, artistry, and what it means to truly witness an artist in their element.
Last weekend, I had the honor of photographing Janelle Monáe during her set at Wonderfront Festival in San Diego — the city I call home and the backdrop of so many of my creative chapters.
Janelle was on tour, electrifying the stage with a performance that was, in a word, alive. Not just technically brilliant — but soul-forward, unfiltered, and utterly present. I was lucky enough to shoot with a “god pass”, which gave me access to photograph her performance as well as other artists like Orion Sun, another creative force who brought deep, reflective energy to the stage.
Photographing Presence, Not Just Performance
As a photographer focused on editorial storytelling and artist-aligned work, what I look for isn’t just the light or the angle — it’s the moment where the artist forgets they’re being seen. The way Janelle occupied that stage? That was presence. She wasn’t performing for us — she was simply existing with us. That’s rare.
I shot on both digital and film, leaning into the raw, tactile feel of 35mm to catch the in-between — the smirk between lyrics, the sweat along the collarbone, the eye contact that cuts through the crowd.
The film isn’t developed yet, and still — I can feel it humming. Can’t wait to see what we got.
What This Teaches Me as a Photographer
Photographing Janelle Monáe reminded me why I do what I do.
It’s not about volume. It’s not about perfection. It’s about creating images that honor the artist’s energy without interrupting their flow.
That’s the foundation of TIKA Studios — editorial photography rooted in presence, cinematic style, and respect for the creative pulse of the moment. Whether I’m documenting a tour stop, shooting an editorial campaign, or capturing behind-the-scenes moments for an artist’s next era, I aim to preserve the truth of who they are, not just how they look.
Based in San Diego, Creating Everywhere
This moment was a full-circle one — photographing one of my dream artists while she's on tour, in my own city, alongside other talents like Orion Sun. San Diego is where I live, but the creative vision travels. If you're an artist, creative director, or publication looking to collaborate on tour photography, live performance documentation, or editorial portraiture, I’m ready.
The stage may be temporary, but the image? That’s the part that lasts.
Looking to work together? Reach out here or check out my Portfolio to see more editorial and live music work.
Why TIKA — A Name, A Creative House, A Return
When I started dreaming about this next chapter of my creative life, I didn’t go looking for a new name — I returned to one that had always been mine.
TIKA was my childhood nickname. Spoken by loved ones. Passed down in the casual tenderness of Haitian culture. A shortening of my full name, yes — but more than that, it was a way of being known. Unfiltered. Familiar. Whole.
For a while, I kept it separate from my creative identity. But as I grew — as an artist, as a person — I found myself circling back to it. To the part of me that created for joy. For play. For connection. Not performance.
That’s what TIKA stands for.
What is TIKA?
TIKA is a creative house — a studio space for the full range of my work. Photography is a big part of it. But so is sound. So is movement. So is curiosity. TIKA is where editorial storytelling meets presence. Where the image isn’t just aesthetic — it’s a feeling.
It’s where I create work rooted in:
Intention — because I’m not here to churn out content
Emotion — because we remember what made us feel
Collaboration — because the best work doesn’t happen in isolation
TIKA is not just what I do. It’s who I am — and who I’ve returned to.
Why the Name Matters
When someone lands on my work, I want them to feel it. Not just “see” it — but recognize the presence behind it. TIKA isn’t a brand I chose because it sounded good. It’s the name that fit when nothing else did. It’s personal, ancestral, and instinctual.
So when people say the name — they’re not just calling my studio. They’re calling me.
TIKA Studios is a San Diego-based creative house led by multidisciplinary artist TIKA (Jessica Ballerstein), offering editorial photography, portrait sessions, and concept-driven collaborations. Rooted in intuition, presence, and story, TIKA exists to create art that feels — across image, sound, and space.
→ Explore TIKA's Portfolio | Work With TIKA
Not Just a Rebrand — A Realignment: The Transition from By Darius to TIKA Studios
By Darius served its purpose — but it no longer felt like mine.
TIKA Studios isn’t just a new name. It’s a return to creating work that feels personal, collaborative, and lasting.
This is about stepping fully into my vision — and making photographs that hold presence and stay meaningful over time.
For a while, I was just moving. Saying yes to projects because they paid. Shooting weddings, working with brands — grateful, but disconnected. Over time, the spark I had for photography dimmed — it no longer felt like mine.
What once felt exciting and instinctive started to feel distant.
I wasn’t creating from instinct or curiosity anymore. I was creating based on what others needed. The work didn’t feel collaborative. It didn’t feel alive.
At one point, I even asked myself — do I still want to be a photographer? That question stopped me. Not because I didn’t love photography, but because I realized how far I’d drifted from why I started.
In the beginning, I wasn’t chasing clients or checking boxes. I was chasing the feeling — the urge to create, to tell stories, to make something that lasts. That’s what TIKA Studios is about. It’s me coming back to my original intention.
I don’t want to be just another photographer — local or otherwise — churning out photos to stay booked. I want to make art. I want to capture emotion in motion. I want to create work that people feel — years later. Work that doesn’t go out of style because it was never about trends to begin with.
That doesn’t mean I’m stepping away from weddings or brands. It means I’m doing them differently now. With people who want to co-create, who value my perspective, and who trust me to shape the story — not just deliver what’s expected.
TIKA is not about cranking out galleries. TIKA is about making photographs that hold presence, carry memory, and live far beyond the moment they were taken.
If you’ve followed me from By Darius, thank you for witnessing my growth. If you’re new here — welcome. I’m no longer creating just to create.
I’m here to make work that lasts — honest, considered, and in rhythm with my perspective and purpose.
