On this episode of The PHYS Podcast, Tyson Martin sits down with acclaimed portrait and editorial photographer Cheriss May for a powerful conversation about photography, representation, education, and the importance of telling stories that create lasting impact.

Based in Washington, D.C., Cheriss May has built an internationally respected career centered on authentic human connection. Known for her ability to create trust and intimacy with her subjects, her portraits go far beyond appearances, revealing the humanity, vulnerability, and strength that exist beneath the surface.

Throughout her career, Cheriss has become a leading voice in photography, visual storytelling, and representation. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, O Magazine, People Magazine, ABC News, The Today Show, The San Francisco Chronicle, and on The White House website, among many others.

Beyond creating images, Cheriss has dedicated herself to educating and mentoring the next generation of visual storytellers. She serves as an Adjunct Professor at her alma mater, Howard University, and has trained organizations, educators, and creatives around the world, including Adobe, Spotify, Leica, The Financial Times, the Center for Creative Photography, and the International Center of Photography.

Her leadership within the photographic community is equally significant. Cheriss serves on the Board of Directors for Focus on the Story, is the immediate past president of Women Photojournalists of Washington (WPOW), and serves as Co-Chair of Photography for The National Press Club.

At the heart of her work is a commitment to inclusive storytelling and ensuring that people from all backgrounds are represented with dignity, authenticity, and care.

Her traveling exhibition and forthcoming book, Cheriss May Soul Connection, reflect that mission. Through portraiture, she seeks to connect not just with a person's image, but with their spirit, creating photographs that resonate on a deeper emotional level.

Tyson and Cheriss discuss storytelling, representation, education, and the responsibility photographers have when documenting people and culture.

In This Episode:

• Cheriss May's journey as a portrait and editorial photographer
• The importance of inclusive storytelling and representation
• How she builds trust and authentic connections with her subjects
• Her work as an educator, speaker, and mentor
• Lessons learned from photographing diverse communities and stories
• The vision behind Cheriss May Soul Connection
• Her experiences working with Adobe, Leica, Spotify, and global organizations
• Balancing teaching, advocacy, leadership, and creative work
• Why authenticity remains essential in both art and storytelling

Cheriss's work reminds us that photography has the power to do more than document—it can create understanding, build empathy, and foster meaningful human connection.

Through every portrait she creates, she challenges viewers to look beyond appearances and engage more deeply with the people and stories in front of them. Her photographs serve as both artistic expression and cultural preservation, creating space for voices that deserve to be seen and heard.

This conversation is an inspiring exploration of photography, purpose, education, and the power of storytelling to create positive change.

Whether you're a photographer, educator, journalist, student, artist, or someone passionate about visual storytelling and social impact, this episode offers valuable insight into creating work that truly matters.

The strongest portraits don't just show us who someone is, they help us understand why their story matters.

Follow Cheriss May
Instagram: @cherissmay
Threads: @cherissmay
Website: www.cherissmay.com