JAI LENNARD

Jai grew up in the Bay Area of northern California with deep roots in Texas & Louisiana. He studied at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga where he started taking photos more seriously, then London where he took his first photo course and finally New York where he received his BA in Photography at the School of Visual Arts. He’s lived in Brooklyn ever since. 

His clients include The Hollywood Reporter, CNN, HBO, NY Times, Warby Parker, Club Monaco and more. However diverse his work is, the binding element is always the stories his subjects tell; perseverance, triumph, legacy, love, and strength. 

Aside from shooting editorial and advertising Jai founded the  non-profit Color Positive which aims to network Black photographers, stylists and directors in the editorial and commercial world. As well as promoting artists, Color Positive works as a mentorship program providing artists in NYC schools to speak and mentor the youth.

I started skateboarding at 4, followed by gymnastics, playing music at 8 and dancing on teams by 12. I was on stage or in competition for something in and out of school from 1st grade into my second year of college. It’s these experiences that inform my work. 

I have a deep love and respect for all arts. Connecting with people and having an insight and respect for not just what each subject does, but continues to do is part of the experience I consistently create. The experience and energy I bring from all that I’ve done so far is what really informs me, and also separates my work.