We recently connected with Lenajah Gaither and have shared our conversation below.
Lenajah , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Honestly, it hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been purposeful. As a young Black photographer, I’ve often found myself in rooms where I didn’t look like anyone else, whether by age, race, or style. But I’ve learned not to shrink in those moments. Instead, I lean into the fact that I’m exactly who God created me to be, and He didn’t make me to blend in He called me to stand out.
I carry confidence not just in my skills, but in my calling. I know I’m not in the room by accident. I’ve prayed over my path, and I know every opportunity is a divine setup, not just a career step. That truth allows me to show up fully with excellence, creativity, and authenticity. I don’t try to mold myself to fit the room, I allow my presence and purpose to shift the atmosphere.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a photographer who specializes in confidence boosting photo experiences that allow my clients to feel free, seen, and celebrated. My sessions are more than just taking pictures, they’re about capturing the essence of who someone is and even uncovering parts of them they didn’t know were there. I create a safe space where people can be their full selves bold, soft, powerful, creative, all of it. Whether it’s a birthday shoot, branding session, or a just because moment, I aim to pull out the light in people and reflect it back to them through my lens.
What makes my work special is the way my clients leave feeling better than when they walked in. It’s deeper than a pose or an outfit, it’s about confidence, healing, identity, and truth. I believe that God has called me to use this gift not just to create art, but to remind people of who they are.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three things that shaped my journey the most as a photographer were trial and error, wise counsel and community, and constructive criticism.
1. Trial and error taught me what no book or tutorial could. I had to do the work, make mistakes, and learn from them. Every failed shoot, lighting issue, or missed moment helped me grow. I wouldn’t be as confident or skilled today without those hard lessons. My advice to anyone starting out: stop waiting until you feel “ready.” Just start. The more you try, the more you’ll refine your craft.
2. Wise counsel and community kept me grounded and growing. Surrounding myself with people who understood the journey, whether they were creatives, business minded, or spiritually rooted gave me direction, encouragement, and honest feedback. Don’t isolate yourself. Find people who are where you want to be and who are willing to pour into you. Be teachable and intentional about who you let speak into your vision.
3. Constructive criticism helped me take things to the next level. It’s not always easy to hear what you could do better, but it’s necessary. The key is knowing the difference between criticism that tears down and critique that builds. I learned to value feedback from clients, mentors, and even peers because each note made my work stronger. For those just starting, don’t take it personally. Take it seriously. Growth starts where comfort ends.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was make sure I was grounded in knowing who God is and who He created me to be. That foundation has shaped every part of my life, not just spiritually, but personally and creatively. They didn’t just teach me about faith, they instilled in me a deep understanding of identity, purpose, and the truth that my value doesn’t come from the world, but from God.
That grounding has been especially powerful during seasons of self doubt and comparison moments that are so common in both life and the creative world. When I feel unsure or tempted to measure myself against others, I’m able to reflect and realign. I go back to what I know: that I am called, chosen, and created for a reason. That reminder always brings me back to center, and it’s helped me walk confidently in rooms where I might’ve otherwise shrunk back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ohsnapphotographyy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohsnap_photographyy?igsh=anFvcmt5dHM0YTYy&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Ohsnap Photography LLC
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