Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.
Micaiah Carter | Image courtesy of SN37
Micaiah Carter, Photographer
Hometown: Victorville, CA
Based: Southern California
Representation: SN37
How would you describe your work? What’s your trademark?
My work is both nostalgic and modern, ethereal and familiar. My use of color and lighting is certainly a defining element, and I think what makes it even more unique is how that technical precision and taste merge with the connection I build with people in front of the lens. That relationship is just as important as the composition and the light. It’s not just about how the image looks but how it feels.
Who were some of your early influences, and how have they shaped your perspective as a photographer?
Some of my earliest influences were contemporary photographers like Koray Birand, Tim Walker, and legendary artists like John H. White and Barkley L. Hendricks. Their work taught me the power of storytelling through imagery, whether through color, composition, or how they capture a subject’s essence.
Lighting plays a big role in the warmth of your images. How do you approach lighting to enhance the emotional tone of your work?
I treat lighting as an added character in my pictures. Just like in cinema, lighting dictates mood and intention. I use it to support the storytelling in my work.
Your portraits feel like they capture the essence of a person rather than just their image. What’s your approach to working with your subjects, and what do you look for in a subject?
I look for people who inspire me and are willing to be themselves but also explore different sides of who they are: versions of themselves that fit within the world I am creating. That is why collaboration is so important. A photoshoot is never just simply capturing someone as they are; even in the most raw and honest moments, there is a level of curation.
Much of your work uplifts Black beauty, culture, and history. How intentional is that in your creative process, and does it connect to your father’s role in the civil rights movement?
It is second nature to me because I am a Black artist, and my work reflects the people and experiences I have lived. My father played a significant role in shaping that because Black history was important to him. Growing up with that awareness and pride in my own Blackness naturally influences what I create.
What other jobs have you had?
I started out as a busboy at a fish fry restaurant and later worked as a banquet server in NYC. At one point, I was even photographing baby clothes. However, a pivotal job for me was working as a teen photojournalist for The Daily Press in Victorville, CA. That experience taught me how to think quickly and stay on my toes. It was my introduction to adaptability, which has shaped the way I approach storytelling today.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced professionally?
My biggest challenge has been myself and learning that my worth is not defined by external validation. Over time, I have realized that honesty is one of the most powerful tools in collaboration because it allows for real connection, trust, and work that feels intentional. That honesty goes hand in hand with having a clear vision, knowing what I want to say, and standing on it.
What have you watched, heard, or read lately that has inspired you?
I have been inspired by Shakersss, a short film by Solange, and One More Chance by Ricky Dillard and New G.
What is one thing outside of your work that you would like people to know about you?
I love to cook. It has become a creative outlet for me outside of photography and film.
Who do you think is one to watch?
Cass Meyers. I love her approach. It feels deeply intuitive, and that inspires me.
Selected Work
Zendaya | Image courtesy of SN37
Elle U.S. December 2020 / January 2021 Cover
A memorable moment! This was my second time working with Law Roach and Zendaya. The creativity we bring to the set is incredible.
Adeline | Image courtesy of SN37
Adeline in Barrettes
One of my most recognized portraits of Adeline, I cherish the connections this photo creates for everyone. It evokes such nostalgia and storytelling in a single frame.
Playboi Carti | Image courtesy of SN37
Playboi Carti
This is one of my all-time favorite images of Playboi Carti, who played a major role in my 20s. His music evokes a feeling in my blood that I can’t quite explain; it feels like I’ve encountered those frequencies before.
Image courtesy of SN37
Untitled
This is another favorite photo, inspired by the Black Power parades of the 70s.
Amindi + Olivia | Image courtesy of SN37
Family (Baby Boy)
My favorite personal project is the Power Rangers. They reflect my identity and my family. The Power Rangers were a huge inspiration to me as a child.
