Meet our guest editor Carlos Samuels for a special Monday issue of Here! Carlos is a professional photographer, owner of FlashoverVisions, and firefighter. From a teenage hobby of capturing his community with disposable cameras, Carlos' passion blossomed, eventually leading to the founding of FlashoverVisions. After facing personal struggles, he found comfort in photography, focusing particularly on his native Richmond landscapes. Carlos has since shared his love for landscape photography far and wide around the country. While his following has grown, Carlos always makes sure to save time for volunteering at local schools, providing professional headshots during Teacher Appreciation Week and class photos across all grade levels. The yoga and wellness community within Richmond – including Shanna Thornton, BareSoul Yoga, The Well Collective, and Ashley Williams – have also served as a source of inspiration for Carlos as he regularly documents their practices. When he's not behind the lens, you can find Carlos serving our community as a Richmond City Firefighter and a mentor with Communities in Schools for Richmond Public Schools.
Take it away, Carlos...
Race in Richmond at Main St. Station
The Race in Richmond exhibit is not to be missed. Initially planted at The Well Collective, the exhibit is now LIVE at Main Street Station, from February 16, 2024 to March 11, 2024. Race in Richmond will have a Community Night on Tuesday, February 27th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The exhibit displays one-of-a-kind art, interactive experiences, and in-depth photography. You’ll be given an opportunity to visualize the reality of race and its role in Richmond.
As a landscape photographer, exploring public parks -- from neighborhood parks to state parks -- brings me so much joy. From Virginia State Parks (like High Bridge Trail, Twin Lakes, and Natural Bridge) to James River Park System (Belle Isle, Pony Pasture, and Huguenot Flatwater), you'll find endless opportunities for beauty, recreation, and community engagement. Here in Richmond, I use the park systems to experience nature, wildlife, peace, and it also serves as a therapeutic reset where I can express myself in nature photography and poetry.
Being a live music lover, Legacy Band is my local favorite. They perform at a variety of different venues throughout the Richmond area. I personally love hearing them perform outdoors at Dogwood Dell in the warmer months! Up next, Legacy Band will be at Vagabond on Saturday, March 9 at 5:30 pm; be sure to check them out.
FlashoverVisions began as an escape from reality and life for Carlos. Behind the lens, life stood still, fears vanished, and trying to find himself had begun.
"I don’t have all the expensive lenses, the expensive camera body, expensive lighting, studio access, etc.. So I have to work hard; just to get the right shot, use what I have, catch the right angle; just to capture the right moment," says Carlos. "Whether voluntary or commission. I’ve been blessed with so many once in a lifetime opportunities with this camera. It’s not even believable to me sometimes."
