ryan james kraus - FEATURE WRITING

New Paltz Photo Works- November 2025

Gio Vaun

www.giovaun.com

https://www.instagram.com/gio.vaun/?hl=en

Similar to many artists, Gio Vaun takes inspiration and pride from where he came from. The DMV region, including Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, has deeply shaped his artistic tastes. From afar, his musical tastes, fashion sense, and speech embrace the vibrant cultural richness of his hometown. New Paltz Photo Works spoke with Gio this fall to dive deeper into the inspirations powering his artistic mission.

It’s not just raw ability that sets Gio apart. It’s his intention. It all began as a Christmas gift at the age of 14: a Canon AE-1. The SLR film camera opened his eyes to the world around him. Creatively, it provided him with an essential means of expression. Taking on the art of film photography at such a young age instilled a profound respect for process and discipline, something that still directs his work today.

Gio now prefers Fuji Film cameras, drawn to their unique color tones that perfectly capture a balance between vibrancy and mood—a preference that is evident in his artistic style. He described his style as “Dark Grunge Street Photography,” but he emphasizes that his bottom line is always to capture the essence of a particular moment while he’s behind the lens.

Flexibility is another pillar of Gio’s approach. During live shows, he will often employ a zoom lens for its adaptive nature. It allows him to shoot both the vibrant energy of large crowds and quickly move in to capture the intimate, stage-level portraits. It ensures that he can be flexible with the ever-changing dynamics of live shows.

Gio’s roster of collaborators is a who’s-who of contemporary music: Pharrell Williams, Brent Faiyaz, Sexyy Red, Tommy Richman, and many more. While collaborating with these musical titans, he never forgets where it all started, continuing to work with talents within the DMV area. When in town, Gio immerses himself in the atmosphere that originally shaped his imagination—freezing moments that reflect the essence of the place that made him who he is today. Most importantly, he is still providing a voice through photography to the community he is from.

A key part of Gio’s creative process involves his partnership with singer-rapper Tommy Richman, whose creative mindset has transformed their collaborations into a dynamic dialogue rather than just transactional work. Gio credits Richman’s willingness to provide feedback and contribute ideas with strengthening both the photography and their professional relationship, making the process deeply collaborative and creatively fulfilling.

Preparation is the foundation of Gio’s work. In the days and hours leading up to a shoot, he meticulously discusses portrait ideas, scouts out locations, and confers with the subject. He said that the prep sometimes takes longer than the actual shoot because of the number of variables and the constant fine-tuning of concepts to match the artist’s vision as closely as possible. After a shoot, Gio often spends his night editing, tweaking every detail.

Background and setting are also deeply important to Gio’s process. He tries to choose locations that make the viewer feel as if they are standing within the image. A background can make or break a photo. Gio explained that location is key to authenticity: in a recent shoot with Paco, a Mexican-American singer, they chose a desert church setting that connected directly to Paco’s musical style and personal aesthetic, adding layers of meaning to the final images.

Ultimately, Gio Vaun’s work is a rejoicing of the intersection of discipline, intuition, and cultural identity. Each image illustrates not only Gio’s technical skill but also his deep commitment to conveying stories that transcend on a personal and communal scale. Whether capturing the raw energy of a live performance, the introspective power of a portrait, or the heart of the DMV, Gio’s images transmit authenticity and purpose. In his eyes, he continues to honor where he began, yet pushes the boundaries of what he can do, offering the viewer a peek into the moments, emotions, and communities that shaped him.

Gio Vaun, thank you for your time and inspiration.

Vaun captured Tommy Richman wearing ISO Supremacy merch to promote the limited-edition clothing drop. Richman is part of the ISO record label, owned by Brent Faiyaz. Inspired by his strong passion for boxing, Richman and Vaun chose the boxing gym as the backdrop.

Gio Vaun, thank you for your time and inspiration.

New Paltz Photo Works- April 2025

Bobby Banks

https://www.bobby-banks.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bobbyybanks/?hl=en

https://shop.isosupremacy.com/

Bobby Banks is making a significant impact on the photography scene, distinguishing himself through hands-on image capturing, dedication to traditional darkroom printing, and a remarkable ability to encourage raw emotion from his subjects.

Bobby Banks is a visual artist born and raised in the Bronx, New York, with an impressive portfolio and résumé. New Paltz Photo Works sat down with Bobby to learn about his influences, creative style, and the driving force behind his camera.

Banks has worked with highly influential artists such as Brent Faiyaz, A$AP Rocky, and Nyjah Huston, as well as globally recognized brands like Adidas, New Balance, and Calvin Klein. It would be an understatement to say that Banks is a key figure in the brand image and creative direction of the content surrounding us. He is well-versed in digital and film photography, videography, darkroom printing, and set direction.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Bobby Banks acknowledges that certain aspects of the Bronx "were rugged and not pretty," a reality that pushed him to seek out and appreciate the beauty in his surroundings. His journey into photography began with a focus on available light, documenting everyday moments on the streets, in front of his building, and among his friends and family. From the moment he first held a camera, Banks was relentlessly dedicated to his craft, shooting constantly and never looking back.

In New York, Bobby Banks is often found photographing subjects in natural light on the streets. He shared that his process typically begins with a walk, during which he engages in conversation with potential subjects, captures a range of poses, and continues shooting in a fluid, organic manner. This routine not only serves as a warm-up for his work on set but also plays a significant role in shaping his creative direction.

Banks walked me through how he might capture a scene on the New York City subway system. He often begins by riding the train with his subject, using the experience to get a feel for the “vibe” and absorb creative inspiration. During the latter part of the ride, he shifts into a more active role, guiding the shoot through his own movement. “I am always in motion when I am shooting,” Banks explained, noting that this technique helps his subjects feel at ease. Rather than giving verbal instructions or rigid direction, he demonstrates poses himself, fostering a sense of comfort and authenticity. His goal is to break down the barrier between photographer and subject, allowing him to capture individuals in their most genuine, unguarded state.

In addition to his street photography, Banks is highly knowledgeable about professional sets. His approach, however, is notably minimalistic. “I keep it simple and easy,” Banks stated, emphasizing his preference for an understated setup rather than an abundance of lighting and equipment. This simplicity allows him to focus on capturing the genuine emotion and essence of his subjects rather than fumbling through gear the whole time. Over the years, Banks has discovered that using cameras such as the Contax G2, Contax T2, or even VHS camcorders helps create a more relaxed atmosphere. Banks has found that arriving on set with high-spec, complex gear can often feel intimidating and counterproductive to building a natural rapport with his subjects.

Bobby Banks is highly attuned to the needs and dynamics of those he works with, recognizing that many subjects operate on tight schedules with limited time for prolonged shoots. He emphasized that creating a comfortable environment is essential to a successful session. To achieve this, he often plays music that resonates with the individual, allows them the freedom to choose their own wardrobe, encourages natural posing, and affirms their self-expression throughout the process. While such settings can be high-pressure for many, Banks thrives on set, maintaining a calm, focused presence that fosters authenticity and ease.

Banks spoke about the natural creative chemistry he shares with artist Brent Faiyaz, noting that their collaborations often feel as organic and unfiltered as documenting everyday life on the streets of New York—raw, authentic, and deeply relatable. This connection sparked the creation of the Instagram account @damientheyellowduck. In the lead-up to the release of Faiyaz’s Wasteland album in 2022, Banks conceived the idea of photographing a rubber duck in various tour settings. What began as a playful visual concept quickly gained traction, evolving into a widely followed account that garnered over twenty thousand followers and significantly contributed to the anticipation and buzz surrounding the album’s release.

During our conversation, Bobby Banks offered valuable insight into the creative processes behind industry collaborations. He explained that when brands such as New Balance are in need of a photographer and director, they often approach him with a mood board outlining their initial vision. From there, Banks interprets the concept and develops his own creative direction. Once his vision is approved, the production moves into the casting and styling phases, followed by the shoot itself and subsequent editing. The final content is then prepared for release, completing a streamlined yet thoughtful creative process.

Bobby Banks explained that working with 35mm and 120 film allows him to slow down his creative process while still producing work that challenges societal boundaries. He shared that he often shoots up to fifty rolls of film, which he then develops and compiles into a unique, handmade book for his coffee table. This process enables him to present his work in a tangible format, sharing it with friends and family in a more personal way. In addition to his constant photography practice, Banks is also highly skilled in darkroom printing. He began working in a black-and-white darkroom around 2018, an experience that has profoundly influenced his perspective on his craft. Describing the process, Banks conveyed that the darkroom feels like an alternate reality—isolated, yet deeply immersed in the presence of his prints.

At the heart of Bobby Banks' work is a central theme of comfort and ease. He seeks to create images that are not only accessible but also rich in meaning. Banks embraces the beauty of imperfections—such as dust, wood, rust, and brick, elements that might typically be overlooked or underappreciated in other artistic mediums.

For Banks, inspiration often emerges from the world of music. While his musical tastes are diverse, he has recently found himself particularly drawn to a mix of artists, including Jon B, Teddy Swims, and Playboi Carti.

While Bobby Banks takes pride in his own achievements, he expressed a deep admiration for the successes of those around him. He shared how witnessing the love and support directed toward his friend, Tommy Richman, brings him great joy. For Banks, friendship is about showing up, offering support, and celebrating one another's accomplishments. With this philosophy, Bobby Banks is not only making his mark on the photography scene but also exemplifying the importance of uplifting and empowering those closest to us.

Thank you, Bobby, Brent, and Tommy; I am inspired by you.