Meet Tenejah Mathis | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tenejah Mathis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tenejah, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always had an interest in photography. When I was in high school I got my first camera and was also a part of the yearbook committee. I didn’t start seriously pursuing photography until the pandemic, which was when I bought my first film camera. Creativity was an outlet for me during a time when everything felt so stagnant and uncertain. It gave me a place to escape to.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is rooted in nostalgia, curiosity, and a deep love for storytelling. I specialize in film photography—there’s something magical about the imperfections, the grain, and the warm tones that digital can’t quite replicate. I’m especially drawn to travel photography because it allows me to document the world through my lens—capturing moments in unfamiliar places and turning them into something timeless.

What sets my work apart is how I blend the dreamy texture of film with a documentary-style approach to travel. I’m not just interested in the iconic landmarks—I want to capture the in-between moments: a quiet café in a new city, the light just before dusk, the feeling of discovery. I want people to feel something when they see my images, even if they’ve never been to that place.

I started taking photos during the pandemic as a way to stay grounded, and it quickly became more than a creative outlet—it became a career path. The journey hasn’t been easy. I didn’t go to art school or have formal training, so I had to teach myself everything—how to shoot film, edit, market my work, and build a brand from scratch. There were plenty of moments when I questioned if it was all worth it, especially when things felt slow or uncertain. But I kept going by reminding myself why I started: to create work that feels honest and alive.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than perfection. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to keep showing up for your art, even when it’s messy or unclear.

What I want the world to know is that my photography is an invitation to slow down and really see—to find beauty in ordinary moments and to remember that there’s always something worth documenting. My story is still unfolding, but I hope my work continues to inspire others to embrace the journey, wherever it takes them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Even though I’m a Florida native, I’m not from Miami—and that makes visiting feel even more special. There’s something electric about the city’s energy, especially in the way it blends cultures, art, and nature. If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d plan the kind of trip that mixes laid-back exploration with artistic inspiration and a few hidden gems.

We’d definitely spend a full day in the Wynwood Arts District. The murals are always changing, the colors are bold, and the creative energy is nonstop. We’d stop by a nearby cafe to fuel up, and I’d make sure we dip into a few galleries and local shops, and I’d bring my camera everywhere—there’s art on every corner.

For beach time, I’d skip the busiest parts of South Beach and head toward North Beach or 79th Street, where it’s quieter but still beautiful. We’d rent bikes or just take a long walk by the water. At least one sunset would be reserved for South Pointe Park Pier, because the light there is everything.

I’d also plan a day in Little Haiti or Coconut Grove.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my friends, my mom and sister for being supportive throughout all of my creative endeavors. I would also like to shoutout my mentor Lauren Pippen who was given me so much support over the past few months.

Website: https://tenejahm.myportfolio.com

Instagram: @dreamy.grain