Emotional Storytelling in Photography Still Exist
Photography that captures meaning, photography that evokes feelings, and photography that speaks are the foundation of photography but are mastered by only a few. One could suggest that the beauty in great photography is the distinct ability to capture the nature of a raw object to deliver a message to an ordinary person and then have that message received with ease. One could also argue that great photography is the precise ability to give attention to even the minutest detail to tell a full story. Professionals with a passion for the art could assert that exceptional photography includes both. Dayvii Seven had the opportunity to recognize a lifestyle photoshoot with model, Tracey Hairston, shot by photographer, Earl Manning, who embodies both of these theories. Tracey models to represent her unapologetic self-expression that spotlights her raw and vibrant being. Earl photographs to grasp genuine realities beneath the surface of individuals and cultures. Together, these artists contribute to natural moments, critical truths, and amusing lifestyle culture that influences as well as informs.
Tracey is a California native who has made her way to the Hampton Roads area where she currently pursues her quest in celebrating the gift of life. On Tracey’s 50th birthday, she shared with her social media community that from that day onward, she would be “stepping out boldly, embracing change and loving” herself for who she is in her purest form. Tracey has not fallen short of this promise to herself, as she soon after took part in fashion shows such as Foster Beauty and Afro-Vegan Social and recognized herself as a mature model—inspiring others of the like that it is never too late to set anew. She showed her audience as well as herself that she was serious about her craft as she honed her modeling techniques in training sessions with model, Schavon Springer. Tracey took those training sessions along with her own dedication and later was featured on magazine cover, Sarze Magazine. Although Tracey has a drive to pursue modeling, she already embodies half the part, intrinsically. The artist thoroughly enjoys fashion and also recognizes herself as a stylist. She describes her style as eccentric and bold—she is not afraid to play around with different shapes and challenge the norm. Her accessories are often statement pieces that enhance her outfits even further, adding a fearless touch to her looks. Cascading down Tracey’s feed, we notice she gravitates towards calm color tones as the majority while adding a pop of color for fun. Her fabrics are often flowy, whether it’s a dress or a stylish kimono; she might even incorporate a basic top paired with statement trousers too. Tracey doesn’t shy away from surprises in her wardrobe either, integrating clothing like colorful 90s-style bomber jackets, keeping those watching on their toes. Tracey is the portrayal of a mature woman who is grounded in who she is yet wise enough to know when it is time to grow some more. Nine years later, this year, Tracey posted the photoshoot captured by Earl Manning, conceptualized as “Earth and Water,” as a celebration of her 59th birthday.
Photo from Earl Manning
Tracey included the below caption from Instagram for her birthday photoshoot:
“I started taking birthday photos when I turned 50 as a celebration of life. I'm thankful to God for allowing me to celebrate another year and I'm hopeful that this year will be a year of rebirth. Listen, you're never too old to start anew and I'm open to every new change. Happy birthday to me🥳”
In this photoshoot and caption, Tracey epitomizes the ability to speak grace and motivation over herself but also sends an impactful message to her community. This project emphasizes that it is okay to slow down and start over no matter what stage someone is at in their life. The shoot also encourages people to let go of social norms and show up as their unique self—and have fun while doing it. More deeply, these photos capture a Black woman permitting herself to be free, soft, and ever-changing in a world where all aspects of life must be neat and structured to be considered acceptable. Furthermore, since Tracey is a Cali girl, she acknowledges that this shoot was “fitting” to be captured in the ocean. As this shoot is reflected upon more deeply, it can be interpreted that Tracey symbolizes the need for people to tap into their roots to recall their true purpose and nature that may have gotten lost over time while the water represents the cleansing of the old chapter and introduction to the new.
While Tracey uses her fashion and lifestyle modeling to exhibit the art of allowing creativity and purpose to shine at any period in life, Earl is a key player in piecing culturally impactful stories, like Tracey’s, together. Earl is a force of emotional expression and mind expansion in the form of visual portraits. The Virginia-bred photographer, who also resides in the Hampton Roads area, has been telling the varying stories of cultures, with emphasis on Black culture, for over 12 years. Earl has carefully and intentionally mastered the art of capturing and editing photos that feel familiar, hold meaningful weight, and highlight the essence of what makes up Black culture. His work encapsulates the Black experience, from Black ancestral artifacts or heirlooms to shedding light on truths that shaped Black existence as well as communal get-togethers that amplify Black joyous energy. Earl’s work gives viewers a vivid lens through which they can imagine, subjectively, what a certain time or experience may have felt like. His photographs are stories that one can feel and be transported to.
Earl Manning | Second Street Gallery
Similar to the conceptualized project, “Earth and Water”, most of Earl’s photographs are portraits of either an individual or group of people in natutral enviorments, capturing the element of that moment. As featured on Second Street Gallery website, Earl states that he is “drawn to the depth of human emotion” which is deeply reflected throughout his photography feed. With a black-and-white aesthetic, textured grain, and radiant contrast, Earl crafts portraits that feel as though they've been lifted from the pages of early 20th-century history. It is no surprise that this is an editing style of his since much of his work feels like a timeline jump back into the past. Stories of Black fashion, Black love, and Black entertainment are shared with the world to continue to spread awareness and simply celebrate the richness in Black culture. One trend that stands out in Earl’s work is his ability to capture Black hairstyles, showcasing the versatility and strength within the hair. He encompasses the message that Black is diverse within itself: from Rastafarian locs, Senegalese twists, turban head wraps, afros, to wooden hair bead accessories. Black tresses are able to be stretched and manipulated to transform into so many unique sculptures, being a metaphor of how Black people themselves embody the same characteristics. The Black race has been known for creativity and giving the world its foundation of the many diverse ways creativity can exist and transform. This is just one example of the raw takes that Earl captures to tell cultural stories.
Photo from Earl Manning
The passion for storytelling through the camera lens has led Earl to grow and reach audiences far beyond his social media platforms. Several intimate moments framed by Earl that felt strikingly comforting and close were featured for display in Second Street Gallery in 2025. The year 2025 also allowed the cinematic photographer to collaborate with record producer and rapper Swizz Beatz on multiple occasions: GIANTS at ArtMIA, De Bethune watch release, and as a personal photographer for Esquire Magazine to showcase Swizz Beatz’s Met Gala attire. Earl is an example of the phrase “the work speaks for itself,” as his track record continues to flourish and deepen, seeing that he leads with intention and morale throughout his craft.
Photographer Earl Manning and model Tacey Hairston possess a creative chemistry that elevates their work, revealing a shared talent for turning genuine moments into powerful visual storytelling. Tracey lives her journey out loud, showing the world the beautiful and imperfect reality of being human—ending one path and starting a new route, all while continuing to adjust comfortably as one grows. Earl, the observer and visualizer, immortalizes frames at just the right time to land messaging that sticks inside the mind forever. As the journey of these innovators continues to unfold, Dayvii Seven will be there to witness the artistry, evolution, and moments that contribute to and define Black creativity.
Photo by Earl Manning
Credits:
Tracey Hairston | Model | Instagram, traceyluxefashion
Earl Manning | Photographer | Instagram, shotbyearl
LinkedIn Profile
Manning, E. (n.d.). Earl Manning: Photographer [LinkedIn profile]. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/earl-manning-031a0937b/
The Game Magazine / IMAGO Images Article
Karakaş, E., & Roshan, F. (2024, February 14). Black History Month: The photographers who documented a movement. The Game Magazine. https://the-game.imago-images.com/articles/from-global-issues-to-untold-stories/black-history-month-the-photographers-who-documented-a-movement/
Second Street Gallery (Earl Manning profile)
Second Street Gallery. (n.d.). Earl Manning. Second Street Gallery. https://www.secondstreetgallery.org/home-earl-manning
View the full shoot on our Instagram, dayviiseven.