Instant Memories : Roy Montimaire

For photographer Roy Montimaire, photography is a way of slowing down and paying attention to the beauty that can easily go unnoticed. His work is shaped by his connection to people and the world around him, with a particular focus on honoring Black women and people whose humanity is often overlooked. Through his images, Roy creates space for his subjects to feel seen while capturing moments that feel authentic.

For Roy, photography is also a way to reconnect with what he loves. After stepping away from the medium for a time, he returned with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the process. His approach is grounded in collaboration, allowing people to feel comfortable enough to show up as themselves. Rather than chasing recognition online, he wants his photographs to be experienced in a more tangible way, creating work that can be held, revisited, and lived with.

As his practice continues to unfold, Roy is looking toward new ways of sharing his work beyond the screen. He is interested in creating books, fine art prints, and exploring other creative mediums while continuing to photograph the moments that move him. In the following conversation, he reflects on returning to photography, learning to trust the process, and building a creative life that stays true to what he loves.

“Protecting the value of your art starts with how you value it yourself.”
— Roy Montimaire

WHAT IS YOUR WHY? WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?

Photography is my way of expressing how I experience the world. It allows me to slow down, stay present, and find beauty in people, places, and the quiet moments that often go unnoticed. I’m driven by the desire to capture what I find beautiful, not just in appearance, but in emotion, light, connection and preserve those fleeting moments as something lasting.

HOW HAS YOUR BACKGROUND OR CULTURAL HERITAGE SHAPED THE WAY YOU SEE AND CREATE ART?

Growing up, I often saw Black women reduced to stereotypes or unfairly criticized. That shaped the way I see my work. Through my photography, I aim to celebrate their beauty, confidence, individuality, and pride. More broadly, I’m drawn to capturing images of marginalized people whose presence and humanity are often overlooked, creating art that honor them with dignity, authenticity, and care.

WHAT ROLE DOES VULNERABILITY PLAY IN YOUR WORK?

Vulnerability is at the heart of my work. I believe the most powerful images are created when people feel seen and heard rather than judged. By creating a space where authenticity can exist through collaboration from the planning to the execution of projects, I aim to capture quiet moments of confidence, softness, strength, and humanity.

ARE THERE ANY ROUTINES, RITUALS, OR HABITS THAT HELP GROUND YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE?

I don’t have a strict creative ritual, but I do make a point to slow down and pay attention. A lot of my inspiration comes from everyday moments, music, conversations, and the people around me. I try to move through the world with curiosity and intention. Only thing I can say is I try to tell everyone on set to have fun with all of it.

WHAT DOES DISCIPLINE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU WHEN INSPIRATION DISAPPEARS?

For me, discipline is showing up even when inspiration isn’t there. When I don’t feel creatively charged, I still go out and observe, take my camera with me, and stay open to whatever I might find. I’ve learned that inspiration often comes after action, not before it.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE HAD TO UNLEARN IN ORDER TO GROW CREATIVELY?

I’ve had to unlearn the idea that I have to get everything right on my own. Learning to accept constructive criticism, ask for help, and give myself grace when something doesn’t go as planned has helped me grow both as an artist and as a person.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A PIECE IS TRULY FINISHED?

I know a piece is finished when it still gives me the same feeling I had the moment I captured it. If I can look at the final image and smile, knowing it has the potential to evoke that same sense of beauty, joy, or connection in someone else, then I know it’s complete.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CURRENT CHAPTER OF YOUR CREATIVE LIFE, AND HOW IS IT REFLECTED IN THE THEMES OR EMOTIONS EMERGING IN YOUR WORK?

I’m in a chapter of rediscovery. After stepping away from photography for a time, I’ve returned to it with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation. I no longer see it as something I have to do, but as something I genuinely love. That shift is reflected in my work through a deeper sense of experimentation, presence, and gratitude, with each image serving as a reminder of why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

IN AN ERA OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONSTANT VISIBILITY, HOW DO YOU STAY TRUE TO YOUR CREATIVE VISION WHILE ENGAGING AN AUDIENCE?

I try not to chase instant gratification through likes or follows. While I enjoy sharing my work and creative process on social media, I see it as a way to connect rather than measure success. I also look make a conscious effort to keep my work tangible by printing my photographs and creating projects like small coffee table books. For me, photography isn’t just meant to be scrolled past, it’s meant to be held, revisited, and experienced.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE OF YOUR PRACTICE, AND WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO EXPLORE NEXT?

What excites me most is seeing my work exist beyond a screen. I’m looking forward to creating and releasing projects like small coffee table books, fine art prints, and other tangible pieces that people can live with in their homes. I’m also excited to expand my creative practice by exploring new mediums. From photography to filmmaking and pottery, while continuing to create work rooted in beauty, presence, and human connection.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE EMERGING ARTIST'S ABOUT ADVOCATING FOR FAIR COMPENSATION AND PROTECTING THE VALUE OF THEIR WORK?

Bet on yourself and take your work seriously from the start. Value your time, your vision, and the effort behind what you create. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask for fair compensation, and stand behind why your work is worth what you’re asking for. Protecting the value of your art starts with how you value it yourself.

WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR WORK HAS ON THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE IT?

I want to make work I’m proud of. I want to create a life filled with experiences, capture them honestly, and share them with others. One day, I hope I can show my children my photographs and say, “Your dad took these,” knowing I stayed true to what I loved. If my photographs can make someone pause, feel something, or see beauty they may have otherwise overlooked, then they’ve done their job.