APA Scope | Building Safe and Collaborative Spaces, Episode 3

Guest: Jillian Mercado, Demanti St. Claire, Victoria Wagner

Moderator: Ahmad Barber

Description of the Series: Nurturing a culture of safety and inclusivity on the set is not only essential for the success of a photo project but also for the well-being and creativity of all involved, including your crew, creatives, talent, producers, and other stakeholders. As a photographer, you play a pivotal role in making this happen.Our workshop series is designed to facilitate meaningful discussions among talent, talent agents, producers, and artist representatives. It offers a platform for the exchange of best practices, enabling us to address concerns and establish secure, collaborative spaces on set. By the end of this series, our aim is for you to gain new insights and practical strategies to create a warm and productive environment where everyone, regardless of their role, feels valued and can contribute their unique perspectives to the photo project.

Ahmad Barber is a creative director & photographer born in Detroit, Mi. Migrating to Atlanta, GA, where he currently resides, Ahmad graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Morehouse College. Diverging from the sciences, Ahmad has since developed a masterful eye for color and movement through various creative mediums. 

Most infamously known as AB, he is one half of the fashion photography duo, AB+DM studio. In partnership with long-time friend, Donté Maurice, the award-winning duo has been published in magazines such as Vogue, Instyle, Elle, Marie Claire, Interview, CR Fashion Book, i-D, Essence, and American and British editions of GQ. The duo has worked on major campaigns for Lancome, L'Oreal, Reebok, New Balance, Bevel, Pureology, Fubu, and Warby Parker. The two serve proudly as board members for the Atlanta chapter of Atlanta Photographic Artists and Directors of Art & Photography for Black Fashion Fair.