This Black Photographer Captures The Essence Of People With SCD

Thousands of people in the United States have been diagnosed with the blood disorder, sickle cell disease. Making matters worse, the average lifespan of patients with the disease continues to decline each year.

While 1 out of 365 African American babies develop the chronic disease, they’re unfortunately misrepresented. In general, the Black community isn’t even included in the conversation surrounding the blood disorder. We don’t receive the same treatments as white patients, because we’re excluded from clinical trials when it comes to searching for a mega cure.

Fortunately, some organizations and public figures have changed that narrative. Awareness around sickle cell disease in the Black community continues to grow, leading to more opportunities for funding and research.

Furthermore, individuals like Jamaican photographer Daydrielane Osorio have demonstrated a passion for emphasizing others’ imperfections and turning them into beautiful works of art. With more people dying from the disease every year, Osorio has made it her life’s mission to capture the essence and beauty of black people living with sickle cell disease.

Daydrielane Osorio’s Lifelong Mission To Empower Those With The Disease

Daydrielane Osorio has loved capturing the essence of people in photos since her teens. Osorio’s father further encouraged his daughter’s passion by opening a photography studio, Chucks Photo Studio, in the heart of downtown Kingston, Jamaica. Additionally, her aunt, Millicent Graham, helped mold Osorio’s creative passions by taking her to poetry readings and workshops throughout her hometown.

She even continued her art studies in college. Osorio even became the protégé of Sandy King, a widely published photographer known for using the carbon transfer technique in his photos. It goes without saying that Osorio’s need for creative expression has been shaped by major influences throughout her life.

After spending years surrounded by art, she eventually became the proud owner of her own studio known as the Daydream Land Photography studio in Greenville, SC.

“I am proud of being Black, and I think the opportunity as an artist I have to represent other individuals, whether Black or not, is an honor. But, also, my perspective of photographing others, I find it empowering, not just to me, but to other people,” Daydrielane Osorio said once. That desire to empower others soon merged with her life’s purpose; to honor her late sister Rhonda Graham.