Introduce yourself

“My name is Trenitytiy I’im from New Orleans, Louisiana I’m an artist and photographer. I’m 22 years old … I was about to say young, but both I guess.

How did you come up with your name?

When I first got my camera, I wanted to have a separate page to post my photography. I was watching the news at the time, I knew I wanted to have something local in the @ name like Nola, 504, New Orleans or something. They were talking about the weather at the time, and it just popped up in my head. 504 degrees.

When did you start photography?

2015, so it’s been 6 years. I want to say I was a sophomore. I mentioned to my mom I wanted one, and she got me one for my birthday.

What is your favorite thing to shoot?

I like to photograph people, I like to do street photography as well, just walking down the street capturing something that may look beautiful. Even if I don’t have my camera on me, I’ll use my iPhone.

Your favorite project?

I have a lot of favorites; I can name my top 2. One project called “Teenage Summer” that I did in 2019. I love my work so much. Another project “Chicks Since 96’”

What’s next for you?

Right now, my focus is on getting my work in more galleries and museums. I’m having a big solo exhibition this summer [CEM1] in the Jonathan Ferrara gallery in downtown New Orleans. It’s a very big gallery in the art scene in New Orleans, so I’m very excited and looking forward to that.

Do you think Covid has impacted your work?

Yes, during quarantine, no one was working. So, I was inside painting, I started painting before I started taking photos, I still paint but I was more focused on photography. I was planning out photoshoots once lockdown was over. It really made me put more effort into planning and scheduling and putting in more oomf into my work.

Did you ever want to go to school?

When I got out of high school, I couldn’t afford it. I’m doing good without it, now.

Are you reading anything?

I’m reading Find Mefind me, it’s a sequel to call me by your nameCall Me By Your Name.

Is there anyone you want to work with? Brands or people?

I’m willing to work with anybody. As long as it’s a good connection. Spending good quality time during the session and making something beautiful. I really would like to work with Blood Orange, he’s an alternative music artist based in New York. His music videos are really cool, he directs most of them himself.

Is photography your main source of income?

I recently quit my job last month, so right now, I’m a full-time artist. I was working at the Ogden art museum. It was nice, but I figured I can do better without it. I can focus my energy towards what I want to do. I had some work exhibited there. It was a cool experience for my high school years.

I didn’t realize you painted. Is that something you want to pursue or something just for fun?

Any time I have an idea I want to throw it on a canvas. It feels good to bring something from the mind to life.

Where can you be found for social media?

I have three Instagram pages. I have @504degrees, where I post my photos, @trentityjthomas is my main profile, just pictures of myself and day to day life. I also have @trenityart where I post my paintings.

Any hobbies?

I like watching movies.

Favorite movie?

My favorite is Suspiria, the remake, 2018, directed by Luca Guadagnino, he’s the director of Call Me By Your Name. His movies are really grounding, I like his work.

Where can you be found for social media?

I have three Instagram pages. I have @504degrees, where I post my photos, @trentityjthomas is my main profile, just pictures of myself and day to day life. I also have @trenityart where I post my paintings.