This was a hip-shot captured on a 35mm lens in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia by Justen Okanemi.

”Walking through the streets and markets, observing my every sight, almost like a fly on the wall just made for an even better experience in Bali. I was at a point in my life then where life was beginning to slow down for me in terms of more present moments being grasped. I still remember the scent of the energy from this moment, like cardinal bliss.

Captured in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA by Justen Okanemi.

“There’s a joy that overtakes me when I see a father or grandfather holding their son/grandson. It brings me back to those trips to the flea market with my grandfather.”

Captured in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA by Justen Okanemi.

”In Charlotte I began my journey of intentionally cultivating my skills as an artist. When I was a child, I created a discipline for myself in how I approached poetry, and with much of that same approach applied to my embarking of photography — relentless efforts towards becoming fluid in how I could best express myself.

Art to me is about becoming more of your YOU when expressing yourself in any discipline of artistic expression.”

Captured in Pattaya, Thailand by Justen Okanemi.

”During my first days in Thailand, there was a tattoo shop we discovered close to the apartment. It was there where I got “Balance”, which is my favorite word and “The Odyssey Is The Destination” tattooed on me. This place also played a pivotal site in my trip and also in the moving forward of my life.. Forever grateful for my time here.”

Captured in Pattaya, Thailand by Justen Okanemi.

Shot and curated by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Bali, Indonesia by Justen Okanemi

Captured in Bali, Indonesia by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Bali, Indonesia by Justen Okanemi.

By Justen Okanemi
Written: 24 December 2022

Solace showers my soul when I hear the waves whistling in my ears — the water brushing against the soles of my feet.
I await the next wave, while the current thought fades into the wind,
I feel alive, I feel me.
Flowing in presence, there’s no worries in essence.

Captured in the Grand Cayman Islands by Justen Okanemi.

Captured by Justen Okanemi in the Grand Cayman Islands.

Captured by Justen Okanemi in the Grand Cayman Islands.

By far one of my favorite photographic moments. Just hearing the water, seeing the water inside and out, a wave of elation overcame me in of the greatest ways possible.

Curated and captured by Justen Okanemi

Captured in Washington D.C by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Washington D.C by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Washington D.C by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Washington D.C by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Washington D.C by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Charleston, South Carolina, USA by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Charleston, South Carolina, USA by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Charleston, South Carolina, USA by Justen Okanemi.

Captured during his first walk in Pattaya, Thailand by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Charleston, South Carolina, USA by Justen Okanemi.

Captured by Justen Okanemi.

“Usually photobombs annoy me, but these two were actually accidental — making it more humorous. The gentleman on the right was apologizing while I shot and some bumped into the guy on the left, hence the facial expression haha.”

Captured in Las Vegas, Nevada by Justen Okanemi.

“Perfect timing…”

By Justen Okanemi
Written: 24 December 2022

My brightest thoughts come alive as the moonlight rises..
Heightened, the curiosities, the connections, parallels and alignments.

Captured in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

“One of my favorite things to do in 2020 and 2021 was to go out by the mountains and look up at the stars while sitting on the car.”

By Justen Okanemi
Written: 24 December 2022

If I could go to the moon, I’d most likely bring my sketchbook.
Probably doodle, wander mentally, try to find a canvas to create on.
maybe a crater?

If I could take someone, I’d take my child.
I’d point to the stars, exchange curiosities.
Make up moon related nursery rhymes,
create a dozen folktales.

Captured in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Mount Charleston, Nevada by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Mount Charleston, Nevada by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Petulu Jungle, Ubud.

By Justen Okanemi
Written: 24 December 2022

There’s something serene about standing in a waterfall..
The water overcoming my guard, my stresses..
it’s as if the water purifies like a shower-head bestowing blessings.

Captured in Charleston, South Carolina by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Charleston, South Carolina by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Charleston, South Carolina by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Malibu, California by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Malibu, California by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Malibu, California by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Captured by Justen Okanemi.

Captured by Justen Okanemi.

“Good things may come to those who wait. Great things will come to those who go get it.”

Captured by Justen Okanemi

Captured in Malibu, California by Justen Okanemi.

”I happened to see you pass over onto the other side.
In my dreams, in my mind’s eye and also that one spot we all connect to but can describe.”

Captured in Malibu, California by Justen Okanemi.

“This breeze gives me life. It brings joy. The woman behind the boy, the lady behind the man. Grace, a happy place.”

Captured in Charleston, South Carolina by Justen Okanemi.

”There’s just something about being around water, whether it be in dreams, comfort areas, the waves of emotions and traumas. Water is a very heavy symbol in my life, as we’re birthed through water, water being of washing and purifying, along with many other.”

Captured in Charleston, South Carolina by Justen Okanemi.

”I would see this house everyday while at the beach watching the sun rise. It would be right behind where I standing while looking towards the ocean and I’d see it each time I would either head back to the car or look back to see the moon on days they’d both be present at the same time.”

Captured by Justen Okanemi in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

”These mopeds was the main source of transportation in Bali. It reminded me of those carefree times as a kid riding my motor scooter, just enjoying the ride to the destination.” - Justen

Captured in Charlotte, North Carolina by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Charleston, South Carolina by Justen Okanemi.

”Will we still date when we’re older? Still learn one another?
Would say I hope, but I believe.
How I love you now, it’ll only become greater later.”

Captured in Las Vegas, Nevada by Justen Okanemi.

Captured in Las Vegas, Nevada by Justen Okanemi.

Captured by Justen Okanemi in Las Vegas, Nevada.