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Chrystofer Davis

 


Chrystofer Davis is a documentary and fine art photographer based in Newark, New Jersey. His work is rooted in community, identity, and everyday life, and he's known for creating deeply human, often poetic images of urban America — especially within the vibrant and evolving neighborhoods of Newark.

Davis is not just a photographer; he’s an educator, mentor, and advocate for making photography accessible to youth and underrepresented communities. His images reflect the life, energy, and resilience of people and places often overlooked, and his camera is as much a storytelling tool as it is a creative one.

Camera Gear

Chrystofer Davis uses both film and digital cameras, and his practice reflects a deep respect for analog photography — something he incorporates into both his art and teaching.

Film Cameras

Davis is especially passionate about 35mm and medium format film, using cameras such as:

  • Nikon F3 – a classic 35mm SLR known for its reliability and clean design.

Nikon F3

  • Yashica Mat-124G – a beloved twin-lens reflex camera producing 6×6 medium format negatives.

Yashica Mat 124G

  • Pentax 67 – a large, powerful medium format SLR that delivers stunning depth and tonality.

Pentax 6x7

He often hand-develops his black-and-white film, emphasizing craftsmanship and a personal connection to the entire photographic process.

Digital Cameras

While Davis is deeply associated with film, he also works with digital equipment when the project calls for it:

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark III – a full-frame DSLR known for its excellent color reproduction and dynamic range.

Canon Eos 5D Mark III
see it on Amazon

  • Occasional use of Fujifilm X-series for street photography and teaching.

His digital processing mimics the tonal feel and texture of film, often giving his digital work a timeless, analog aesthetic.

Shooting Style

Davis’s photography is thoughtful and deliberate:

  • He often shoots portraiture, street scenes, and urban landscapes with a strong documentary tone.

  • His medium-format work is characterized by careful composition, natural light, and intimate perspective.

  • Black-and-white imagery is a key part of his visual language, reinforcing themes of timelessness and resilience.

Community Impact

One of Davis’s most important contributions is his role as a mentor and educator:

  • He runs workshops and programs in Newark, teaching film photography to local youth.

  • His goal is to democratize photography and encourage young people to document their own communities with pride and agency.

  • He often donates cameras and supplies and teaches darkroom skills, creating a bridge between tradition and contemporary storytelling.

Photography is an important tool to preserve your history, tell your story, and share your perspective.

Exhibitions and Projects

Davis’s work has been exhibited across the U.S., and he’s been involved in publications, installations, and public art initiatives. Notable moments include:

  • Exhibitions with the Newark Museum of Art

  • Collaborations with Newark Arts, Project for Empty Space, and Shani Jamila’s Lineage podcast

  • His portraiture has been praised for its quiet power and connection to subjects, often friends, family, or strangers he meets on the street.

Final Thoughts

Chrystofer Davis stands out not only for the emotional depth and beauty of his images, but for how he uses photography as a tool for empowerment, education, and preservation. His camera is an extension of his mission: to uplift his community, preserve history, and offer people a new way of seeing the familiar.

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