BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: Clifton Prescod

Clifton Prescod

Clifton Prescod Photography: Celebrity Entertainment and Film Photographer

New York City based photographer, Clifton Prescod known for his celebrity photography is breaking through the industry one project at a time.

Prescod has become a familiar name in the entertainment industry with a client list that includes, NETFLIX, NBC/UNIVERSAL, PEACOCK, VIACOM/CBS, BET, MTV, VH1, iHeart Radio, Hearst, Conde Nast and more. Specifically working on programs including but not limited to Netflix’s upcoming “Archive 81,” “JIGSAW,” Netflix Comedy Special with Nicole Byer, “Get Organized” with Danielle Brooks, NBC Universal’s “Bel-Air,” Wild N Out seasons 10-17 and CBS This Morning with Gayle King, Nate Burlson, Vladimir Duthiers, Anthony Mason, and Levar Burton.

Prescod has also become a favorite amongst celebrities and has photographed stars such as Nick Cannon, Kanye West, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Cardi B, MIGOS, Miley Cyrus, SZA, Rick Ross and Wanda Sykes, to name but a few

Dorm Room Portraits of a Supermodel

One of my all time favorite moments of my photographic career was photographing Nigerian royalty and ex-supermodel, Keisha Omilana in my dorm while I was attending college. I met her at a mutual friend’s birthday gathering. My friend introduced us and really bragged on my name and my skills as a photographer.

Keisha took a liking to me and my hustle as a photographer. She asked to shoot with me and I was elated but I didn’t have my own photo studio and was a broke college kid “trying to make it in these streeeeeets” haha.

So I hesitantly told her, “Well I have been doing my shoots lately in my dorm. Would you be ok shooting there?” And she replied with no hesitation (that I could notice haha) “sure!”

The day came and she rolled up with her glam entourage to my dorm and my friend were peering through their windows seeing me escort her to the dorm basement lounge where we conducted the shoot. It ended up being a success and we’ve been friends ever since. I appreciate this moment in my life because, regardless of my situation, I had a childlike faith and made the most of what I had and I had the opportunity to work with such a stunning and humble soul in Keisha Omilana.

Do you have a photo tip for us?

Gosh I have so many favorite photo tips. One that stands out prominently comes from a photographic mentor of mine, Sante D’Orazio. He reminded me, “You’re only as good as your ‘Selects.'”

Often what separates the good from great is their selection. The strongest image is sometimes the frame right before or after the photo you selected. Train your eye NOT to overlook your best images/representation of yourself.