Behind the Lens: Photographing Phylicia Rashad and Paul Oakley Stovall

Posted on August 28, 2025

Photography gives us the power to pause time, to capture not just a face but a presence, a story, a truth. In my journey as a photographer in Mooresville and Salisbury, NC, I’ve had the privilege of capturing everything from playful pets to families gathered in love. But some opportunities stand apart—moments when the people in front of my lens are cultural icons whose influence stretches far beyond the frame.

Recently, I had the honor of photographing Phylicia Rashad and Paul Oakley Stovall—two incredible artists whose impact resonates deeply in theatre, television, and culture. Each portrait was its own unique encounter, its own collaboration, and its own lesson in the artistry of presence.

Photographing Phylicia Rashad

Phylicia Rashad carries a presence that feels timeless. Known to millions for her groundbreaking role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, and celebrated on Broadway for performances that earned her a Tony Award, she embodies grace and strength in equal measure.

When she stepped in front of my camera, the room seemed to settle around her. There was a quiet power in her posture, a warmth in her expression that carried decades of storytelling. My goal wasn’t to force the shot, but to listen through the lens—to let her natural poise guide the portrait.

Lighting became my brushstroke here: soft enough to highlight her elegance, strong enough to frame the wisdom in her eyes. What I captured was more than an image. It was a reflection of a woman who has shaped cultural memory, a keeper of stories who herself is a story worth remembering.

Photographing Paul Oakley Stovall

Where Rashad brought timeless grace, Paul Oakley Stovall brought creative energy and intensity. As a playwright, actor, and producer, his work is rooted in storytelling that expands perspectives and elevates voices too often unheard.

In photographing him, I wanted to honor both his artistry and his activism. His presence before the lens was powerful, grounded, but also accessible—there was a vibrancy in his stance that spoke to the passion he pours into his work.

I used a slightly stronger lighting approach, framing his silhouette with depth and shadow to suggest not just the man but the ideas he carries. The result was a portrait that felt both commanding and thoughtful—a reflection of his dual role as both an artist and a cultural force.

Two Portraits, One Thread

Though these portraits were taken separately, together they tell a story: of legacy, creativity, and cultural power. Photographing Phylicia Rashad and Paul Oakley Stovall reminded me that photography is not only about aesthetics—it’s about preserving truth, honoring legacy, and creating images that future generations can look back on as markers of influence.

Bringing That Inspiration Back to Mooresville & Salisbury

Not every client is a household name, but every client deserves the same care, the same artistry, the same respect for their story. Whether I’m photographing a family portrait with a beloved pet in Salisbury, a professional headshot in Mooresville, or an icon of stage and screen, my mission doesn’t change: capture the essence of the person and give them an image that will endure.

These portraits sharpen my vision for every session I take on. They remind me that the work is about more than producing a polished photo—it’s about connecting, listening, and telling a story through light, expression, and presence.

Final Reflection

The opportunity to photograph Phylicia Rashad and Paul Oakley Stovall in separate portraits was a career milestone, but more importantly, it was a reminder of why I do what I do. Photography allows us to step into history, to create images that resonate long after the shutter clicks.

For me, whether it’s a celebrated artist or a cherished family pet, the goal is always the same: to freeze personality, truth, and spirit in a frame that lasts forever.