Myesha Thornton
Born in Vidalia, Georgia, and based in Atlanta, Myesha “Myy” Thornton is a photographer and visual archivist who finds meaning in preserving what might otherwise fade. Her work honors the layers of culture, memory, and connection that define Southern life—especially within Black communities. Through her lens, she captures visual reminders of history, lived experiences, and beautiful everyday moments that deserve to be remembered.
Contact: myesha@myytshots.com
"Grace in the Grit"
This work looks at the beauty tucked inside endurance. My family’s trail ride has been running for more than 30 years, bringing together hundreds of Black riders across the South. It’s not just about horses—it’s about lineage, love, and the quiet grace that shows up in hard work and ritual. These portraits are my way of preserving that spirit—the balance of strength and softness that defines us.
I identify with Southern Black culture, rooted in resilience, rhythm, and community. Growing up in Georgia taught me how storytelling lives in our everyday lives through gatherings, music, food, and connection. As a queer woman, I see love and belonging through that same lens of care and preservation. The photo of my partner smoking was taken during her first trail ride, in a space that has shaped me since childhood. Capturing her there felt like witnessing two parts of my world meet. My work is about honoring those intersections and preserving the beauty that lives within them.
