Nyzia Newman
Binghamton, NY 

I am Nyzia Newman, also known as Jay-Boogie, an 18-year-old photographer and artist from Binghamton, NY. My art focuses on bringing relatability to my audience, whether through capturing people or ideas that have shaped my life. My work reflects the struggles that have humbled me, pushing me to become a better version of myself.

In this project, I aim to explore my emotional well-being, visually portraying what I’ve gone through, as best as my camera allows.

”My Journey Into the Light” is a photo series that narrates my story as a person and a photographer. I chose to document my growth and progression through all of the people and places that have played a part in my journey, for better or worse. My relationships with my family, friends, and programs have helped to shape me and push me away from the darkness and into the light. 

I’ve dealt with the challenges of going through the shelter system, being in the streets, and not having a true sense of direction. Now having found people in my life who guide me toward better things and being welcomed into Youth Justice Network and Lens on Life, which gave me photography, I now have a way to see myself differently. A way to see a path to a brighter future. A way to see myself in the light.