Kim Roseberry…Fort Worth, TX

By Doug D. Sims

Before she ever called herself a photographer, Kim Roseberry was a college film student who wandered into a camera shop in the ’90s and walked out with a tool that would quietly shape the next 30+ years of her life. From developing black-and-white film in a darkroom to capturing the nuance of human emotion through bold portraiture, Roseberry’s journey behind the lens is as intentional as it is inspiring.

Kim Roseberry’s relationship with photography began during her college days studying film. Back then, she didn’t have much—but she did have curiosity. That curiosity led her to buy her first camera and begin experimenting with black-and-white film. What started as street photography soon became a deep creative language rooted in emotion, humanity, and identity.

She was drawn to all aspects of filmmaking—writing, shooting, storytelling—and it was during a photography class that she first stepped into a darkroom and experienced the magic of developing film by hand. That process of creation lit something inside her that still burns strong decades later.

Originally based in Atlanta, Kim later moved to Fort Worth, Texas. The change in scenery brought a fresh energy to her visual storytelling. While Atlanta offered vibrant street life and studio access, Fort Worth’s natural beauty—its light, its landscapes—reshaped her approach to photography. Now, much of her work happens outdoors, where the spirit of a place can pour into the subject.

At the heart of Kim’s photography is a dedication to truth and representation—especially for people of color. “Every time I pick up the camera, I definitely focus on the beauty in us,” she says. That focus includes not just skin tones and features like cheekbones or eyes, but also the deeper, often overlooked essence of a person’s energy and story.

Black life—its resilience, grace, and individuality—is a consistent theme in her work. She uses her lens to celebrate features the world has historically overlooked or stereotyped. Her intention is clear: portray people in a positive light, void of cliché or harmful assumptions. It’s not about capturing what’s expected—it’s about showing what’s real and rarely seen.

Kim’s love for black-and-white portraiture is especially evident in how she balances energies in her compositions. “I love the combination of capturing femininity and masculinity in my black and white images,” she shares. Whether photographing men or women, models or everyday people, Kim strives to reveal softness and strength with equal weight.

One of her most personal images doesn’t even show her face—it simply captures her eyes. That, she says, is as much a self-portrait as anything else. Her emotional presence lives in the image, reflecting how photography isn’t just about what’s seen—but what’s felt.

Texas has also impacted Kim’s work spiritually. For her, photography is more than art—it’s energy. “It has to be a connection between me and the subject,” she explains. “That’s how I view them—as a piece of art.” The outdoors, especially nature trails and quiet moments surrounded by trees, often serve as her creative recharge.

Roseberry’s images spark conversations. They challenge norms and invite new ways of seeing. Whether it’s a portrait of a man in a dress or a candid shot of an overlooked gesture, she hopes viewers walk away with more empathy and openness.

While the work may look effortless, Kim is quick to say that powerful photography takes dedication. It’s not just about snapping a good shot—it’s about crafting a visual voice, something uniquely your own. “You’ve got to create your own lane,” she says. “Shoot what feels beautiful to you.”

And yes, timelessness matters. A good photograph, in Kim’s eyes, should be able to exist across decades and still resonate. Whether taken in 1980 or last week, its soul should feel eternal.

With over 30 years behind the lens, Kim has participated in group exhibitions but dreams of a solo gallery show, one centered on black-and-white portraiture. She’s more than earned it.

To the next generation—especially Black girls with a camera in hand—Kim offers this: Study the craft, learn the history, and then break every rule to find your own voice. Shoot what moves you, even if it’s just a flower at first. Keep shooting. Keep growing.

You can find Kim Roseberry’s work under @shedriven_photography on Instagram and on her Facebook business page: SheDriven Photography – Kim Roseberry. Her lens is steady, her eye is intentional, and her art continues to tell the stories we all need to see.