Courtesy of Caver Imaging
Born and raised in Washington, DC and now based in Baltimore, Tonya Caver (commonly known as Lyric) is a self-taught photographer emerging in the professional scene. Her versatility brings her from the studio to the outdoors and she has a special talent for live event photography. Most recently she has photographed such events as Baltimore Pride, Capital Pride (DC), New York Fashion Week, and the Essence Music Festival.
I first encountered Tonya's work in 2022 as part of a collaborative project where she donated her time and services to document the joy of DC's Capital Pride. Of all the submissions we received that year, her collection stood out to me as truly capturing the essence of reverent celebration and pure queer euphoria that we as a community create when we come together during Pride Month. Her eye is consistently drawn to showcasing the diversity and nuance of the queer community in her documentary and portrait work. I've become a loyal Instagram follower since then, and I'm always excited to see what new projects she's putting out into the world.
Scroll through to learn more about Tonya and to see highlights of her work! You can also find her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Do you know of an LGBTQ+ photographer or artist who deserves more spotlight? Let us know by emailing photoassistant@equalpride.com.
How does your queer identity shape the way you see/portray your subjects?
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
I believe it gives me an opportunity to showcase those who are often overlooked. A heightened sense of admiration falls upon each subject.
What story do you hope to tell the world with your art?
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
I hope to show love in all that I do. Whether that comes in the form of self-love, romantic love, family love, or love of life, I just want to showcase the emotion in all that I capture.
Are there specific themes you try to consistently incorporate in your work?
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
I try to stretch the boundaries. I really love hearing my clients boast about me pushing them out of their comfort zones. I try my best to push the envelope each and every time.
How do you plan a concept and where do you find inspiration?
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
I find inspiration all around me. I see beauty and art in everything. I love mixing styles, so it’s always when great when a client wants to merge our ideas and we create the perfect clash of creativity.
We often focus on LGBTQ+ people being the subject of art, but not the artists. Can you talk about the importance of having LGBTQ+ artists behind the camera?
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
I think it’s important because who can tell our stories better than those of us living it day in and day out? There are many rooms and conversations that want to exclude us, so I find it vitally important to showcase the beauty held underneath the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
What are you working on next?
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
Next up is New York Fashion Week! I can’t wait [to see] the spring fashion.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Courtesy of Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
Reginald Nash for Caver Imaging
To see Tonya's most recent work, check out her official website, caverimaging.mypixieset.com, and follow her on Instagram, @caver_imaging.
