Raphael Thompson

Raphael Thompson is an American fashion and portrait photographer, creator and visual artist based in Los Angeles. In a short amount of time, he has undoubtedly garnered an impressive body of work that explores the depths of artistic expressions, celebrity culture and architecture. His unique style of approach and meticulous attention to detail have both inspired strangers and critics alike - putting him on a rapid pace to someday becoming one of the world’s leading figures in photography of his generation. The self-taught guru is perhaps, best known for his timeless and classic black & white portraits along pictures that capture an essence of life with an array of colors. His expertise in lighting is masterful. It is evident that Thompson has a relentless thirst for knowledge and an intrinsic desire to capture unforgettable images – all while simultaneously bringing about social change and awareness across the globe.

Born in Washington, D.C., Thompson knew at an early age that his dreams were bigger than his environment. Growing up with four siblings, Ramone, Rashard, Raven and Raquel, he developed a strong sense of responsibility and leadership at an early age. Those qualities and attributes afforded him the opportunity to begin his career at the age of 13 as a barber in the family-owned business. It was there, that he developed a keen sense of precision while working alongside his elder brother and father, James, a business owner and carpenter by trade. His mother, Kathleen, is a nurse practitioner.

After graduating from high school, Thompson headed south to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL to follow in his mother’s footsteps and pursue a career in the healthcare industry. After completing his nursing prerequisites, he relocated to Baltimore, MD and joined the nursing program at Morgan State University.

In 2012, after deep thought and careful consideration of his career, he decided to head west to Los Angeles where he would find himself reconnecting with an unwavering passion that he developed as a teen, for entertainment. There, he set out to pursue a career as an actor and model in a place he still calls home today. Those efforts, however, would be no match for the magnetic power discovered behind the ‘lens.’ It would be enough to lure the artist back into a world he first imagined as a teen– this time with total control connecting his hands and eyes with a tool he now uses to rewrite his own story of perseverance.    

Fast forward to today, you’ll find Thompson using his creative talents to bring a different perspective from his reality through visual emotion; a gifted talent he now calls one of his God-given purposes. “I’ve been open to the universe and the journey that God has for me,” said Thompson. “When photography fell into my life, I knew it was a sign from God.” People are often amazed at the photographer’s sudden success – a true testament of his work and the impact it has on others. “I am now unapologetic and practicing every day to be bold and daring when it comes to my work and my decision to move forward as an artist,” said Thompson. “I no longer need validation of others.”

Enjoy connecting more with Thompson and the journey as he shares; social media handles are as followed.

https://www.instagram.com/rvont/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Raphael-La-Von/45012561