Holland native experiences the world through his camera lens
HOLLAND — Raven Trammell has experienced many milestones through his camera lens.
Whether documenting Black Lives Matter protests, snapping a portrait of Drake while backstage at a concert or shooting Holland’s Tulip Time Festival, Trammell has used photography as a way to document life and touch the lives of those around him.
Trammell was nine years old and living in Holland when he purchased his first camera at a garage sale. Around the same time, his love of basketball peaked. Those passions opened doors down the road.
After graduating from West Ottawa High School, Trammell attended Lake Superior State University, playing on the school’s basketball team.
The school didn’t offer a photography degree, so Trammell pursued a communications degree and an art minor. He took photos on campus, shooting volleyball and hockey games and other content.
During his career at LSSU, Trammell picked up valuable skills that would shape his future. But it wasn't without challenges.
“In college, my sophomore year, I had back-to-back concussions and I lost the ability to speak,” he said. “I had to go to speech therapy and learn to talk again. That was along with the memory loss and migraines. I was going to speech therapy and still playing basketball.”
Trammell turned to photography to document his experiences.
“The camera was kind of a crutch to help me through,” he said.
Not long after graduation, an opportunity arose in Los Angeles. With encouragement from his mom, Trammell put in his notice at work, packed up and headed for California.
“I'd never been there before and didn’t know what it was going to be like,” Trammell said.
He worked in social media and video production, selling prints, doing sessions, and even photographing concerts for free.
He also took photos during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“I couldn’t be anywhere else,” Trammell said. “I just knew I had to go to the protest and I had to document. Physically, spiritually, I couldn't be anywhere else except at those protests at that time.”
As the world went on to grapple with the pandemic, Trammell was forced to shift. He researched Blockchain technology and found a way to archive his work, allowing collectors to purchase with cryptocurrency. The move, he said, alleviates overhead costs and changes the royalty game.
“This is the future, especially for creators,” Trammell said. “This is an opportunity for us to educate ourselves so we're at the forefront of the knowledge and are able to leverage that knowledge to our advantage."
For creatives, he said, it’s technology that's changing lives.
"It's taken my artwork to places I couldn’t have imagined or even thought was possible. I’ve had work shown in Tokyo, Toronto, Paris, New York."
Just a couple of months ago, Trammell moved back to West Michigan.
“I moved back to be closer to family and to unwind a little bit and rebalance and recharge,” he said. “I also wanted to bring my knowledge of how to do Blockchain to Holland and my creative friends here.”
In returning to Holland, Trammell admits he’s not the same Raven. In the time between, he came out as transgender, adding it's been about surrendering to God.
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“I had to come out as trans so I could really find my voice and be able to inspire and be that representation,” Trammell said. “When I was growing up, I didn’t see any photographers or artists, especially any black, trans or queer folks. That's why it's so important to tell your story and to encourage others as well.
“I am headed wherever God is leading me. Being here in Holland, God has led me here. I have completely surrendered.”
Learn more at 50mmcollective.com/raventrammell.
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland native experiences the world through his camera lens
