Dese’Rae L. Stage: Photographer Profile

This profile is based on the photographer’s archived portfolio page and describes the period around 2011 and 2012.

A photographer with many interests

Dese’Rae L. Stage is a New York City photographer. According to her portfolio, she photographed everything from live music and headshots to weddings. She said that this range did not reflect a lack of focus but simply a variety of interests. In November 2011 she was named one of three protégés in a mentorship programme run by the stock photography agency iStockphoto, and the page notes she was the only woman and the only American chosen. She described herself as passionate about music, suicide awareness education and body art.

Earlier careers

Before moving to New York, Stage worked as a published poet and studied psychology, with a focus on the psychological causes and effects of self-injury. Instead of continuing along the academic route, she moved to New York City and turned to photography, convinced that an artist can also bring about change.

Live Through This

Her main personal project at the time was Live Through This, a series of portraits of people who survived suicide attempts. The aim was to reduce stigma, encourage awareness and prevention, and show that survivors are present in everyday life. The portfolio argued that silence around the subject can be harmful. Read more on the project page.

Exhibitions

The page listed group shows, including a 2010 New York exhibition connected to the CMJ music festival and two shows at galleries in Johnson City, Tennessee, in 2004.

Clients and publications

The portfolio named a long roster of media and music clients. Among those it listed were The New Yorker, New York Magazine, Blender, Stereogum, Gothamist, W Magazine, The Village Voice, Brooklyn Vegan, JDUB Records, Rasputina and the CMJ festival, where she was official photographer from 2008 to 2010. These credits come from the archived page and have not been independently verified.

Wedding work

Wedding and engagement photography was presented under a separate brand. Learn about the approach on the studio page, or look through the blog.

If you or someone you know is struggling

This profile touches on suicide. If you are in crisis, contact local emergency services or a crisis line in your area.