A deceptively dreamlike reflection of the human experience by Jordan Pope

Interview and words by Alli Lindsey

A motion picture made still, Jordan Pope’s vision is a deceptively dreamlike reflection of the human experience. With work as whimsical as his, editing T6i portraits on an iPhone seems inconceivable. But when you’re breathing life into prophecies, anything is possible. The genesis of his career was 2017, when he found inspiration in flicking portraits of his friends as a hobby. By 2019, his work was viral. Destined to create something lasting, Jordan captures the innate beauty of humans in the natural world they exist in. Embellished with a cosmic charm, Jordan takes a plain-sight vision and transforms it into fantastical worlds that bleed truth and magnetism. Between defining the ever-elusive concept of personal legacies and amplifying the beauty of Black and BIPOC models, Jordan Pope gives C-Heads a glimpse into his psyche.

Your work often feels dreamlike, or out-of-this-world. What are your dreams and nightmares like?

My dreams and nightmares are mainly random, but always based off how I feel and truly think about something. I spend a lot of time listening to music in the dark because it helps me concentrate on my mental. Whether it’s a dream or nightmare, they always tie into my emotions and come from me overthinking and over observing.

Is your work solely product of your own ambition, or does it stem from a desire to leave other individuals with something to think about?

My art is a form of my emotions, a product of my thoughts, and the way I think and feel. With my art I leave everything in my photos and title with only focus to have the world feel me. See my vision and understand the bond between me and my art.

“My art is a form of my emotions, a product of my thoughts, and the way I think and feel.”

How do you use color to accentuate the beauty of black and BIPOC models?

I use color as a way to express my emotions and the meaning each photo means to me. Each color has a meaning to me and with each set, I edit those colors based on the feels and vibes the photos give me. I use color to accentuate the beauty of black and BIPOC models by simply showing the worth of elegance they hold.

You often use a cosmic effect on your models and landscapes, why do you use this glittering and starry effect?

I use this effect from time to time to give more focus to the photos, and in certain aspects, because I feel it adds value to the photo.

The models you work with are often shot in nature. Why?

Nature is the way of life, nature gives me the space I need to express myself creatively and mentally, which bring my photos to life and give them stability.

“Each color has a meaning to me and with each set, I edit those colors based on the feels and vibes the photos give me.”

You have used mirrors in a few projects, what does personal reflection, both physically and spiritually, mean to you?

As said before my art is a reflection of me. My personal reflection means everything to me because I believe you are who you want to be. You are you, and no matter what, you should love yourself for it. I feel that loving myself and loving my art are equal, because my art is me.

Is photography something that is spiritually and emotionally profound to you? Or is something you simply enjoy?

Photography is everything to me, taking photos is my pride and joy. It is emotionally and spiritually profound to me

If you wrote a book, what would it be about?

If I wrote a book it would be about the obstacles of my emotions.

“Nature is the way of life, nature gives me the space I need to express myself creatively.”

What does legacy mean to you? What is your legacy?

Legacy is what you leave behind and what your art, or you in general, have done for this world. How many people have you inspired or touched in ways they won’t forget? My legacy is my photography my legacy is my name.

The world is in a state of extreme social unrest and pressure. What creative and personal obstacles are you currently trying to overcome?

Creative and personal obstacles I’m trying to overcome are being patient and understanding everything will fall into place when they are meant to.

“You are you, and no matter what, you should love yourself for it.”

Why is it important for individuals to view the world from your perspective?

It is important for people to view the world from my perspective because I feel my art and story can touch and inspire people in great ways they will never forget.

How does your personal world change each time you publish a series of work?

My personal world changes each time I publish art as my support system increases, and it just feels good to show my art to the world. It gives me a thrill I’ll never get over. My world changes by being given more opportunities in life that I’ll never take for granted, and will always be grateful for.