I am a self-taught Eritrean-American film photographer and visual storyteller based in New York City. My practice explores identity, heritage, and human connection through a candid, street-style approach shaped by my global perspective across North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

A transformative solo trip to Japan in June 2024 produced a body of work that was later exhibited through my participation in Free Juice University's mentorship program. As an advocate for Eritrean human rights, I expanded into arts and cultural documentation, contributing as an associate editor to 2001 Magazine and authoring a piece commemorating imprisoned journalists, politicians, and dissidents from the 2001 shutdown of the free press.

For four years, I've fostered community as a leader of Black Women Photographers' NYC meetups. My work has been exhibited in Houston (2024) and is currently on display at Brooklyn Film Camera (2025). Through my lens, I transform overlooked moments into compelling narratives that bridge cultural boundaries and connect the personal with the universal.

• I share a weekly newsletter via Substack here.

• You can keep up with me on social media - all platforms linked here.

• If you’re interested in working together, you can contact me here or hello@michalpetros.com. 💌