Initially, it was the naked walls of her new condo that inspired a passion in Ms. Terra “TT” Coles. What was once a hobby with a simple point and shoot camera became a lifestyle that Coles now lives and breathes. Even in the absence of formal training, Coles’ easily navigates her way through film and digital photography. A self-taught photographer and videographer, Coles’ picks up pointers by studying the images and techniques of accomplished photographers such as Cindy Sherman, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Thierry Le Goues . She enthusiastically learns more about her craft on every set and impromptu shoot.

Born in Republic, PA and raised in Stone Mountain, Ga, TT Coles was blessed with a creative spirit by nature. Surrounded by her mother’s endless craft projects, and influenced by her Uncle Jeffrey B. Jones, a creatively gifted seasoned photographer, Coles’ creativity manifested itself in her life in many forms before she honed in and nurtured her skills as a photographer. Coles captures the beauty in the most unexpected moments—the way car lights dance through the curves of a busy freeway, a subtle joke shared between lovers and most recently she has turned the camera on herself in a journey of self exploration. Each photograph TT Coles frames screams with passion and like all great photographers, capture moments of life that echo with a timeless appeal.

In 2010 Coles was prominently featured in Palava, an exhibition highlighting the work of emerging female photographers. Additionally her work was featured on the cover of the critically acclaimed, alternative newsweekly Creative Loafing. In 2011 she was selected for The Museum of Contemporary Art, GA (MoCAGA)’s Movers and Shakers of The Georgia Art Scene exhibition and selected for HOME an exhibition of emerging artists during the National Black Arts Festival.

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