Photographer’s image to feature at New York festival
A Bermudian model and photographer has expressed delight after her picture was put on display at a New York City subway station.
Lily Lightbourn’s image of fellow Bermudians Tajer Basden and Riley Jackson is on show at Delancey and Essex Street ahead of Fujifilm’s Fujikina Festival 2026.
The three-day event, which features in a celebration marking 200 years of photography, and is set to run from October 16 to 18, is spread across eight venues within the city’s Lower East Side.
Ms Lightbourn, who is based in New York but makes frequent trips back home to Bermuda, took the picture at Spanish Point on an early morning in June.
Marc Taylor acted as assistant and produced a behind-the-scenes video, while Rhema Monique was the stylist.
Ms Lightbourn said: “The theme was ‘refractions of identity’.
“I felt like these photos were on theme. It’s in Bermuda, features Bermudians and was taken by a Bermudian photographer.
“I feel like this photo captures what a lot of people witnessed growing up in Bermuda, which is the light hitting the water and how it looks so beautiful.”
Two aspiring Bermudian models, Tajer Basden and Riley Jackson, feature in the image.
Mr Basden, 19, is currently majoring in political science with a minor in sociology at Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He said: “I hope this opportunity will be the first stepping stone towards a hopefully long and prosperous career in the modelling and artistic fields.
“I originally never planned on it. I was just interested in art and fashion. However, strangers and those around me would ask if I was a model or ask me to be a part of projects, so when this opportunity arose I took a chance, which I’m really grateful for.”
He added: “Lillian reached out, asked if I was available and sent me the details of the concept and shoot, and it was smooth sailing from there.”
Mr Basden, from St George’s, hopes to work with Ms Lightbourn again in the future. He praised her for the support and insight during the shoot.
“Surreal” was how he described the image being on display in NYC.
“It’s still wild to think and conceptualise,” Mr Basden said. “Lillian gave me some words of encouragement saying she has faith this won’t be my last time on display.
“I hope this opportunity and exhibition brings everyone who worked on this project a major boost in whatever their desired goals are.”
Ms Jackson says she is “doing everything” she can to turn modelling into a full-time career.
Currently based on the island and working in insurance, the 23-year-old said: “I’ve been modelling for the last three years and love what I’ve been able to accomplish already.
“I’ve been doing work with local brands, like Holidae and AKUA, while collaborating with professionals like Brandon Morrison and BMM.
“Currently, I am working on building my portfolio and growing my skills.”
The Smith’s woman added: “I met Lily when we shot Vogue in 2023. Since then we have stayed in contact, and she’s become a crucial mentor for me.
“Even from New York, she’s been helpful by answering my myriad of questions! We shot quite early at Spanish Point this summer and had a fun time working. Meeting Tajer was also such a highlight!
“It’s really wild that our quick shoot has gone so far! I truly wish I could see it in person but seeing everyone’s positive reviews is just as amazing.
“Lily did an amazing job as a photographer, so I’m very grateful I got to be part of her career accomplishment.”
An open casting call was made on Instagram asking people to tag Bermudian talent that could take part in the shoot.
“We shot at the location at around 6.30am, right when the sun comes up. The lighting was perfect,” Ms Lightbourn added.
“Even at the end of the shoot my sister showed up with snacks to feed everybody. That’s like the touch of Bermuda that just feels so good.”
The photographer, who used a Fujifilm GFX 100S II to take the shots, described her reaction at seeing the image in person as “emotional”.
“You just never know the journey to get to that point, and it felt so satisfying to see my photograph of Bermudian people in Bermuda.”
Modelling jobs for the 2014 Miss Bermuda still take place, but photography has taken centre stage since she first picked up a camera in 2022.
“I was signed to a modelling agency. From there, I was able to go to London and then to all the other fashion cities.
“My eye to photography was fine-tuned because of modelling. I was always asking questions and looking at what the photographer was doing.”
Ms Lightbourn said she was looking forward to the event and being able to network with others in the industry.
Photography has slowly started to create an income, she added: “I’m still trying to figure out the path I want to go on.
“I feel like every time I go to something like this event I always meet people that help me go in the right direction.”
• Ms Lightbourn is on Instagram @lilylightbourn and her work is on herwebsite
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