Najee Tobin

I’m Najee Tobin, a photographic artist born and raised in Vallejo, California, and currently based in San Francisco. My practice blends portraiture, still-life tableaux, and set design to create images that emerge from an empathetic and imaginative lens. Through my work, I explore the complexities of the human experience—capturing moments that reflect vulnerability, resilience, and the quiet beauty found in everyday life.

I draw inspiration from artists such as Irving Penn, Bruce Davidson, Keith Carter, Awol Erizku, Dawoud Bey, and Eric Hart Jr. Their ability to merge technical precision with emotional honesty has deeply influenced the way I see and create. In my own images, I aim to balance structure and spontaneity, using light, color, and texture to construct visual spaces that invite bot curiosity and reflection.

At the heart of my work is a desire to understand and honor the human condition. I’m fascinated by the subtle nuances that shape identity, connection, and belonging. Through my photographs, I hope to create opportunities for viewers to pause and engage with the emotional truths that link us all. My goal is to encourage honest and thoughtful conversations about what it means to exist—to see and be seen—with empathy, awareness, and care.

Website: roughthesisphotography.com

IG: rough_thesis