Meet the Gifted Eye Photographer
The Gfted Eye Photographer
Koi Sojer, the founder of Snap'N U Photos, has been a dedicated professional in the field of Hollywood photography for over 33 years. Her passion lies in capturing the beauty and essence of her subjects. With Snap'N U Photos, Koi aims to provide a unique and personalized experience by featuring her distinctive style of Koi Sojer photograp
Koi Sojer, the founder of Snap'N U Photos, has been a dedicated professional in the field of Hollywood photography for over 33 years. Her passion lies in capturing the beauty and essence of her subjects. With Snap'N U Photos, Koi aims to provide a unique and personalized experience by featuring her distinctive style of Koi Sojer photography, ensuring that every moment is captured One Smile at a Time!
Hollywood
Angela Bassett
Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson
Zendaya
Ruth E. Carter
Colman Domingo
Ava DuVernay
My Journey
A Picture Without A Camera
As a child, I could always see a picture without a camera, and Gordon Parks was the number one reason I wanted to pursue Hollywood photography. During my teenage years, after joining the United States Army, I was deployed to South Korea, where I purchased my first 35mm camera. My Ricoh KR-5 camera enabled me to share my photos with family
As a child, I could always see a picture without a camera, and Gordon Parks was the number one reason I wanted to pursue Hollywood photography. During my teenage years, after joining the United States Army, I was deployed to South Korea, where I purchased my first 35mm camera. My Ricoh KR-5 camera enabled me to share my photos with family and friends, capturing moments that I cherish through Koi Sojer photography. I love being a photographer and documenting my journey with Snap'N U Photos. I thank God for my 'Gifted Eye' every day! (Gordon Parks)
My Underground Beginnings
After serving my country in the United States Army and playing in the European Women's Basketball League, I began my new career as a young black female self-taught photographer in 1990. I focused on capturing the Underground World of Hip Hop in New York City at our infamous Tuesday Night 'Funk Hut' Parties. My Koi Sojer photography quickl
After serving my country in the United States Army and playing in the European Women's Basketball League, I began my new career as a young black female self-taught photographer in 1990. I focused on capturing the Underground World of Hip Hop in New York City at our infamous Tuesday Night 'Funk Hut' Parties. My Koi Sojer photography quickly gained recognition, leading to my images being published in major magazines such as Source, VIBE, Black Beat, and Rappages. In 1997, I moved to London, where I expanded my portfolio with Snap'N U Photos while working as a photographer and photo editor for PRIDE magazine. (Koi Sojer / Big Daddy Kane)
Hip-Hop 2 Hollywood
Hip-Hop 2 Hollywood
After capturing the Underground World of Hip-Hop on film in New York City, I moved to Los Angeles and began my journey in Hollywood photography, working with photo agencies. This opportunity opened doors for me to photograph Hollywood A-list celebrities at Red Carpet and Award Events, Movie Premieres, Sporting Events, and Private VIP Part
After capturing the Underground World of Hip-Hop on film in New York City, I moved to Los Angeles and began my journey in Hollywood photography, working with photo agencies. This opportunity opened doors for me to photograph Hollywood A-list celebrities at Red Carpet and Award Events, Movie Premieres, Sporting Events, and Private VIP Parties. My experience in Hollywood has been incredibly rewarding, and my photographs truly reflect the joy and dedication I invest in capturing these moments. As I continue my journey as a 'Gifted Eye' Photographer, thanks to Koi Sojer photography insights, I am grateful for each frame I capture with Snap'N U Photos. The ride continues to be Epic!
Young, Gifted & Black
Young, Gifted & Black
From the golden era of New York City's 1990s Hip-Hop to the red carpets of Hollywood, Koi Sojer of Snap’N U Photos has always been right where the story unfolds – through her lens, capturing history. An Army Veteran, visionary photographer, and self-taught artist, Koi embedded herself in the heart of Hip-Hop’s rise, documenting iconic mom
From the golden era of New York City's 1990s Hip-Hop to the red carpets of Hollywood, Koi Sojer of Snap’N U Photos has always been right where the story unfolds – through her lens, capturing history. An Army Veteran, visionary photographer, and self-taught artist, Koi embedded herself in the heart of Hip-Hop’s rise, documenting iconic moments at the infamous “Funk Hut” Tuesday night parties she co-hosted with her twin sister, Gramma Funk. Her work transcends traditional photography—it’s Koi Sojer photography that embodies visual storytelling, showcasing the raw essence of artists such as Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, Queen Latifah, and many more. Her lens became a passport into the Hip-Hop kingdom, with her photos gracing album covers, magazine pages, and award-winning documentaries. From Tupac: Resurrection to Netflix’s Hip-Hop Evolution and FX/Hulu’s Dear Mama, Koi’s legacy is etched in every frame. In 2008, she made the transition to Hollywood photography, continuing to blaze trails by photographing major red-carpet events, VIP parties, and award ceremonies like the Oscars, building bridges between Hip-Hop and mainstream culture. Koi’s legacy is living proof that Hip-Hop isn’t just heard—it’s seen, felt, and preserved.
Family
Our Beloved Mommy Ayoka
Our Beloved Mommy Ayoka
Our Beloved Mommy Ayoka
She raised us to believe in ourselves and the gifts we were given, which empowered us to embrace all the adventures in life. This mindset, much like the inspiring visuals captured by Koi Sojer photography, allowed us to navigate our journeys without letting being a girl create roadblocks. In a world filled with opportunities, just as Snap'N U Photos captures moments of joy, we learned to capture our own experiences with confidence, embracing every opportunity that came our way.
My Twin Sissy
Our Beloved Mommy Ayoka
Our Beloved Mommy Ayoka
I thank my twin sissy, Toi aka Gramma Funk, for introducing me to the music industry and for always supporting me even when times got hard. It has been quite a ride, especially with the amazing Hollywood photography capturing our moments and the incredible Koi Sojer photography showcasing our journey. I've also loved working with Snap'N U Photos to document our adventures!
30+ Years later
Our Beloved Mommy Ayoka
Trailblazers Talk: Celebrating Women In Hip Hop
I have embraced the gift I was given as a female photographer, and my journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From capturing the essence of New York's Underground Hip-Hop to photographing Hollywood A-List Celebrities, my work with Koi Sojer photography and Snap'N U Photos continues to evolve!
Trailblazers Talk: Celebrating Women In Hip Hop
Trailblazers Talk: Celebrating Women In Hip Hop
Trailblazers Talk: Celebrating Women In Hip Hop
Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium Trailblazers Talk: Celebrating Women In Hip Hop event at the Lincoln Center on April 5, 2025, captured beautifully through the lens of Koi Sojer photography, alongside other talented professionals like those at Snap'N U Photos. Photo by: Shelby Antel and Hollywood photography.
KI Smith Gallery Presents
Trailblazers Talk: Celebrating Women In Hip Hop
KI Smith Gallery Presents
The GOLDEN 90s Hip-Hop Exhibition, showcasing the incredible Koi Sojer photography, highlights the work of celebrity hip hop photographer Koi Sojer of Snap'N U Photos. This exhibition will take place at Ki Smith Gallery in New York City from April 19, 2025, to May 25, 2025. Photo by: Stacie Joi.
Accomplishments
Album Covers:
A Tribe Called Quest's “Award Tour” single cover (1993), Akinyele's “The Bomb” Album cover (1993).
Books, Newspapers & Magazines:
VIBE, The Source, Black Beat, Rappages, Beat Down, PRIDE (1993-1997),
VIBE Book: Unbelievable "The Life, Death, and Afterlife of The Notorious B.I.G." (2003),
EBONY Magazine: Jill Scott (2015),
New York Post: Chrissy Teigen (2015),
People Magazine: Taraji P. Henson (2016),
Daily Newspaper: Katy Perry on the front cover (2016).
Brian Coleman, "Check The Technique" Volume 2 Book (2016),
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Book: Tupac & Biggie (2017).
NY Post: NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio on the front cover (2021).
People Magazine: Finn Wolfhard (2022)
TV Networks & Documentaries: Hip-Hop photographs
Tupac: Resurrection Documentary (2003), A&E “BIGGIE: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.” documentary (2017), Murder Rap “Inside the Biggie & Tupac Murders" Documentary (2017), VH1 Female Honors (Conscious Daughters) (2017), FOX TV Who Shot Biggie & Tupac? Movie (2017), BET's Death Row Chronicles (2018), Netflix Hip-Hop Evolution documentary series episode called "NY Producers" Ep. 204. (2018), USA Network Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. (2018), WEtv "Untold Stories of Hip Hop" documentary S01E01 (2019), AMC Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America: Season 1 - Episode 6 LADIES FIRST by Queen Latifah (2019), FX Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur Episode 2 (Tupac & Biggie) photos (2023), 50 Cent's Netflix Documentary: Sean Combs: The Reckoning (2025)
Red Carpet Events:
Hollywood photography capturing moments at the Oscar Awards, SAG Awards, MTV, VMAs, AMAs, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards, Pan African Film and Arts Festival, VIP events, Movie Premieres, and Concerts.
Panels:
Documenting History In Your Own Back Yard II:
Guest Speaker for Documenting Hip-Hop History Through Photography (2020).
Guest Speaker for Archiving In Our Own Backyard (2023),
Lincoln Center Presents Trailblazers Talk: Celebrating Women in Hip Hop (2025).
Exhibits:
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: It's Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment, featuring a photo by Koi Sojer photography of Tupac & Biggie (2020). Hiphopcinefest.org Cinema Festival Hip-Hop Culture 360 Photo Exhibit (2021). Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop Exhibition (2023), Hip Hop 50th Exhibition (2024), The GOLDEN 90s Hip Hop Exhibition (Ki Smith NYC Gallery) 2025.