Seeing Rocky Mount Through the Lens of Tim Sia
Every community has a story to tell, and sometimes it takes a different perspective to appreciate what's right in front of us.
For local photographer Tim Sia, photography is about more than capturing a beautiful image. It's about documenting the people, places, and everyday moments that make Rocky Mount home.
In the Fall 2026 edition of Tar River Art + Culture Magazine, we sat down with Sia to learn more about his journey into photography, what inspires his work, and the stories he hopes to tell through his photographs.
Sia's interest in photography began while working alongside a friend as a wedding photographer in the Philippines. What started as an opportunity to capture whatever caught his eye eventually developed into a passion for documenting the world around him.
Today, his work focuses on the people and places that make our community unique. Through his People of Rocky Mount project, Sia hopes to capture the individuals who shape the city's identity, from business owners and artists to families and longtime residents.
His goal isn't simply to take photographs of Rocky Mount, but to help others see the city beyond its headlines and statistics. He wants his images to tell stories that future generations can look back on and recognize the people and places that made Rocky Mount what it is.
Throughout our conversation, Sia also shared how his family, faith, and experiences have influenced his approach to photography. From his appreciation for downtown Rocky Mount's historic buildings to his interest in capturing ordinary moments, his work offers a thoughtful perspective on the community he calls home.
His story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful parts of our community are often found in the people and places we encounter every day.
There's much more to Tim Sia's story, and we're sharing it in the Fall 2026 edition of TRA+C Magazine!
Read the full interview to learn more about his photography, creative journey, and the stories he hopes to preserve through his work.
We also want to give a BIG thank you to the advertisers who helped make this edition possible:
Read the full Interview with Tim Sia in Fall TRA+C →
