In my three-year journey as a photographer, my perspective has transformed. When I first started, the goal was to create attention-grabbing images that attracted the attention of publications like Vogue or Essence and got me DMs every other week about shooting their covers.
While that door is still [wide] open, my understanding of photography evolved. It’s no longer just about crafting visually arresting pieces; it’s about seeing photography as a medium for preservation and storytelling. Photographing is archiving, documenting fleeting emotions, stories, and cultural shifts. Immortalizing the essence of something that won’t endure beyond the decade.
This shift in perspective owes much to my exploration of the works of photographers who paved the way before me, particularly those of African descent. As Black History Month continues, it feels fitting to pay homage to these artists.
In the article that follows, I spotlight six photographers. Each name represents a story, a perspective, and a legacy worth exploring. While I’ve selected these individuals for their influence on my journey, I acknowledge the countless others that have made invaluable contributions to the art form—the amount would demand the space a book could provide, not one article.
This article serves as a starting point for your own exploration and appreciation of the diverse talent in the black photography community.
Kwame Brathwaite
The first encounter I had with Brathwaite’s work was in 2021, during the Detroit Institute of Arts’ presentation of his ‘Black is Beautiful’ exhibition. Stepping into that space felt like stepping into a vision where black existence was celebrated and encouraged to be looked at deeper.
Each of Kwame’s photographs possess its own narrative, yet collectively, they conveyed a powerful message – the myriad of ways in which blackness deserves to be honored. Whether capturing the vibrant pulse in jazz bars, the contemplative Brooklyn streets, or the vast expanses of Africa, Kwame’s lens painted an intimate portrait of the diversity and humanity thriving within a community historically standardized.
You can’t talk about Kwame’s work without talking about how beautifully he captured melanin-rich skin tones. Through film, he honed a distinct technique to capture black people in a way that was natural and flattering.
Born in 1938 in New York, Kwame’s career spanned six decades, during which he dedicated himself to capturing the beauty of the diaspora. He passed away recently in April 2023. Learn about Kwame Brathwaite.
Carrie Mae Weems
If you haven’t had the chance to experience the ‘Kitchen Table Series’, Google it right now.
The series is a powerful exploration of the intimate moments and emotional depth found in the everyday life. Through Weems’ lens, the seemingly mundane setting of a kitchen table is transformed into a rich tapestry of human experiences, particularly highlighting the lives of Black women.
This series stirred me out of the desensitization I developed towards ordinary moments around me. Weems reminded me that everyone and everything has a story that’s worth being told. By focusing on the nuances of human interaction and historical life, Weems invites her viewers to reconsider the significance of our daily existence.
Her choice to predominantly use black and white photography adds a timeless quality to her work and enables the emotional resonance of her subjects to take center stage. Through her imagery, she not only documents the lives of her subjects, but also prompts viewers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions.
Born in Portland, Oregon in 1953, in this year, Carrie Mae Weems celebrates her 70th year residing in New York City. Over the course of her decade long career, she took a multidisciplinary approach to art, encompassing dance, text, audio, and video. Learn about Carrie Mae Weems.
Winifred Hall Allen
I was introduced to the work of Winifred through the invaluable book ‘Viewfinders’ by Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, a gift from a friend at the start of my photography journey. I was navigating my own style and Winifred’s artistry left an indelible impression on me.
What resonates most with me about Winifred’s work is its naturalness, particularly in her approach to her subjects. She rejected conventional photographic norms in favor of capturing the essence and personality of those she photographed. Her compositions and poses reflected the unique spirit of each individual, rather than adhering strictly to technical rules. Additionally, Winifred’s exploration of darker backdrops and creative framing expanded my own artistic horizons.
Born in Jamaica and later relocating to Harlem as a teenager, Winifred is renowned for her documentation of pivotal moments in history, including the Great Depression and the Harlem Renaissance. Despite retiring from photography in the 1950s to pursue a career in nursing, her legacy continues to inspire generations of photographers.
It’s truly remarkable to note that Winifred, born in 1911, is still alive today, reaching the incredible age of 112. Learn about Winifred Hall Allen.
Gordon Parks
It’s almost impossible to talk about significant black photographers without mentioning Gordon Parks. A multidisciplinary artist, Parks was a pioneer in photography, film, literature, and composition.
As the first African American to direct a major Hollywood production with “The Learning Tree” in 1969, Parks shattered barriers and blazed trails for future generations. Similarly, his tenure as the first black staff photographer for Life Magazine solidified his status as a groundbreaking figure in the field. What’s even more significant was Park’s unwavering commitment to social justice and civil rights. Through his art, he fearlessly confronted systemic injustices and amplified the voices of the marginalized.
Parks’s artistic style is characterized by its ability to blend documentary realism with a profound sense of humanity and empathy. His photographs often depict the harsh realities of life for marginalized communities while also celebrating the resilience and dignity of his subjects.
Born in Kansas in 1912, Gordon Parks passed away in March of 2006 at the age of 93. While he is no longer alive, his work continues to influence and inspire artists and activists around the world. Learn about Gordon Parks.
Tyler Mitchell
All of our jaws dropped when we saw the Vogue cover Mitchell shot back in 2018. Not only were we given an impressive shot of Beyonce, but he made history as the first black photographer to shoot such a cover. All at the impressive age of 23.
Tyler Mitchell is a trailblazing photographer whose work has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative style and groundbreaking approach to representation. Mitchell has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary photography, challenging beauty standards and reshaping the industry’s landscape.
Tyler Mitchell’s artistic style is characterized by its vibrant energy, bold use of color, and emphasis on capturing authentic moments. His photographs often feature subjects in natural settings, bathed in soft light and surrounded by lush landscapes. Mitchell’s images exude a sense of intimacy and warmth, inviting viewers to connect with the emotions and experiences of his subjects.
Born in 1995 in Marietta, Georgia, Tyler Mitchell developed an early passion for the arts. During his teenage years, he honed his skills, capturing candid moments and exploring themes of identity and self-expression. Following his studies in film and television at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, he transitioned into a full-time career in photography. Learn about Tyler Mitchell.
I’m a Detroit-based writer who splits her time between commercial and creative writing. I am very fascinated with exploring the different philosophies and cultures of the world. Outside of my writing, I’m an avid adventurer, an advocate for mental and social wellness, and a proud cat mom of 2.
This is my first time to be introduced to these wonderful photographers! Thanks for sharing these artistic voices with readers.