May 27, 2023

I latterly completed the general episode of Netflix’s “Sturdy Black Lens,” a 6-part virtual sequence launched ultimate yr that gracefully outlines the significance of Black photographers telling their very own tales, controlling their narratives, and developing legacies. Thru a chain of interviews and round-table discussions with powerhouse photographers like Kwaku Alston, Dana Scruggs, Erik Carter, and Devin Allen, this display covers the entirety from psychological well being struggles to how Black photographers are enjoying a task in social justice actions and the consequences of fine (and traditionally dangerous) lighting fixtures for topics with darker pores and skin tones.

All through the sequence, I used to be ceaselessly struck by way of every photographer’s candidness and thoughtfulness when discussing vastly delicate subjects and private reports within the trade.

Impressed, I promptly went to Instagram to test in with lots of my private favourite photographers, curious to peer the pictures they selected to proportion all the way through Black Historical past Month and desperate to endure witness to how they stand of their photographic energy.

Take a look at which pictures stuck my eye under. Then, take a second to mirror or learn up at the historical past of racism in photography. Whilst there’s no denying how a ways the trade has come—Shirley Playing cards are fortunately a factor of the previous, communities like Black Girls Photographers and The Authority Collective champion numerous voices, and tech giants like Google are exploring higher era like Actual Tone—there’s nonetheless an extended technique to cross prior to racial bias is correctly tackled on this trade. 

Quilt symbol by way of Aundre Larrow. All Instagram posts and pictures have been embedded with the artists’ permission.

Emmanuel Oyeleke 

Instagram: @emmanueloyeleke 
Web site: https://emmanueloyeleke.com/

Tolani Alli

Instagram: @tolanialli 

Web site: https://tolanialli.com/

Aundre Larrow 

Instagram: @aundre 

Web site: https://www.aundrelarrow.com/ 

Dee Dwyer Jonts

Instagram: @deedwyerjonts 

Web site: http://www.deedwyerjonts.com/ 

Keith Main

Instagram: @keithmajor

Web site: https://www.keithmajor.com/  

Photograph credit score: Courtesy of Ebony Media, Photograph by way of Keith Main

Tonéa Greer

Click on the picture to peer the unique Instagram put up.

Instagram: @_greer_ 

Web site:​​ https://www.greermedia.co/

Kourtney Iman 

Instagram: @_kourtneyiman 

Wanjiku Gitau & The AfroCan Queen Images Group

Instagram: @afrocanqueenphotography 

Web site: https://afrocanqueenphotography.com/ 


Those 8 photographers best scratch the skin of the entire skill on Instagram. Check out our checklist of 100+ Black photographers to observe on social media and make sure to give a few of them a observe, too.

Plus, I beg everybody to try the primary episode of “Sturdy Black Lens” under. It’s one thing particular.  

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