This Black History Month, it’s important to support and follow photographers who are making waves in the industry. From portrait to documentary photography, these talented artists capture the essence of their subjects and tell powerful stories through their lens. If you're looking to diversify your Instagram feed and get inspired by some of the most talented photographers out there, here are 10 names to follow in 2023 (if you aren’t already):
Zendaya | Photo by Micaiah CarterMicaiah Carter
Micaiah Carter is a young photographer based in New York who has already made a name for himself in the fashion industry. Carter's work combines a documentary approach with a contemporary aesthetic, resulting in images that are both raw and polished, and has shot campaigns for Adidas, Nike, and Calvin Klein, among others.
Lala Gabor | Photo by Danielle FinneyDanielle Finney
Danielle Finney is a portrait and wedding photographer based in the Washington, DC area. Finney's work celebrates the beauty of black love and relationships, capturing intimate and emotional moments between couples.
Sybrina Fulton | Photo by Joshua Rashaad McFaddenJoshua Rashaad McFadden
Joshua Rashaad McFadden is a documentary photographer whose work explores issues of race, identity, and history. McFadden's projects include "After Selma," which looks at the legacy of the civil rights movement in contemporary America, and "Come to Selfhood," which documents the lives of Black transgender people.
Beyoncé | Photo by Kennedi CarterKennedi Carter
Kennedi Carter is a young photographer whose work has already garnered attention from major publications such as The New York Times and Vogue. Carter's style is intimate and emotional, often capturing Black subjects in moments of joy and tenderness.
Photo by Tyler MitchellTyler Mitchell
Tyler Mitchell made history in 2018 as the first Black photographer to shoot a cover for Vogue magazine. Since then, Mitchell;s career has skyrocketed, with commissions from major fashion brands and exhibitions at renowned museums around the world. Mitchell's style is colorful, bold, and often features Black subjects in dreamy and surreal settings.
Photo by Jide AlakijaJide Alakija
Jide Alakija is a Nigerian-born photographer based in London. Alakija's work spans a wide range of genres, from documentary to commercial photography, and their clients include Nike, Coca-Cola, and British Airways. Alakija is also a co-founder of the Black British Creatives platform, which supports and showcases the work of Black creatives in the UK.
Reine | Photo by Daniella AlmonaDaniella Almona
Daniella Almona is a Nigerian-born and Atlanta-based portrait photographer who is passionate about highlighting people of color in digital and film photography. Almona enjoys showcasing the love and beauty in their community and is inspired by human connection, expression, and color theory.
Photo by Lọlá ÁkínmádéLọlá Ákínmádé
Lọlá Ákínmádé is a Nigerian-Swedish photographer and travel writer whose work has been published in National Geographic, The Guardian, and Lonely Planet. Ákínmádé's photography is characterized by its vibrant colors and cultural sensitivity, often capturing the beauty of everyday life in different parts of the world.
Pharrell | Photo by Awol ErizkuAwol Erizku
Awol Erizku is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans photography, sculpture, and video. Erizku is known for their conceptual approach, using visual references from art history and popular culture to explore themes of race, identity, and representation.
Souleymane Sack | Photo by Mark ClennonMark Clennon
Mark Clennon is a photographer based in Brooklyn whose work explores themes of identity, representation, and belonging. Clennon has worked with major brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Apple, and their work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar. Clennon's images are powerful and thought-provoking, often featuring black subjects in bold and dynamic settings.
