At Nations Photo Lab, we’re big fans of the unique perspectives and tender moments that photographs capture, connecting viewers to shared memories and great stories. This Black History Month, we are highlighting fresh and inspiring photographers who document life, art, and culture, allowing us to connect with their work for years to come. Here are 10 Black photographers whose work we have enjoyed exploring, and whose contributions you should follow:
Ruth Hickman | @ruthhickmanphotography | website
Ruth Hickman is a lifestyle and travel photographer who has a curiosity and knack for depicting authentic portraits across varied and under-represented communities. Her work has been featured in Essence magazine and several other Conde Nast publications. Ruth's most recent series, Afro Latino Tambien, shines a light and recognition on the Afro-latino community. Head over to Ruth’s Instagram for some striking portraits.
Geoff Haggray | @geoffhaggray | website
Geoff Haggray is a documentary and street photographer based in Savannah, Georgia. He captures the essence of daily life around him. Geoff's work is characterized by vibrant colors and meticulous compositions, offering a painterly perspective on everyday moments.
Onome Uyovbievbo | @onomeuyovbievbo | website
Based in San Francisco, Onome Uyovbievbo has developed a distinctive Cinematic Realist style, merging vivid hues of 20th-century movies. With the depth of analog film, Onome crafts three-dimensional cinematic images.
Tenny Rudolph | @tennyrudolph | website
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, and now residing in Austin, Texas, Tenny Rudolph is a photographer and visual artist known for his dynamic and vibrant imagery. His work celebrates individuality through bold color palettes and nostalgic elements, focusing on diverse identities and genuine self-expression.
Alicia Wiley | @aliciawileyphotography | website
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Alicia Wiley is a seasoned wedding photographer with over a decade of experience, having documented more than 300 weddings. She approaches photography as visual storytelling, combining candid moments with editorial flair to create artful and emotive depictions of wedding celebrations. Alicia Wiley is also a Nations Photo Lab Photography Brand Ambassador.
Doug Barrett | @400northcreative | website
Doug Barrett resides in Kansas and explores the poetic nuances of everyday life in the Midwest through his photography. He actively photographs themes of race, class, and cultural identity, aiming to challenge prevailing narratives and amplify underrepresented voices through his compelling visual stories.
Kendra Lynece | @kendralynece | website
Kendra Lynece works across Michigan and Illinois, with a passion for travel and a focus on wedding photography. She is dedicated to capturing heartfelt moments, making her clients feel at ease, and producing timeless images that encapsulate the emotions of their special day.
Clifford Prince King | @cliffordprinceking | website
Clifford Prince King is an artist based in New York who depicts deeply intimate and personal views into the black and LGBTQ+ experience with amazing candor and honesty. His work is included in several public collections, such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Studio Museum in Harlem. King’s distinctive photography has been featured in publications like The New York Times and Vice, showcasing his unique artistic vision.
Chip Dizard | @Chipdizard | website
Chip Dizard is an event and wedding photography, focusing on preserving spontaneous moments that subjects could cherish for a lifetime. When Chip isn’t photographing, he is actively teaching and sharing his wealth of knowledge with aspiring photographers. Check out Chip’s work for grounded photos with a fun twist.
Liam Woods | @analoguepapi | website
Liam Woods is a Los Angeles-based transgender and non-binary photographer whose work intimately portrays Queer Black and Brown communities. Over the past six years, they have collaborated with prominent brands like Levi's, Apple, and Spotify. Their photography has been featured in esteemed publications such as People, Vogue Paris, and The New York Times. Beyond visual storytelling, Liam is committed to creating opportunities for BIPOC and Queer individuals in the creative industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Their mission focuses on fostering community and providing resources to uplift marginalized creatives.
Here is to celebrating the exceptional creativity and skill of these talented photographers. Be sure to follow these creators and explore their bodies of work for inspiration. If you’d like to discover more outstanding photographers, check out 10 Black Photographers to Follow in 2024.
