To celebrate Black History Month, we’ve compiled a list of 14 black photographers worth following on Instagram. From documenting haute couture to everyday street photography, these photographers will improve the quality of your Instagram feed.
Devin Allen (@bydvnlln)
Baltimore-born photographer Devin Allen catapulted into fame for his photo of the Baltimore unrest that was featured on the cover of TIME (above). Shooting primarily in black and white, Allen’s photographs show a seldom-seen side of Baltimore City.
Adrienne Raquel (@adrienneraquel)
She may be based in New York City, but Adrienne Raquel’s photographs tout dreamy California vibes. Her vibrant and playful work has been seen in Refinery29, ELLE, and for artists such as Justine Skye (above).
Michael A. McCoy (@michaelamccoyphotography)
As a two-time Iraqi War veteran, Michael A. McCoy doesn’t shy away from capturing current events. His portraits of vets, like the one above, are intimate portraits that everyone should see.
Denisse Benitez (@chasingdenisse)
Living in sunny Phoenix means there a lot of colorful shots in Denisse Benitez’s feed – and a lot of envy from those of us currently snowed in.
Deun Ivory (@deunivory)
There’s a lot of beauty to behold with Deun Ivory’s photography. Plus, her muted style allows for a special intimacy with her subjects.
Greg Noire (@gregnoire)
You’re bound to recognize quite a few faces on Greg Noire’s feed – he’s photographed everyone from Chance the Rapper to the New York Knicks.
Ray Neutron (@rayneutron)
It’s a treat getting to see life through Ray Neutron’s eyes as photographing for Apple, Jack White, VSCO, Hypebeast, and more takes him some pretty interesting places.
Idara Ekpoh (@ohyeahitsidy)
Idara Ekpoh’s ‘gram is full of rich, colorful portraits of the people in Phoenix, Arizona.
Tatyanna Brown (@tatyannachamere)
Based in Atlanta, Tatyanna Brown focuses on portrait and branding photography and uses her talents as stylist in every single shoot.
Texas Isaiah (@kingtexas)
Close, intimate portraits are Texas Isaiah’s specialty – you’ll feel the authenticity and vulnerability pouring off his subjects as you scroll through his feed.
Dana Scruggs (@danascruggs)
Follow Dana Scruggs and you’ll see a lot of big names appear on your feed – she’s captured everyone from Stacey Abrams, Mariah Carey, Megan Thee Stallion, and more!
Melissa Alcena (@melalcena)
Scroll through Melissa Alcena’s feed and you’ll see a lot of joy and smiles. Her portraits are full of rich and deep colors, connecting you with her subjects.
Renell Medrano (@renellaice)
Shooting for GQ, Vogue, Paper magazine, and more, Renell’s work typically features intriguing and artful set designs.
Andre D. Wagner (@photodre)
Shooting mostly in black and white, Andre’s feed appears timeless – featuring breathtaking self-portraits and intimate views of the New York City streets around him.
Have any favorite photographers that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Another black Visual artist/ photographer you should know and watch, Owens Daniels located in Winston Salem, NC. His ability to reveal the passion of the moment is phenomenal. Magazine writers have dubbed him “the soul snatcher” when it comes to his work because the intenseness of his photographs invoke many to feel as those the are looking into the soul of the subject. His noted work is “Brown Paper Bag” which deals with the issues of colorism and “America Wants” which reveals society’s issues. These projects have graced galleries in the Carolinas and Georgia. His current projects, “Dixieland” addresses the race division over confedate monuments. And “Common Ties” deals with the reality of lynching. http://www.owendaniels.com @owens_daniels_photography
Totally Agree with you Sonjy! Owens is the business
Keep an eye out for Devin J’han Tompkins Newark NJ
Hello Amanda,
@creativesoulphoto is a husband and wife duo that is really awesome. Recently had the pleasure of meeting them at Imaging 2019 a few weeks ago.
Great photographer from Houston, Texas
Jamar Carrington. Instagram: @_jcarrington_
There’s this amazing & hot african AMERICAN photographer in Atlanta that great. I think you guys should contact him and do a spotlight on his work! Thanks
Another African American photog. Check out Meekail Shaheed Fotography on Instagram (msfotography)
I would have you add Ayana V. Jackson. She has such a unique vision.
Congratulations Michael McCoy!
Well although it might be a stretch, i’d love to be featured. I’ve been in the art of photography for a while now and have portfolio of both wedding and celebrity/concert photography.
You missed Allen Pierre, he creates a perspective. And perspectives are limitless. He provided a new way of viewing everyday things, and there’s a magic in that.
Two brothers Sherrod Calland @SherrodCalland who shows great images of Los Angeles and the people in it. Mark Calland @MarkCalland2828 who also shoots in and around the Los Angeles area.
Check out Toledo, Ohio’s @dirtykics on IG
@usfjrain on IG is a MUST follow!!! He has photography down to a science that he shares with others via multiple platforms for either free or low cost. Whether you are a fellow photographer or a budding entrepreneur, he is for sure a MUST follow!
Another photographer well worth the follow is Donald Stokely http://www.eventheroesoftampabay.com. He and his team are local to the Tampa Bay area. As a young entrepreneur, he transformed a one man show into an entire TEAM. His team consists of multiple photographers, videographers and DJ’s!!! He is definitely a powerhouse and you will see more of him and his team this year!
Looking forward to learning more.
Lola Flash NYC.
One to look for is Photography By Earl E. Gibson III
http://www.earlgibson.com/
Larry Fink’s work Is striking!
I just started. @johnsonjrphotos Been a world traveler for 30 years. I’m looking forward to checking out everyone’s work and learning from it!
Warnerimage.com. Please read the bio. Thanks
Mário Macilau is a multidisciplinary artist and activist, best known for his photographic work. He was born in 1984 in Maputo and grew up.
Through the sale of his artworks, Macilau has raised about 30 000 USD over the past few years for organizations such as Positive Planet, Viva con Agua de Sankt Pauli, Gift of the Givers Foundation, Oxfam, and Independent Young Activists in Mozambique. As a motorcycle rider himself, Macilau is also a member of one of the largest motorcycle groups in Mozambique called MADODAS – whose primary interest as a group is to not only to ride together as a family, but to also participate and contribute to different communities by involvement in activities as well as by personal financial contributions.
Check out Worsham Robinson in Chicago. You can search him. Nyt articles written on him. A visual beast.
Yes, you forgot the dope photograpger, DeWayne Jones. Check out his work at http://interscopephotography.com/
Please check out Zamani Feelings at: https://www.zamanifeelings.net
Check out hot photographer out of Cali @ robwrightfilms. He is fire!
There’s another black photographer, IG: @GiveMeFace_ who sparked that viral #HobbyLobbyChallenge. That was in 2018 when everyone was doing photoshoots in the craft store by the fake flower section.
Check out my favorite photographer named Victoria Ford of Sneakshot Photography. Her work has nothing but inspiring to me since I started taking shooting seriously. Nothing but delightfully awesome concert and other photos!
I am a blind photographer in New Jersey, check out my work at fineartamerica.com/alwyn glasgow
Check out Zizwe Allette of Baltimore.
Thank you Nations Photo Lab! You just put your company in a much needed light for AA photographers @theshawphotographygroup
Check out Dixwellflix on Instagram. You will not be disappointed. A young street photographer out of Atlanta with a real eye.
Michael Law The Law Of Photography. Brooklyn NY
Vincent Lawson out of mobile Alabama…great talent… his shows are phenomenal…”Our Neighbors ” is a must see!!!!… peace
Hosea Johnson takes incredible portraits, including Brandy’s first album.
Yes. Me 🙂.
http://Www.andreasbranch.com
@andreasbranchphotography.
Check out Paul Biagui Photography in Atlanta, GA.
Sublime!
Amon Focus, NYC.
Donn Thompson is a phenomenal photographer based in NYC
@clay_benskin on IG is my favorite. His eye is incredible.
D Nice is also excellent.
I love the work of Thomas Colvin, III
http://www.thomascolvinstudios.net
Shannon McCollum often travels as the photographer with with George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer and DL Hughley as their official photographer. He has an artistic eye and is an amazing photographer.
Ruddy Roye. Follow on instagram.
Yes me. @Photographs By MikeJunie, on FB MikeJunie Photos…..
I am a sports photographer that enjoys taking action shots. Check out my pages. Thanks
I had an Awesome birthday photoshoot from an Atlanta based photographer @ Shocophoto. Shoccara Marcus is a Dance photographer with an eye for Awe. Pls. Check out her work.
I love your lab work! I use your lab for printing alot!
Thanks, Harmon! Happy printing!
My friend Zamani Feelings: http://www.zamanifeelings.com
Please consider adding Charles Stonewall to this impressive list. His work is beautiful to look at and compassionate and deeply human. He’s one of the best.
Hey, this artist @waitiphone check him out takes some powerful images from his phone.
https://www.vinnymwano.com/commercial-photography
For future reference please include or even do an article dedicated to Master Photographer Isadore Howard in Chicago. He has been doing this since 1972 a graduaute of The Art Institute Chicago. Look him up on Facebook
Just feel the POWER!!!!!! Thanks So Much.
Michelle Agin, great photograper please reach out to her
Nationsphotolab.com
Thanks for sharing your article here. Must say, the amazing and nice blog. Your article can help us a lot we are also in the same industry. We at TVC Wedding photographers providing photography services in New Jersey. You can check more about us at https://tvcweddings.com/
I love what you do here, I like all these works! Very talented photographers!
It is good to know that some articles will focus on just one race.
This subject is more balanced because of it.
Are there any excellent black female photographers from Canada?
Please let me know.
Hello! I wanted to say Robert Howard, on IG @Robertho1 (color photos) & @BNWphotographer_ (B&W photos) is an exceptional black photographer. He captures his art with street & very personal photography. His imagination & ingenuity clearly shows in his photos representation.
You missed Ivan Tibbs of ManneQuin 6ix Photography
One photographic illiustrator who has been around for sometime Chuck Coleman ( King of Steam) or Steampunk Chuck has dedicated his skill and abilities to Empowering Women through Photography.
The island of Oahu, Hawaii is one of the most unique places to pursue photography. As one of a handful of serious photographers here, that happen to be African American, I invite you to check out some of my work. You can find a large array of some of my shots at http://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiiankinephoto. From water to land and even some from the air using my drones. I am only now starting to use IG for exhibiting my work, stay by, it’s coming at you? Mahalo
Stand by for more photographs on InstaGram…coming soon.
Every weekend i used to go to see this site, as i want enjoyment, for the
reason that this this web page conations genuinely
nice funny stuff too.
Dallas J LOGAN & Dae Howerton. Always great seeing as many photographers of color recognized. There are so many of our voices/talents/ stories that need to be seen.
@Jo_Mar5
Well done Amanda Nolan. We are inspired about this 10 black photographers topic.
You missed @thephotographystage very dope photo artist
@lesliebeakersilva
On IG!!!!
You should do a story on the iconic Adger Cowans, please see below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPP46EAMs9w
https://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/12/20/the-heartbeat-of-our-being-in-black-and-white-adger-cowans/
Thank you for telling us about the black photographers to follow. Please keep sharing such wonderful and useful articles!
These are amazing! Is there anyone who shoots products room sets? Seems most of these photographers only shoot people. I would love to see some amazing room sets or product portfolios.
check out https://vicentemejia.com/
IG @mejiavince
I would like to nominate Rachel Samanyi, more commonly known as @jitabebe on Instagram, as a black photographer that everyone should follow. Not only is she an incredibly inspirational and talented black woman, photographer, outdoor enthusiast, and visual storyteller, she is Tanzanian and part of the tribe “Jita”. She is always promoting positivity and having a “calmversation” with her followers, and I promise you will not regret giving her page a visit. There’s no better way to celebrate Black History Month than showing black artists, black women, and black businesses some support. So go follow Rachel @jitabebe ‘s page on Instagram, and check out her print shop at rachel-jitabebe.pixels.com while you’re at it!
P.S. Instead of providing my own website below, I will paste Rachel’s site in to be sure to keep the focus on her incredible work and page!
Thank you so much for nominating me Erica! I can’t express how grateful I am! This means a lot me!
I would like to nominate Wild Gina (@wildginaa on Instagram) as a black photographer that everyone should be following. Ever since I came across her page on Instagram, I have been drawn in to her unique way of capturing the intimacy of nature. Gina is not only an extremely talented black photographer, but she also advocates strongly for the black community. Her willingness to stand up and have a voice is something I admire about her and I have learned a lot from what she has had to say. I strongly encourage you to give her profile a visit and also go check out her print shop if you can (https://wildgina.smugmug.com/). She is almost to 1,500 print sales and it would be an incredible way to celebrate Black History if we could help her effortlessly get there and beyond.
P.S. I’ve included Gina’s link again below instead of my own to keep the focus on her page.
There is a Fantastic Artist and Rising Star Photographer out of Philly named: Zamani Feelings !