BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

BY: Andy Shoulders

There’s a new batch of up and coming photographers currently making names for themselves, and you need to get familiar with them. From shooting Beyoncé for the cover of Vogue to advertising campaigns for Nike, these fresh new photogs are making waves. Let’s get to know some of them a little better.

TYLER MITCHELL

Up-and-coming phenom Tyler Mitchell made history back in August 2018, when he became one of the youngest photographers ever (just 23 at the time!) to shoot the cover of Vogue. The history-making doesn’t stop there, though. He also became the first African American photographer to shoot a Vogue cover in its 125-year history (which, sorry, is a bit ridiculous on Vogue’s part). This also wasn’t just any cover. He photographed none other than the living legend herself: Beyoncé. Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, Mitchell got his start not in photography, but in filmmaking. He shot videos for indie rappers such as Kevin Abstract, and later landed a spot in NYU’S Tisch School of the Arts thanks to a short horror film he shot in his parents’ house. He’s social media savvy and politically engaged as well, and he will undoubtedly be reshaping the lens through which we see the world around us.

MICAIAH CARTER

Last year, barely a year out of college, Micaiah Carter had already built a resumé at 23 years old that most experienced photographers would envy. Over the course of a year, he shot Serena Williams for Adweek, Ciara for King Kong, and advertising campaigns for Nike, Converse, and Thom Browne. Perhaps what shines through even more than the sheer quantity of work he puts out is the strong and unique voice he brings to his photography. He has a knack for bringing out his subjects’ character, and this interest in the humanity of his subjects, rather than just the fashion, has allowed him to really connect with the people he photographs. The self-described social media recluse prefers to let his work shine through before putting himself in front of the camera, but viewers are becoming increasingly interested in the person taking the photos, which is something the uber-talented Carter will just have to get used to.

DANA SCRUGGS

After none of the magazines she approached would hire her, Dana Scruggs took matters into her own hands in 2016 when she created and launched SCRUGGS Magazine – a publication dedicated to her vision of the male form. Fast forward to 2019, when Scruggs had by that point shot ESPN’s Body Issue (the first African American female to do so), photographed Pete Buttigieg for GQ and Brie Larson for The Hollywood Reporter, and perhaps most notably, became the first African American to shoot the cover of Rolling Stone in its 50-year history (which in itself is ridiculous). We’re certain to see more from this Chicago-born, barrier-breaking phenom in the years to come.

CAMPBELL ADDY

Born to a strict family of Jehova’s Witnesses from Ghana in Croydon, south London, Campbell Addy struggled with his religion and how that shaped his identity. He eventually came out at 17, and rather than repress for the sake of his church, he left home to live authentically. He has since shot fashion editorials for Vogue, The New York Times, Interview, and a November 2019 cover for The Wall Street Journal. He’s also gained recognition for shooting stars such as FKA Twigs, Kid Cudi, and fashion designer Paul Smith. His work has been exhibited everywhere from Paris to Oslo, and in 2017 alone, he opened his first solo exhibition (Matthew 7:7) and published his first book titled Unlocking Seoul, an exploration of the gay scene in the South Korean capital. Addy’s a tireless supporter of different cultural viewpoints in the fashion industry, and he’s got a bright future ahead of him. A life lived authentically, indeed.

NADINE IJEWERE

Southeast London-born photographer Nadine Ijewere has something in common with fellow photographer Tyler Mitchell – they both made history at Vogue. Whereas Mitchell was the first African American to shoot a Vogue cover, Ijewere became the first woman of color to do so (her cover featured Dua Lipa, Binx Walton and Letitia Wright). She credits social media with helping to expand her contacts in the fashion world (she found one of her earliest collaborators, stylist Ibrahim Kamara, on Instagram), and she soon began shooting campaigns for Stella McCartney and Valentino. Her work has also been featured in various editions of i-D, Allure, British Vogue.

DANIEL OBASI

Born in Abia, Nigeria and currently living in Lagos, up and coming photographer Daniel Obasi lives by the motto “the streets are the best mood board.” While attending university, his contacts began to grow, and he soon began styling music videos for well-known artists such as Major Lazer and Ladi Poe. His resumé includes clients such as Miu Miu and Vlisco, and his work has been featured in Marie Claire South Africa, Afro-punk, and Indie Magazine. One of Obasi’s most popular series, The Illegal Project, documents homosexuality in his native Nigeria (a nation notorious for its harsh laws against it) and has been a huge success. Rather than quickly change minds, Obasi’s goal is to first ask questions. He’s managed to find a rare balance between familiarity and novelty, which has brought about much-needed and much-welcomed conversation.

ADRIENNE RAQUEL

Breakout photographer Adrienne Raquel has always focused on representing the Black female perspective through her work and constantly strives for inclusivity. She’s certainly been a welcome addition to the fashion world because she ensures that images of women of color are a mainstay in all fashion visuals. She’s photographed everything from Nylon’s Black History Month cover, to Nike Sportswear’s Fashion AIR campaign. She’s also served as Art Director for NARS Cosmetics’ global social media campaign, as well as BCBGMAXAZRIA’s Fall/Winter 2018 show at New York Fashion Week. According to Raquel, her crowning achievement came when she shot her first international campaign for Secret’s “Invisible For All,” which featured four women of different ethnicities.

 

The rise of these exciting new photographers only reinforces the notion that talented people of color have always been forces to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. This shouldn’t be regarded as something new. Rather, it should be regarded as something more like this: it’s about damn time that people of color in fashion get the recognition and accolades they deserve.