25 Black Photographers on What Drives Their Work

The Black Lives Matter protests across the U.S. have created reams of indelible imagery, much of it captured by Black photographers. Simultaneously, projects like See in Black and Reframing the Future have centered the work of—as well as the need to support—Black photographers. Through their lenses we can witness the rage, the sadness, the pain, the beauty, the power, and the triumph of living in skin that's been so undervalued and antagonized through America's history. In reaching out to 25 Black photographers (including several who have shot for GQ), we wanted to not only see what they see, but to hear—in their words—what they're working so hard to say. As photographer Melissa Alcena explains, “One of the worst things you can do to a person or a group of people is to ignore them.” The work of these 25 photographers deserves your undivided attention. (And, if you have the money to spare, some of your wall space—all sell prints.)

Prince Gyasi

<cite class="credit">Prince Gyasi / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/princejyesi/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@princejyesi;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@princejyesi</a> Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.</cite>
Prince Gyasi / @princejyesi Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

“I’m tired of seeing a lot of artists paint sad pieces about our kids. That could be the truth for sure, but how long are you going to paint that story to the kids? Do you want to uplift their spirits, or do you want these kids to keep seeing themselves in your pieces drowning in sorrow? I believe we need to empower these kids to help them see themselves as lights. I want my art to continue bringing healing and truth to people and always inspire the youth. We’re all one big family put here by God to create. As a black artist, that is my divine assignment.” —Prince Gyasi

Gyasi is based in Accra, Ghana and lists his work on Artsy.

Cam Hicks

<cite class="credit">Cam Hicks / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/camhicks_/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@camhicks_;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@camhicks_</a></cite>
Cam Hicks / @camhicks_

“My current focus is taking a step back from strictly photo, diving into more direction work, and tangible pieces to expand into those worlds.” —Cam Hicks

Hicks is based in New York. Email camxhicks@gmail.com to buy prints of his work.

Dana Scruggs

<cite class="credit">Dana Scruggs / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/danascruggs/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@danascruggs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@danascruggs</a></cite>
Dana Scruggs / @danascruggs

“Originally from the south side of Chicago, I've been living and working in New York for the past seven years. In 2016, I launched SCRUGGS Magazine, a print publication dedicated to my vision of the male form. The magazine was a way for me to create editorial and creative content because none of the magazines I approached would hire me. I wrote and photographed all of the content myself and the seminal issue became more akin to a visual diary and personal manifesto. In 2018, I became the first Black female photographer to shoot an athlete for ESPN Magazine’s The Body Issue and the first Black Person to photograph the cover of Rolling Stone.” — Dana Scruggs

Scruggs is based in New York. She sells her magazine on her website, which includes a lot of her work. You can also email her at scruggsdm@aol.com to buy prints of specific pieces.

Flo Ngala

<cite class="credit">Flo Ngala / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flongala/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@flongala;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@flongala</a></cite>
Flo Ngala / @flongala

“I'm currently inspired by Dana Scruggs. Dana keeps pushing herself despite the amazing work she has been putting out, especially her last self-portrait series for The New York Times and the images of Stacey Abrams for The Washington Post” — Flo Ngala

Ngala is based in New York City and is currently selling prints through See In Black and Darkroom.

Davey Adésida

<cite class="credit">Davey Adésida / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daveyadesida/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@daveyadesida;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@daveyadesida</a></cite>
Davey Adésida / @daveyadesida

"I work more in Europe than America, they really give you a chance out there. I live in NYC but find myself mostly inspired when i’m outside of the city. California is my favorite state. The nature out there is beautiful. The light in California is mind blowing. I grew up on a farm in Nigeria and it shows in my personality. I’m inspired by quiet moments." —Davey Adésida

Adésida is based in New York. Email daveyiphoto@me.com to purchase prints.

Melissa Alcena

<cite class="credit">Melissa Alcena / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melalcena/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@melalcena;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@melalcena</a></cite>
Melissa Alcena / @melalcena

“I think there’s inspiration to be had wherever you are, if you make efforts to look for it. My focus for the past few years has been in creating an interest in the working class Bahamian and in those who I feel are overlooked in our society. One of the worst things you can do to a person or a group of people is to ignore them, because in doing so they almost become obsolete—so throughout my work I’m always exploring ways for people to be seen.” —Melissa Alcena

Alcena is based in the Bahamas and currently selling a print through FFS Photos. 100% of the proceeds will go to Lend a Hand Bahamas.

Kwaku Alston

<cite class="credit">Kwaku Alston / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kwakualston/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@kwakualston;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@kwakualston</a></cite>
Kwaku Alston / @kwakualston

“I am inspired by many things, the location being one integral part of the image making process; locations and spaces. It’s really about if the location fits the narrative of the image that I am trying to create.” —Kwaku Alston

Alston is based in Malibu, California and sells prints through his website.

Miranda Barnes

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Miranda Barnes / @mirandabarnes

“I'm based in Brooklyn, New York, but I always find myself heading to Long Island or suburban parts of Queens to photograph and become inspired. I went to high school in LI and for a few years, QCC in Queens, and feel most comfortable around Black communities in the Tri-State area that have not been as gentrified yet. My current focus is to still highlight different nuances and lanes of Blackness, including Caribbean-American and Black suburban culture.” —Miranda Barnes

Barnes is based in Brooklyn and is currently selling a print through Reframing the Future. 100% of the proceeds will be donate to National Bail Out and the Marsha P. Johnson Institute.

Mark Clennon

<cite class="credit">Mark Clennon / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mark.c/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@mark.c;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@mark.c</a></cite>
Mark Clennon / @mark.c

“My goal is to capture the totality of the black experience. The dreams, realities and fantasies of Black people on this planet matter. I intend to document that experience as a citizen of this earth.” —Mark Clennon

Clennon is based in Harlem, New York and sells prints through his website.

Ricky Day

<cite class="credit">Ricky Day / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rickyday/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@rickyday;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@rickyday</a></cite>
Ricky Day / @rickyday

“There is a very simple idea that lays at the foundation of my artistic output. I believe that self is a performance and that notions of self are developed in direct relationship to the images and information provided to us via the media, religion & our respective peer groups and families. I am interested in exploring and examining the power of fine art, faith, pop culture, marketing and technology to inform the development of that performance.” —Ricky Day

Day is based in New York. Email Day through his website to purchase prints.

Renell Medrano

<cite class="credit"><em>Untitled</em>, 2019. Renell Medrano / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/renellaice/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@renellaice;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@renellaice</a></cite>
Untitled, 2019. Renell Medrano / @renellaice

“I am currently focused on how to continue to grow as an artist.” —Renell Medrano

Medrano is based in the Bronx. Email jess@renellmedrano.com to buy prints.

Myesha Evon

<cite class="credit">Myesha Evon / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myeshaevon/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@myeshaevon;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@myeshaevon</a></cite>
Myesha Evon / @myeshaevon

"My work examines cultural, social and personal experiences while redefining themes of legacy, love, and labor within the Black community. My practice borrows from visual traditions ranging from photographic to figurative portraiture, photo documentation, and editorial conception. I’m visually inspired by the materiality of black culture and its expression as seen through music, fashion, and family history. It is important to tell stories of my community, which has been historically left out of the conversation." —Myesha Evon

Evon is based in Brooklyn. Email info@myeshaevon.com to purchase prints.

Naima Green

<cite class="credit">Naima Green / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/naimagreen/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@naimagreen;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@naimagreen</a></cite>
Naima Green / @naimagreen

“I’m thinking about building the Pur·suit archive and how to care for and preserve queer histories. Pur·suit currently exists as a deck of playing cards with 54 unique photographs of queer womxn, trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people. The work is expanding in this current moment through additional portraits, interviews, and ephemera collection.” —Naima Green

Green is based in Brooklyn and currently selling the existing Pur·Suit archive on her website. She is also selling a print through FFS Photos (100% of the proceeds will go to The Movement for Black Lives) and a poster print through TRNK (100% of the proceeds will go to the Ali Forney Center).

Wayne Francis

<cite class="credit">Wayne Francis / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/waynefrancis__/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@waynefrancis__;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@waynefrancis__</a></cite>
Wayne Francis / @waynefrancis__

“With photography, I aim to construct solid narratives under the umbrella of fashion but hopefully in a relatable way. The goal is inclusivity. For the better part of the year, I've been building a personal body of work that explores how mental illness appears.” —Wayne Francis

Francis is based in Miami, Florida and sells prints on his website.

Alexis Hunley

<cite class="credit">Alexis Hunley / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/byalexishunley/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@byalexishunley;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@byalexishunley</a></cite>
Alexis Hunley / @byalexishunley

“I feel the most inspired when I am able to connect deeply with folks whether that be in my neighborhood here in LA, in a suburb in middle America, or a beautiful beach town in Brazil. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantining, I have shifted my focus to more intentionally documenting my community as we grapple with not only a pandemic but national uprisings in the face of the violence stemming from white supremacist patriarchal capitalism.” —Alexis Hunley

Hunley is based in Los Angeles. You can email alexis.hunley@gmail.com to buy prints of her work.

Texas Isaiah

<cite class="credit">Texas Isaiah / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kingtexas/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@kingtexas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@kingtexas</a></cite>
Texas Isaiah / @kingtexas

“As a visual narrator, my work prioritizes Black and Brown trans and gender-expansive individuals to reclaim the overarching visual narrative of these historically misrepresented communities who are often fetishized when being captured. This exploitation causes much hesitation around image-making within our communities and informs my mission of undoing the damage perpetrated by some photographic practices. I focus on how warm and supportive shooting environments transform intimacies between sitters and physical spaces, and how that transformation manifests in their relationship with the camera.” — Texas Isaiah

Texas Isaiah is based in Los Angeles, Oakland, and New York city. He is currently selling a poster print at TRNK. 100% of the proceeds are being donated to the Ali Forney Center. To request a different print, email rick@residencyart.com.

Clifford Prince King

<cite class="credit">Clifford Prince King / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cliffordprinceking/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@cliffordprinceking;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@cliffordprinceking</a></cite>
Clifford Prince King / @cliffordprinceking

“I feel most inspired by shooting in my bedroom, or in other people’s intimate spaces. —Clifford Prince King

King is based in Los Angeles and is currently selling a print through Launch F18. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Marsha P. Johnson institute.

Jaimie Milner

<cite class="credit">Jaimie Milner / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jmilner/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@jmilner;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@jmilner</a></cite>
Jaimie Milner / @jmilner

“My current focus is photographing black men. I have a project Gifted that’s a part photo, part interview series celebrating the beauty and genius of black men. Growing up I constantly saw the ways society challenged my father and brother’s worth so I wanted to create a body of work that reminded black men of their greatness and value to society." —Jaimie Milner

Milner is based in Los Angeles and sells prints of her work through the Tappan Collective.

Brad Ogbonna

<cite class="credit">Bradley Ogbonna / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bradogbonna/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@bradogbonna;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@bradogbonna</a></cite>
Bradley Ogbonna / @bradogbonna

“I am most inspired when I am on the road and outside of my comfort zone. I've been spending a lot of time in West Africa the last few years and I'm working on a collection of images of my time spent in the region.” —Brad Ogbonna

Ogbonna is based in Brooklyn and is currently selling a print through Reframing the Future. 100% of the proceeds will be donate to National Bail Out and the Marsha P. Johnson Institute.

Robert Ogilvie

<cite class="credit">Robert Ogilvie / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rsogilvie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@rsogilvie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@rsogilvie</a></cite>
Robert Ogilvie / @rsogilvie

“My focus never changes. I have always been drawn to images that are beautiful. Sometimes I see the beauty in the light but other times it is in the grit of everyday things. Often it is cars. They are disembodied and ever present. In the right context they seem to be part of a natural ecosystem, but they aren't. But they say so much about us as people, and they are the most powerful symbols of our culture.” —Robert Ogilvie

Ogilvie is based in San Francisco. DM him on Instagram for prints.

Denisse Ariana Pérez

<cite class="credit">Denisse Ariana Pérez / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/denisseaps/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@denisseaps;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@denisseaps</a></cite>
Denisse Ariana Pérez / @denisseaps

“I feel the most inspired shooting while aimlessly wandering through the streets of Istanbul or the water landscapes of the Victoria Lake Region in East Africa.” —Denisse Ariana Pérez

Perez is based in Copenhagan, Denmark. Email denisse.prez@gmail.com to buy prints of her work.

Gregory Prescott

<cite class="credit">Gregory Prescott / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gregoryprescott/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@gregoryprescott;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@gregoryprescott</a></cite>
Gregory Prescott / @gregoryprescott

"My all-time inspiration to pick up the camera, back in the late '80s, was Herb Ritts. I found his work to be such classic ways of showcasing the human form plus beautiful portraits, and I was truly inspired by how each piece was a work of art that could be hung over someone's mantle and that is how I visualized my work, as works of art hangin' in someone's home or a museum. I was intrigued by the simple lines, light and shadow and shapes of the body. Discovering his work showed me that the human body is actually something beautiful and not just sexual or porn and it would be amazing to see bodies of color viewed just as beautiful. It would be amazing to educate other people of color to have this same insight. We are all works of art." —Gregory Prescott

Prescott is based in Los Angeles and sells prints directly on his website.

Adrienne Raquel

<cite class="credit">"Sunset Drive" Adrienne Raquel / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adrienneraquel/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@adrienneraquel;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@adrienneraquel</a></cite>
"Sunset Drive" Adrienne Raquel / @adrienneraquel

“I feel most inspired shooting on the West Coast. There's something magical about those California sunsets and palm trees. My current work focuses heavily on the female gaze and essence of femininity. I love capturing women in these powerful yet glamorous, dream-like portraits.” —Adrienne Raquel

Raquel is based in New York City and is currently selling a print through Reframing the Future. 100% of the proceeds will be donate to National Bail Out and the Marsha P. Johnson Institute.

Aisha Seriki

<cite class="credit">Aisha Seriki / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/occupiedbythelense/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@occupiedbythelense;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@occupiedbythelense</a></cite>
Aisha Seriki / @occupiedbythelense

“'Heaven is not closed’ was inspired by a trip to Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is famous for its paintings; outstanding and undeniably beautiful. Yet the clear absence of black people in the paintings was hard to ignore. It is important to note that this absence is all too common in most Western art institutions. Especially the ones that seem to be landmarks of culture. As a black woman, not seeing black women represented at all—let alone in all their glory—was disheartening. The centerpiece of the project is the three girls linked with each other, to highlight unity, community, and sisterhood. By using the museum as a backdrop for my project, I aim to demonstrate that the art world is not closed to us.” —Aisha Seriki

Seriki is based in South London. She sells prints on her website. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this print will go to The Black Curriculum.

Gunner Stahl

<cite class="credit">Gunner Stahl / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gunnerstahl.us/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@gunnerstahl.us;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@gunnerstahl.us</a></cite>
Gunner Stahl / @gunnerstahl.us

“My current focus is expanding my range. I want to shoot any and everything, not just musicians. I’m amazing with my camera and want to show everyone.” —Gunner Stahl

Stahl doesn't sell prints, but he does sell books with his portraits in them on his website.

Interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.

Originally Appeared on GQ