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A Thread On Black Photography, Art & Expression
Black photography can encompass ANY and EVERYTHING! It’s not relegated to one specific form of expression. It can exist outside of the social, journalistic, documentarian and political realm. It CAN be artistic as well.
To be “acceptable” our work must reflect a struggle or negative element. We’re never able to express our other sides, or our inner most selves. Our work in tv/film, music, literature and photography overwhelming consists of anger, pain, crime, sex, drugs, poverty & suffering.
Comedy being the only other exception. No fantasy, beauty, strength, unity, abstraction, creativity, experimentation, innocence, joy, love or romance are allowed!
Meanwhile non black people (mostly white men) are not only afforded the opportunity to fully express themselves, they’re praised and rewarded for it! They’re labeled “masters” and “geniuses”.
Even their mediocrity is commended, while we must be above average or the very best to even be considered! This is exactly why I don’t limit myself. Fuck that! Why is your approval the ultimate standard by which everything else is measured?
If a white man or woman has the freedom to be celebrated for photographing banality, the mundane, the fashionable, the poetic, or the abstract, then so can I! So can we!
I am many things. I have wide ranging interests. I can photograph whatever I want. I can express my true self however I see fit. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what environment you’re in, you should be able to be yourself no matter what. I refuse to be boxed in!
I’m so tired of neglecting or withholding my other styles of work out of fear it won’t be excepted, judge too critically or completely ignored. There& #39;s nothing wrong with specializing, but don& #39;t tell me I need to stay in some imaginary lane.
The lane is whatever direction I chose to go in! As long as I put in the work necessary to improve my skill, then I can create whatever I desire. There are no limits! Just limited minds who criticize others to feed their egotistical need for superiority.
This goes for our people too. Open up your mind! Stop shaming your family and friends into hiding their talent. Take the time to understand their dreams and passion. And after you’re informed, be supportive! Uplift them! Stop projecting your fears and insecurities on to others!
Let people be who they are, COMPLETELY! We shouldn’t be afraid to be “weird” because our folks won’t “get it” That’s bullshit! If you don’t “get it” learn it! You don’t have to totally “get it” to be understanding towards someone.
And I’ve heard the arguments against what I’m saying...”good work is good work no matter who does it” “doesn’t matter what color you are” “you’re either good or not” Right! That’s coming from people privileged enough to NEVER experience rejection for reasons NOT based on talent!
If you’ve never been denied based on the color of your skin, gender, religion, or sexual orientation, then you don’t know what the hell you’re talking about! You don’t know how we feel and you can never speak for us! Shut up and listen! Or stay the hell out of the conversation!
One last point. Stop thinking that only a few of us are "worthy" based on the few that are allowed to become successful. There& #39;s so many talented black people EVERYWHERE! There& #39;s an abundance of talent waiting for their opportunity to shine their light on this world.
Bottom line, be yourself black people! Express yourself!!! Express yourself fully and naturally! Regardless of what ANYONE else thinks or feels! Always stay true to yourself. Let your work be a reflection of who you really are inside. One Love 
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This photo was taken in 2009.
Model: Angela Campbell
Makeup: Micha Lucious
Styling: Tamara Reyes
Model: Angela Campbell
Makeup: Micha Lucious
Styling: Tamara Reyes
