Black History Month 2023 – celebrating Black photographers.
February 25th, 2023
In honor of Black History Month, Zenfolio is amplifying black voices from within our community and celebrating their creativity. This month and throughout the year, we turn the spotlight on Black artists and photographers as a tangible recognition of their societal journey and the importance of their cultural contributions.
From editorial shoots to events, this collection of photographers and business owners use their talents to create meaningful art and images that celebrate joy and life.
Shamara
https://www.instagram.com/xaviarmedia/
Shamara, the owner and lead photographer at Xaviar Media, has been in love with photography since the age of 10. Her love for photography and art grew as she was able to understand the power and emotions that an image can evoke. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Shamara has plans to expand her business to include videography in the near future.
In a recent interview with Shoutout Atlanta, she spoke about her work and what she’s learned so far. “My art has heart, if I don’t feel anything when I’m looking at my images that means that I have not done what I set out to do…The lessons that I have learned along the way are network, never stop learning, do not be afraid of change, do not be afraid to take risks, and it is ok to ask for help.”
This photo is a favorite of hers because of the overall vibe. To create this image Shamara used a Canon 5D Mark III and 24-105mm lens at ISO 100, 1/250.
David England
https://www.davidenglandphotography.com/
https://www.instagram.com/davidenglandphotography
David England, a wedding and event photographer based in Long Beach, CA, started taking photos professionally in 2000. David loves the craft of photography and the art of storytelling, approaching each celebration with a fresh perspective. At the heart of his business is his belief that photography should be affordable while maintaining exceptional quality and customer service.
“Knowing with each image I’m creating a masterpiece that can be passed down from generation to generation is food for my soul. My clients are an extension of my family, and when given the task of capturing important moments, I give myself to the craft, and I give my heart completely to the art of photography.” – David England
Denise Mari Stewart
https://domdeephotography.zenfolio.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dom_dee_photography
Denise Mari Stewart and is a lifestyle and special event photographer in Springfield, MA. Denise is the owner and lead photographer at Dom Dee Photography Studio, a family company whose mission is to create everlasting quality expressions that will last a lifetime. A staunch believer in printing and enjoying your images, Denise uses quality processing services for sharp images with exuberant colors.
This portrait of beautiful little ballerinas is one of her favorites, shot with her Canon mirrorless EOS R and 24-105 lens.
George Edward Greenwell
https://www.georgeedwardphotography.com/
https://www.instagram.com/georgeedwardphotography/
George Edward Greenwell is a portrait photographer based in Evansville, Indiana, who strives to capture the beauty of the black community. While earning his BA in Communications with a minor in African American studies in Western Kentucky, he had the opportunity to work with the photography school and quickly realized he had found the right outlet for his creativity.
About his image: This is a picture of my son and his motorbike that he loves so much. On this day, he was wanting to ride his bike rather than shoot so he started giving me this upset, intense look to show his unhappiness with me taking his picture. I didn’t notice what he was doing until later when editing, and can’t help but to laugh because the look he was giving me fits perfectly with the motorbike shoot we were doing.
Katera Gousy
https://katerajonesphotography.zenfolio.com
Katera Gousy is a lifestyle photographer born and raised in Southern Maryland. From a very young age, she found that she looked at the world differently compared to friends and family. This talent has always helped her to make ordinary things in life look extraordinary on the screens of her camera. While she got her start in landscape photography, she enjoys most giving her creative streak free reign during portrait and wedding shoots.
About her image: In this particular photo our bride and groom originally had three champagne bottles to photograph “popping champagne”.
Leading up to taking this photo, all three bottles lost their caps, creating lots of laughter as to how that happened. The bride’s sister decided to shake the last bottle as a last attempt but she was unfamiliar with the process thus spraying us all with champagne. This photo caught the moments during and after what turned out to be the perfect pop and spray for the entire party.
Teddy Wright
https://www.wrighttouchphotography.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wrighttouchphotography/
Teddy Wright is the owner/photographer at Wright Touch Photography, located in Memphis, TN. In addition to on location services, Teddy operates a full service photography studio. A portrait photographer, he provides a wide range of photography services with professionalism and attention to detail.
About his image: I love the way this look came together and the grids reflecting in the glasses. For this shoot, I used a Canon 5DIv, strip box, and beauty dish.
