Many of us are thankful for the work of photographers like Gordon Parks and Jamel Shabazz for being pioneers in more than just one way. Without the work of these incredible artists, many photographers today probably would have never picked up a camera. For over 14 years, the Phoblographer has done some of the most work around inclusivity within photography publications. We don’t only feature black photographers during Black History Month — we do it all year around. This year, we’re doing an unsponsored partnership with VSCO: the platform that gives photographers the tools and community the modern web lacks. Here are the best Black Photographers that you should watch in 2024.
Editor’s Note: This is an unsponsored collaboration of the Best Black Photographers to Watch in 2024 is done with VSCO: the company making the community and tools for those who identify as photographers first. This article was put together between Phoblographer Editor-in-Chief Chris Gampat and VSCO Senior Manager of Integrated Marketing Ashley Robinson. The lead image is by Nwabisa Salukazana and was used with permission in our original interview.
The Best Black Photographers to Watch in 2024 were selected by us and are folks with work that we adore and believe in.
Romain Maya
Blending fun ideas with wild actions together, Romain is surely one of the best black photographers we’ve seen in a while. We’re also really loving the use of light in the images.
Wulf Bradley
Looking for a sense of calm beauty? Look no further than Wulf!
Adaeze Okaro
Dive into Adaeze’s work and you’ll find buried treasure amongst the web — which can sometimes feel like a creative desert.
Christopher Michael
Dem tonez, right? There’s plenty of them in Christopher’s work.
Shamaal Bloodman
If you’re into the idea of lots of warmth in your images, you’ll like what Shamaal has.
John Baloy
John’s photographs feel like moments that you haven’t seen before.
Ruby Okoro
Combine effective use of color with curious framing and fun ideas and you’ve got the work of Ruby.
Brandon Thomas Brown
You need to dive into Brandon’s work to understand and feel each image’s beauty.
Ubani Chidindu
Jag’s portraits feel like they’re channeling the vibes we get from both Vogue and the Fader at the same time.
Vanessa Mwingira
There’s a sense of both classic cool and modern takes in this Comfort Inn.
Philip Boakye
From the use of flash in portraits to the creative colors in the scenes, there’s a lot to love here.
Nate King
Some of Nate’s images really make you sit and stare while marveling at their simplicity. He’s surely one of the best black photographers of 2024 in our book.
Jordé
We’re smitten with the idea of conceptual portraiture; and there’s lots of it here.
Elijah Barnes
Elijah gives us a look at contemporary life that many fashion photographers of the past would adore. Dive in and study Elijah’s photos and you’ll find traces of not only the best black photographers, but David Seidner and more.
Nwabisa Salukazana
Finding good conceptual portrait photographers is one of our favorite things to do. Not much Photoshop is used here; and so Nwabisa is surely one of the best black photographers we’ve seen recently.
Follow them on VSCO. And be sure to check out our interview with Nwabisa.
Rhulani Anthony Bila
Majira Mchana
Majira uses color in a way that so many old-school photographers would be proud of.
Everyday People Stories
Here, you’ll find various portraits showing off a lot about various people; and the portraits are all fascinating.
Chauncey Magnum
There’s a sense of wild, fun-loving energy in Chauncey’s photographs.
Sheridon & Stephnie
Some of Stephnie and Sheridon’s images make us stare and wonder how they were made. Check them out, you’ll see.
Kwaku Yeboah Sarkodie
Wait until you see Kwaku’s fashion work. He’s surely one of the best black photographers we’ve found recently.
Travis X
There’s simply too much to talk about with Travis’s work and all the creative effects he uses.
