3 Documentary Photographers to remember
If you're a fan of Hip Hop, particularly 90's Hip Hop, chances are you've seen -- and been captivated -- by at least a few Chi Modu photos. His imprint on the culture is undeniable, and each of his images burst with the kind of personality that can only be captured by an artist who is truly accepted by his subjects. Chi Modu wasn't just documenting the culture, he was the culture. The passing of one of Hip Hop's most beloved documentarians got us thinking about this day and age. In this article, we explore black photographers who have that same dynamic. The kind of artists who immerse themselves in their surroundings and come out with images that are both beautiful and important. Here are 3 black documentary photographers who we admire.
Vuhlandes
https://www.instagram.com/p/COiof9hFyH-/?utm_medium=copy_link
As an amateur photographer (Literally just a point and shoot guy), I constantly find myself on YouTube, trying to learn more about the craft from the pros. It was during one of these YouTube binges that I stumbled across
the undeniably poignant work of Detroit photographer Vuhlandes. For those who don't understand the work, his images are considered controversial -- His subjects often wield machine guns like it ain't nothin. For those of us who do understand, his work is essential. Vuhlandes, like Gordon parks and other great photographers before him, is simply documenting the surroundings that he was raised in. Those surroundings happen to be Detroit, and a look at his work is like a window into life in the Motor City. Don't get it confused though, Vuhlandes does all kinds of photography and excels. We also dig his short films and yes, his vlogs are a much needed resources for newbies like myself.
Nailah
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLAD77ArkOk/?utm_medium=copy_link
As the LA photographer captioned one of her photos: "Growing up in LA .. you gotta know your way around both sides “.
Nailah's work embodies this duality like few others. Whether she's capturing your favorite celebrity, or documenting another day in LA, you can look at her images and know #Naishotthat. Her photography has graced magazine covers and major campaigns but what we especially like is her ability to capture what a lesser talent would consider mundane. During a routine drive through the city recently, Nailah stopped at a man selling watermelon out the trunk of his car. She inquired about his story and
captured this gentleman in a subtly beautiful way. Now THAT is a true artist.
Devin Allen
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPT7Y_fHs8d/?utm_medium=copy_link
The Baltimore photographer's
images have been absolutely essential, as his documentation of the 2015 Freddie Gray uprising made for
one of the most iconic images in recent memory. Devin Allen earned a Time Magazine cover for his efforts and if that didn't cement his legacy enough, he followed it up with another Time Magazine Cover of the George Floyd Protests in 2020. "“My mission hasn’t changed 5 years later, I’m still on the ground doing what I do best," Devin stated after his second cover. "This is my life’s work and I’m just getting started." Devin Allen's photography radiates with his love for the city and he is dedicated to capturing Baltimore, and all of it's inhabitants throughout his career. Check out his book "
A Beautiful Ghetto" for a more extensive look at his impactful work.
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