20 POC Photographers On The Rise
We are here to highlight some of our rising People of Color (POC) photographers at The Hub! Read about these creatives who are boldly reshaping the fashion industry.
1.) Adeib El Masri
Adeib is an Arizona based photographer who travels in between to the middle east all of the time. His photography style focuses on editorials with occasional fashion moments and experimenting with an array of different styles.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“Not seeing myself represented anywhere is one of the main reasons I didn’t start creating until college. I’m Middle Eastern and Muslim, if I’m being honest I’ve only seen myself being represented once on tv and I can relate to one YouTuber. Its hard to find someone that’s like me! I’m a practicing Muslim that doesn’t fuss over every small thing but I still follow the religion. I’m fluent in both Arabic and English. You might be thinking oh you probably have millions of people like you and that’s true but I never see them anywhere! They might not be getting the attention they deserve or they might just be hiding and keeping their art for themselves because they can’t imagine a world where someone like them is doing something like this. Representation is extremely important and if I didn’t see myself represented I probably would never have gotten into photography or social media.”
2.) Sundus Alfe
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https://www.instagram.com/p/BfU3_L0nVgi/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdEBjlcHUCb/
Sundus is a Brooklyn based photographer. Her style focuses on fashion and portrait photography.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“Growing up as a young Arab girl, I was infatuated with Western media and its portrayal of beauty, though it was quite literally everything I didn’t have: straight, blonde hair, blue eyes, and virtually hairless. It left me angry and envious, often going to extremes in pursuit of such features. Fast forward to a few years ago at the onset of my interest in photography, and I noticed the same issue yet again — models fitting a very narrow standard of beauty were the most well-known in the creative world, and the photographers working with them got the most attention. I was upset and desperately craved representation in the creative field that my friends, family and I could relate to; I wanted to see unruly and dark hair, dark skin, all shapes and sizes, scars, big noses, hijabs and modest clothing, and different gender expressions. The most rewarding feeling is when people reach out to let me know that they can relate to my models and how my photography has helped them on their journey towards self-love — this is the astounding effect representation can have on people.”
3.) Grace Macjones
Grace is a portrait and fashion photographer based in Seattle, Washington. Her style can be described as minimal, colorful, and emotional.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“I think cultural representation is important in the creative industry because this industry has the influence to create the cultural norm of any society. As creatives, we have the power to create the future we wish to live in. This is why it is imperative to represent all types of races, genders, nationalities, experiences, physical ability, ethnicity, identity, body types, etc in what we create. If seeing is believing, then what we create and where we draw inspiration from, is a reflection of what we believe is true and normal. Also, it’s not enough to talk about diversity, without speaking on inclusion. We need to celebrate, showcase and value the work of minorities in the creative industry. By doing so, we are intentionally empowering the next generation of creatives to embrace diversity, dream bigger, and be their authentic self.”
4.) Jana Cantua
Jana is a photographer based in San Antonio / Austin, Texas area. Her photography style combines vibrant colors and elements from the 70s and 80s with a modern, dreamy twist. She strives to portray her subject through a lens of truth while at the same time adding an element of surrealism and mystery.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“This is such an important question for me. And there are so many things I want to talk about. I want to talk about how when I was growing up, I rarely saw people from Latin America represented in movies or working in creative industries. I want to talk about how representation helps us break stereotypes. I want to talk about how up until this year, Vogue had never (in 126 years of being in business) hired a black photographer to shoot their cover. I want to talk about all of this, but instead, I’ll just say that diversity is important for endless reasons, too many to count. It’s how we learn about each other. When we see someone that looks like us working as a photographer or videographer or anything else we aspire to be, we gain courage. We feel like maybe we could do that too. We feel a sense of belonging. When we see someone from a different culture/ethnicity/race being represented, we learn to accept them. We learn to not stereotype them. We start to realize that there can be a woman from Latin America shooting the cover of Vogue one day. And she won’t be the only one, but one of many beautifully different perspectives. ”
5.) Annis Kamara
Annis is a New York City-based photographer whose style varies depending on the subject of the image that she is working on.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“Cultural diversity is important to the creative industry because various cultures already influence so much of it. Multiple creative shoots mirror imagery or customs from multiple backgrounds. So it’s just common sense that it be inclusive to the industry.”
6.) Darrell Jackson
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https://www.instagram.com/p/Boh11yElZH4/
Darell is based out of San Francisco/ Bay Area. His style of photography is natural/vintage. He draws his inspiration from his favorite movies that have concepts, color, and etc.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“I think cultural/diversity representation is important in the creative industry because as the melting pot country we’re supposed to be, I believe it is only right that different cultures are represented and appreciated. There’s not a lot of POC that get enough recognition, and we should be working with each other to bring visions to fruition so things aren’t misconstrued as we see happen a lot in fashion campaigns and what not. ”
7.) Bianca Castellar Calvani
Bianca is a photographer based in Richmond, Virginia who often works in New York City. Her photography style can be described as fashion and beauty portrait editorials.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“For creatives who grow up in different cultures, our experiences have directly affected how we view the world and that has everything to do with how we choose to execute our visions and present ourselves. Our different perspectives help us artistically translate and give a platform to subjects that aren’t conventionally considered beautiful or normal in the industry, and that’s what makes each of us unique. I feel like our audiences deserve to feel a sense of community when they see our work, and to me, that’s the most important thing.”
8.) Will Luo
Will is a photographer based in New York City. His photography style focuses on a mix of styles
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“People get lost when they have no one to look up to. Representation reminds you that greatness can come from anyone. Six years ago I saw Ren Hang’s work for the first time. I was blown away; he changed my view of Chinese people, and by extension, myself. I got into photography when I was on Tumblr in 2012, so I’m basically just trying to recreate what I’d see on the blogs I used to follow. I’ve been getting more personal in my recent work. I want people to experience my photos as a haze of memories that they haven’t experienced yet but can still somehow relate to. ”
9.) Kanya Iwana
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https://www.instagram.com/p/Bphq96olS9L/
Kanya is a photographer who works in Los Angeles and New York. Her style of photography is cinematic that brings her photos with deep, romantic lighting. They have a somber tone to them.
Why do you think cultural / diversity representation is important in the creative industry?
“It’s just like real life – if we only know 10% of the population, we are so blind, and that’s such a waste of life. We on earth are so gifted with diversity. It’s such a stunning celebration, and it’s our duty as creatives to raise our voices on that.”
10.) Leandro Marte
Leandro is an all style photographer and commercial director based in New York but currently resides in Paris. His style of photography can be described as very colorful and poetic, centralized in story-telling.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“I believe cultural diversity is important in the industry because this is a medium that connects you to other people. There is not just one specific race, so if there is no diversity, you are excluding a lot of people from connecting to your work and being inspired, that’s why I create for people to relate not just for myself.”
11.) Jasmine Durhal
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Jasmine is a photographer based in Los Angeles, California. She is a portrait, commercial, and fashion beauty photographer. Her style is vibrant alluring and contemporary.”
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“Everyone deserves to create their stories and to showcase them. Representation impacts the world there are so many different narratives that are untold on larger platforms, that deserve the same exposure common American culture broadcast.”
12.) Casper Yen
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Casper is a photographer based in New York City who style leans towards refined, clean portraiture that captures the natural raw mood of subjects.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“Cultural representation is important in the creative industry because it allows us to experience different interpretations of crafts. Just being able to expose ourselves to these different interpretations allow us to be further inspired to excel in our own creative work in a way that’s unique to us. It also creates a sense of community for those with similar backgrounds while helping foster each other’s own growth.”
13.) Fanny Chu
Fanny is a photographer based in Los Angeles, California. Her style can be described as fashion meets conceptual.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“I think it’s very important for everyone. But for the creative industry, if you can’t showcase cultural representation, you’re just limiting yourself to create greater art. I find beauty in every cultural and races, and I love to use my photography skill to showcase all kind of beauty. Be open-minded and be accepting, you will find more inspirations everywhere for your art.”
14.) Luis Martinez
Luis is a photographer based in Altana, Georgia. His photography style varies throughout lifestyle and fashion.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“I think it’s important because we are all born equally. As Logic said, “Equality of every man, woman, and child regardless of race, religion, color, creed, and sexual orientation.” Us, the creatives, should love one another when it comes to creating our masterpieces with anyone.”
15.) Deanie Chen
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Deanie is a Los Angeles based photographer; she focuses on concert and fashion photography.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“All voices deserve to be heard, especially in the creative industry, where the work you put out is so heavily reflective of your individual background and experiences. Diverse representation in the creative industry will stress to future generations that regardless of who they are, there isn’t a barrier to entry. People need to know that their background doesn’t hinder their art, but rather, it is the most powerful creative tool they can harness.”
16.) Marcus Ibarra
Marcus is a photographer based in Austin, Texas. His style of photography can be described as colorful and soft.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“Representation is everything. Including diversity in your work as a creative allows you to help bring forth the importance of cultural acceptance.”
17.) Terralynn Mikell
Terralynn is a photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. Her photography style focuses on portraits and nature.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“I think it is important to show diversity within the creative industry because we simply live in a diverse world. It is much easier to appreciate and love art when you can relate to it! Showing diversity within a category that visually appeals to just about everyone helps create a sense of unity, which we need in the world today. ”
18.) Jenna Fernandez
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn3bKQAHaCg/
Jenna is a photographer based out of Los Angeles and London. Her photography style specializes in fashion, portraiture, and lifestyle.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
“It is imperative for the creative industry to embrace cultural diversity because there are infinite amounts of talent in this world and I believe we have only scratched the surface. We should be encouraging other cultures to create so that we can continue to learn from each other’s art.”
19.) Sarah Shen
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Sarah is a photographer based in Los Angeles, California. She focuses on fashion, portraits, and product. Her style can be seen as editorial and feminine.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
” Representation of cultural and diversity is important because it gives different kinds of people a platform to voice their perspectives. It brings in viewpoints that would otherwise not exist in a homogeneous industry and spreads it, enabling the audience to engage and relate with those ideas.”
20.) Lawrence De Leon
Lawrence is a photographer based in San Francisco, California. Their photography style focuses on a daydream-like sense with a push of unexpected beauty. A sense of serenity and warm tones can be seen in the photos.
Why do you think cultural representation is important in the creative industry?
” I believe that diversity is a strength in our field because creativity needs a wider supporting perspective. I think that evolving culture and trends towards the value of art is a collective influence from acceptance of differences.”
Who is your favorite POC photographer? Share with us in the comments below!
