Six Black Photographers to Follow in 2025

These visual storytellers are paving the way for creative expression, representation and the Black gaze in photography. Read on as photographers Dondre Green, Jarrod Anderson, Oye Diran, Nesrin Danan, Inari Briana and Sen Floyd persevere and share their striking photography, photographers’ experiences, thoughts on representation in the industry, and the importance of support.

Dondre Green: Portrait photographer from Bronx, NY

I'm a Black image maker, born and raised in the Bronx. A lot of my work is rooted in a feeling and story, which I convey through pixels.

I hope people see themselves represented in some way, and that my work allows the viewer to open their perception to fully see what I'm presenting.

Opportunities and capital. More of both of these and creatively, there's a lot more that I'd get done—for my short-term and long-term visions.

Creative support and encouragement are pivotal, especially from those who are in similar playing fields as you. This could look like sharing opportunities, advice, and budget negotiation numbers. I've seen even more Black creatives come together over the last few years and be put in positions to hire artists for assignments, too, which is a plus. In terms of representation, it matters. As image makers, we have special gifts that allow us to document our existence. Images are time portals.

Nesrin Danan: Live music and portrait photographer from Los Angeles, CA

My name is Nesrin Danan. I'm 26, and I'm from Portland, Oregon. My photography spans multiple fields including concerts, portraits, events, brand campaigns and model tests. I definitely have a style of using natural light and super-rich/vibrant colour palettes.

I like to make everyday moments feel cinematic, and for viewers to feel like they were there.

Being a young Black woman is challenging in any white male-dominated space, especially in music photography. I felt like I hit a lot of dead ends in terms of hiring/being supported when it came to tours or gigs that I really wanted when I first started out. I definitely had to network a lot and also meet artists and management teams who would value me and what I bring to the table.

I love having people around me who will extend resources and connections, and mention my name in a room I’m not in. I've gotten several of my biggest jobs through word of mouth. Sticking together is important, and remembering that there really is room for everyone.

Sen Floyd: Portrait photographer from Brooklyn, NY

My name is Senetchut Menab Neh-ti also known as Sen Floyd—I'm a Brooklyn-born photographer and director. Photography first gravitated to me in my 10th-grade year of high school. At the time, I was heavily influenced by graffiti/street art and found myself constantly in trouble for expressing my creativity. In order to stay in school, my principal forced me to apply to an extracurricular program. By coincidence, I chose photography and applied to the Studio Museum of Harlem’s Expanding the Walls photography and literature program.

Although I submitted an application, I didn't believe I would be accepted since I was below the age requirement. But to my surprise and benefit, SMH welcomed me with open arms which would start a chain of events that would ultimately change my life. After my time at SMH, I continued my studies in photography and film at NYU Tisch, Maysles Institute and Cinema, Tribeca Film Institute, the Film Connection Institution, the New York Institute of Photography and finally FIT for marketing.

My photography has taken me to places I had once deemed unattainable. From touring with artists like Dram, G Herbo, and Vince Staples, to capturing ad campaigns for Adorama, and Adidas, to teaching photography for institutions like the Apollo. With the power of the image, I have been able to open doors that words and resumes could not have. Currently, my personal work is focused on portraits specifically highlighting Black talent.

Most of my work tends to focus on alternative forms of Black beauty and art that is usually unpopular in mainstream media—and although I share my work on public platforms I never worry about what viewers take from it. My satisfaction comes from the creation itself, and if someone happens to resonate with what I create then that's a plus.

Currently I face having created for others to live, instead of creating the work and stories that are fulfilling and meaningful to me and my experience. Ultimately, I would like it if the work I create wasn't separated into personal/commissioned—and it all be one entity.

Sometimes, I don't know who's rooting for me. When I share my work via Instagram (or whatever popular platform) I don't also see who's on the other side checking out my art or referencing or speaking highly of me. It's moments like these that really matter and should set the town for the young Black creative scene. I'm huge on passing on gigs—especially if I think another artist is fitter and could do a better job than me.

Jarrod Anderson: Photographer based in Brooklyn, NY

I'm a Florida native currently living in Brooklyn, NY. I graduated from the University of South Florida in 2013 before moving to NYC in 2015. I began shooting in 2016 and went full-time in 2017. I focus mainly on fashion and portrait photography.

My main goal is to capture Black subjects and tell their stories, all of their stories, the love, the pain and all the feelings we feel in between.

My biggest struggle is probably getting the opportunities to work with the bigger agencies that actually gate-keep the big campaigns most photographers dream of working with.

I find a ton of inspiration in my peers. There are some amazing photographers out there who are creating some dope art right now all across the world. I also find a lot of relief in knowing that my peers are facing similar issues as me in our photography journeys. Sometimes I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing or what I'm creating, but I see other photographers telling their stories so I don't feel alone.

Inari Washington: Commercial and editorial photographer from Atlanta, GA

I am a commercial and editorial photographer based out of Atlanta, Ga. I have been doing photography for eight years. With film and cinema being my first true love, when I got into photography it was easy to transition and create stories using still images.

My main goal for my art is to provoke emotion and tell a story. Over the years I have always searched for ways to step outside of my comfort zone and it wasn’t easy. With time, I have been able to experiment and push beyond the limits that I am accustomed to.

A unique struggle of mine would just be being seen. Having such an urge to be noticed by the masses, Thinking your work will be sidelined because you know other people have better advantages, and working twice as hard to get at least half … it is the hustle and it comes with struggles. Staying motivated and not falling because you are uncertain.

My peers in photography throughout the years saw a lot of potential in me that I did not know I had. It was their little tips that helped me take a better look at how I see my work. It’s sometimes hard being friends with people in the same field as you. So I’ve been truly blessed to have made and kept friends who root for me on the sidelines. There is room for everyone. So for young Black creatives? It’s important that the next generation of photographers are able to hold their hand out so we can help them up.

Oye Diran: Fashion photographer from New York City

My name is Oye Diran, I'm a Nigerian fashion and conceptual photographer based in NYC. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria then moved to NY at a young age. Growing up, I was always involved in the arts. Whether in or outside school. My mother, who was a professional visual artist, was also an influence in my life. I first picked up a camera in college and started photography as a hobby, taking photographs of friends and family. As time went by I became inspired to be more intentional with the craft. Combining my affinity for art and photography to tell stories, document experiences and convey ideas that mean a lot to me.

My main goal is to inspire. Through telling stories that have been left in the dark, conveying life lessons and ideas that deeply resonate with me. I hope viewers are enlightened and empowered when viewing my work.

As a Black creative it sometimes feels like I've had to work harder to be seen or taken seriously. Over the past years, I've definitely been blessed with great opportunities and platforms to showcase my art but, I'd be painting an incomplete picture if I didn't mention the rejections and difficulties I faced as well. There's also this preconceived expectation of the sort of art I'm expected to create as a Black artist. A label, a box, or a trend that I'm supposed to fall under.

I've definitely been blessed with peers who have mentioned my name in spaces that have given me opportunities to shoot campaigns, create commissioned projects and showcase my work on great platforms. I wouldn't have had such opportunities if it weren't for them. It has been helpful to my growth in creating more visibility for my work and cultivating more organic opportunities. It's important for young Black creatives to stick together and create representational imagery to elevate ourselves and our stories. Creating opportunities that were once very difficult to obtain and shedding light on the various truths that were once left in the dark.

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