“Photography is so heavily male and white that it can definitely be isolating if you don’t have someone to turn to. When I found BWP, it felt like a breath of fresh air to not only see how many Black women photographers there were but how many there are globally! Anywhere I go now, I can find my tribe of Black women photographers and can find support 24/7.”

— Lauren Washington, Washington, D.C.

“BWP has provided me with access to countless opportunities such as guest lectures and fee waivers to grant programs that I would otherwise not have been able to apply for. My skills as a photographer and business owner have increased tenfold, as I have been able to attend workshops on managing finances, creating and pitching project proposals, and learning software such as Capture One and Photo Mechanic.”

— Ayesha Kazim, London and South Africa

“At this point in my career…I wanted to slowly be able to lean on my photography as my full-time job instead of something I was passionate about on the weekends. Since joining BWP, actively participating, and giving knowledge back to the community, I’ve worked with worldwide brands like American Airlines and Firefox…I’ve met women who look like me that have similar passions and interests that have helped me level up my gear, my knowledge, and my rates!”

— Meika Ejiasi, Oakland, California

“BWP’s directory and online presence has provided myself and so many others with opportunities that have…been previously difficult to obtain. Portfolio reviews that lead to published work (like my portraits of black mental health workers that were featured in Reuters), Zoom Q&A’s with some of the best movers and shakers in the photography industry, photo walks, global community building, and networking via Slack…are just a small list of the great things this space has produced.”

— Zakiyyah Woods, Brooklyn, New York

"Since the launch of Black Women Photographers in 2020, I’ve witnessed this community blossom to a worldwide encouraging and caring environment. This space has provided an outlet for questions, deep analysis and everything in between. It was one of the first times I had seen my photography and name in an article, a special experience. For me, the guest speakers and interactive classes have been the most beneficial because I have had the opportunity to learn from career professionals who look like me. Not only have the people who have entered the space to teach become role models, they were open to questions, engaging and offering advice to us all. As Black Women Photographers expand past their 1 year anniversary I am confident others who begin to join will feel the same."

— Laila Annmarie Stevens, Brooklyn, New York

“I can attribute so much of the tangible progress in my practice to this grassroots organization and community. I’ve been afforded the opportunity to have my portfolio reviewed by editors at seven top news outlets. My portfolio review with USA Today was so successful that they sent me a contract and added me to their roster of freelancers.”

— Bria Woods, San Antonio, Texas

“BWP not only supported me creatively, but also found ways to help me enhance my career with opportunities that many photographers could only dream of. Because of them, after five years, I was able to upgrade my camera to a mirrorless system.”

— Inari Washington, Atlanta, Georgia

“I found a family within this community of great Womxn whom I look up to and call my friends. The constant sharing of job and grants opportunities, classes, and portfolio reviews gave me the confidence to believe in my work, to connect with top photo editors, and apply for opportunities which landed me a few of my grants. Through this community, I’ve found belief in myself and my art.”

— Taesirat Yusuf, Lagos, Nigeria

“BWP has truly changed my life, especially in a time like this where the world has been experiencing a pandemic…It is so nice to be part of a sisterhood that supports you and inspires you to create your best work.”

— Tiffany Thompson, Baltimore, Maryland

“Black Women Photographers is one of the organizations I recently joined during the pandemic, and it has shown me the beauty in having a community vs the competition. This organization has opened doors for me and provided education in my industry to help me build and improve my craft. I want to shine some light on Polly Irungu, the founder of BWP, thank you for creating a platform that we didn’t know we needed.”

— Johanna Desrosiers, Los Angeles, California

“BWP is hands down, the best thing to ever happen. The amount opportunities I've gotten is amazing. It has changed my life. I can’t thank Polly enough.”

— Zaria Love, Los Angeles, California