Black Women Photographers (BWP) is committed to dismantling the barriers that make it difficult to discover and commission Black creatives. Our mission is to serve as a powerful resource for industry gatekeepers, ensuring that Black and African women creatives receive the recognition, visibility, and professional opportunities they deserve.

Founded in July 2020 by Polly Irungu, BWP is a global community, directory, and support hub with over 2,100 Black and African creatives across more than 60 countries and 35 U.S. states. What began with a Black Women Photographers COVID-19 Relief Fund to support Black photographers facing financial hardship during the pandemic has since grown into the largest provider of grants, resources, and gear for Black and African women creatives. To date, BWP has awarded over $185,000 in financial grants and provided an additional $60,000 in cutting-edge camera equipment to help empower our members. 

Read our full mission here. Support our work today here.

Testimonials from our Members, Partners, Allies

  • “BWP has opened doors for me as a photographer that wouldn’t have been possible on my own. I had a portfolio review with Getty Images about two years ago. This year, they reached out to me directly to inform me of the Creative Accelerator Program. I was so pleased to be accepted into it because it helped to jumpstart my commercial photography career. This is what communities like this are about. Giving those who are often overlooked, opportunities to advance in their career.”

    — Reyna Samms, Atlanta-based BWP Member

  • “Adobe Photoshop Lightroom has been proud to collaborate with Black Women Photographers (BWP) since its inception in 2020. It is an honor to provide support for BWP as they elevate and amplify valuable voices in the creative community. Through their work, BWP has succeeded in addressing the need to create important opportunities for underrepresented creators by bringing together resources and artists in new, exciting ways that have strengthened the creative community.”

    — Pei Ketron, Photography Community Lead at Adobe

  • "From commercial commissions to editorial features and brand partnerships, the last year of BWP has been amazing to watch and I know this is only the beginning. The most exciting ventures are ahead and we’re all so excited to see BWP build on their foundations for success. Black Women Photographers have left us all inspired by seeing firsthand when talent, passion, and community are celebrated. We’re all cheering for you and it’s been a humble joy to witness all your successes.”

    — Todd Owyoung, Nikon Ambassador

  • Established Black Women Photographers in July 2020

    Founded by Polly Irungu

  • Launched the #HireBlackWomenPhotographers Movement and Popularized #BlackWomenPhotographers

    There has been over 100K posts on Instagram with #BlackWomenPhotographers and over 20K Instagram posts for #HireBlackWomenPhotographers

  • Grown the Black Women Photographers collective from 0 members to 2,100 members, including photographers from 50+ countries and 30+ U.S. States

  • Launched the first COVID-19 relief fund for Black Women Photographers and distributed $14,500 in relief to 70 Black and African women creatives

  • Launched the global community in 2020

    Founded by Polly Irungu on July 7th.

  • Grown collective to over 700 members, including photographers from 26 countries and 32 states.

    #HireBlackWomenPhotographers

    #BlackWomenPhotographers

  • $14,500 USD COVID-19 relief fund distributed to 70 Black women photographers impacted by the pandemic.

    The funds were crowdsourced on Twitter.

  • Raised $10,000 USD with member Etinosa Yvonne to purchase and distribute PPE to local Nigerian photojournalists covering the #EndSars movement

    The funds were crowdsourced on social media.

  • Established an annual grant fund in partnership with Nikon Inc. - Providing $40,000 of financial support to BWP members and $10,000 in cameras and lenses.

    #BWPGrantFund + #BWPxNikon

  • Partnerships with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Camera Bits, Capture One, CreativeLive, Flickr, Getty Images, Nasdaq, Nikon Inc., SmugMug, The Everyday Projects

  • Worked with photo departments from Reuters, Guardian, Associated Press, National Geographic, NPR, Bloomberg, New York Times, Washington Post, and more to provide FREE portfolio reviews to 100+ members

    A typical portfolio review can cost $200-$400+ USD.

  • Online and in-person exhibitions that reached thousands of viewers.

    Head to the exhibitions tab to view them.

  • Helped dozens of Black women photographers get hired from outlets and brands like The New York Times, NPR, Getty Images, Nike, Red Bull, American Airlines, and more.

    #HireBlackWomenPhotographers

  • Hosted dozens of FREE workshops, events, and creative talks from the business side of photography to finding your creative voice with notable industry leaders

    From Flo Ngala to Kennedi Carter to AB+DM.

  • Held in-person meet ups (safely) in Los Angeles, Oakland, New York City, Atanta, Dallas, Abuja, and London

    We hope to do more soon!

  • Featured press includes NPR, BBC News, Creative Review, OkayAfrica, AfroTech, BuzzFeed, The Guardian, PhotoShelter