• "BWP has inspired me fully this year to keep continuing my love of photography."

    —Tiesha "TIZZY TOKYO" Pough, Jamaica-based Member

  • "This year we celebrate five years of partnership between Live Nation Urban and BWP. As a Black woman who continues to navigate the music industry, this work feels deeply personal to me. Creating paid opportunities for Black women and non-binary creatives to shoot our festivals and concerts is about more than access — it’s about representation. This partnership ensures we are not only in the room but shaping the narrative and capturing our culture from within our own community. Live Nation Urban is excited to continue growing this partnership and expanding the impact we can make together.”

    —Christina Woodson, Live Nation Urban Tour and Festival Marketing Manager

  • “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 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

  • "BWP has provided amazing opportunities for me and my professional growth and I'm forever thankful."

    —Noemie-Marguerite, New York-based Member

  • "BWP introduced me to an incredible support system as I began exploring photography in NYC. Launching the NYC Meet Ups in 2021 and organizing events over the last 3 years has played an essential role in making lasting connections in the industry and learning directly from the strengths of other members. I'm thankful for the community and all the growth I have experienced because of it."

    —Michal Petros, New York-based Member

  • "BWP is a home for Black creatives that finally allows me to feel seen, heard, and valued!"

    —Mariah Maddox, Portland-based Membeer

  • "BWP is such a great community to join! If you are new to photography and don't know people who can relate to your struggles, these woman can! Lean in and be a part!"

    —LaTosha Pointer, Chicago-based Member

  • "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

  • "BWP has empowered me to continue the journey towards my dreams. Sometimes it's a resource that sparks creativity down a new path or someone valuing the work that you've completed. Every aspect of this community has made a difference in my journey to professional photography."

    —Nisa Brooks, Atlanta-based Member

  • "I have been a member of BWP for about five months and have been exposed to a supportive group of artists whose ultimate goal is to uplift one another. This is an organization that I know will help me on my creative journey through its resources and encouragement."

    —Carina Scott, Philadelphia-based Member

Equity in Action. Impact in Numbers.

Black Women Photographers (BWP) is committed to dismantling the systemic barriers that make it difficult to discover, hire, and commission Black and African women creatives. We exist to close the access gap—ensuring that industry leaders across media, advertising, publishing, tech, and beyond can connect directly with exceptional Black and African women image-makers. Our mission is to serve as both a powerful resource for gatekeepers and a transformative ecosystem for creatives—driving recognition, visibility, and paid opportunities at scale.

Founded in July 2020 by Polly Irungu, BWP began as the Black Women Photographers COVID-19 Relief Fund, providing emergency financial assistance to Black photographers facing economic hardship during the pandemic. What started as rapid-response mutual aid quickly evolved into a global movement.

Today, BWP is an international community, searchable directory, and professional development hub representing over 2,100 Black and African creatives across more than 60 countries and 35 U.S. states. We have grown into the largest provider of direct grants, resources, and camera equipment specifically dedicated to Black and African women creatives. To date, we have awarded over $230,000 in financial grants to fund creative projects and business operations, along with an additional $80,000 in cutting-edge mirrorless camera equipment—ensuring our members have both the capital and tools needed to thrive.

Our impact extends across industries. Through strategic partnerships spanning news, sports, music, arts, and technology, BWP members have been commissioned, featured, and amplified on global stages—expanding who gets to document culture, shape narratives, and define visual history. From major media outlets to leading tech platforms and cultural institutions, we are actively reshaping pipelines and building sustainable pathways for long-term equity.

At its core, Black Women Photographers is more than a directory—it is infrastructure. We are building an ecosystem where Black and African women creatives are not only discovered, but consistently funded, hired, equipped, and celebrated.

Photograph featured below from our free BWP x Profoto Atlanta Lighting Workshop.

LEARN MORE IN OUR VOGUE SPOTLIGHT