Black Women Photographers: A Collective Transforming the Industry

Black Women Photographers (BWP), founded by Polly Irungu in July 2020, is an impactful initiative that challenges the prevailing narrative that it is difficult to discover and commission Black and African creatives. The collective serves as a global community, directory, and hub connecting over 2,100 Black and African photographers across 60+ countries and 35+ U.S. states. Through its powerful mission, BWP actively works to create opportunities for its members, offering much-needed resources and visibility in the photography industry.

COOPH recently sponsored the BWP exhibition, showcasing the diverse talents within this dynamic collective. The exhibition highlighted BWP’s ongoing efforts to uplift Black women photographers by supporting them with visibility and tangible resources. Since its inception, BWP has disbursed over $185,000 in financial support, growing significantly from the initial $14,500 COVID-19 relief fund that jumpstarted the initiative during the pandemic.

This exhibition underscores BWP’s commitment to creating a space where Black women receive the recognition they deserve and are hired for their talents. The organization’s active database is a powerful resource distributed to brands, photo editors, directors, curators, and art buyers, facilitating connections and opportunities for these talented creatives. Through such exhibitions and continued support, BWP is making an undeniable mark on the industry, ensuring that Black women photographers have the platform they deserve.

Check out some of the best photographs curated from BWP's latest exhibition.

© Amari Dixon