Celebrating the vision and legacy of Chicago’s Black women photographers.
I came to photography through a winding path. After winning three film festivals, I learned cameras on set as a director to make my first film, Ruby's Diner. That experience sparked my love for still images and the way they hold feeling.
Before that, I worked in IT for 13 years. I enjoyed the challenge, but I needed a creative life. Writing pulled me into story, and photography made me stay. Today at Hilson Photography, I chase light, memory, and meaning with purpose.
Today, I want to share the journeys of Black women photographers who turned vision into careers. They didn't just take pictures: they created movements, built opportunities, and proved that background doesn't determine the future.
My Biggest Inspiration: Carrie Mae Weems
One photographer who continually inspires my work at Hilson Photography is Carrie Mae Weems. What draws me to her work isn't just her technical skill: it's how she makes her pictures come alive, just like we strive to do with every shoot.
Carrie Mae Weems grew up in poverty in Portland, Oregon, but she refused to let her circumstances define her destiny. Today, she's a MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipient, the first Black woman to receive the prestigious Hasselblad Award (worth approximately $187,000), and in 2024, she received the National Medal of Arts.
Carrie Mae Weems: storytelling that reframes history and identity.
What makes Weems extraordinary isn't just her accolades: it's her ability to breathe life into every photograph. Her images don't just capture moments; they tell complete stories about identity, history, and human experience. This storytelling approach has made her work highly sought after, with pieces selling for six figures at major galleries and museums worldwide.
Her journey from poverty to art world recognition proves that photography isn't just a creative outlet: it's a legitimate path to financial success and cultural impact.
Five Chicago Photographers Breaking Barriers
Chicago has become a powerhouse for Black women photographers who are redefining the industry. Let me introduce you to five incredible artists who started with passion and built thriving careers.
Tonika Lewis Johnson: Mapping Change Through Photography
Growing up on Chicago's South Side in Englewood, Tonika Lewis Johnson experienced firsthand the effects of urban disinvestment. Instead of letting her environment limit her, she used photography to document and challenge systemic inequalities.
Her groundbreaking Folded Map Project contrasts neighborhoods on Chicago's North and South sides that share the same street addresses, revealing stark differences in investment and opportunity. This work didn't just win critical acclaim: it earned her major fellowships, grants, and recognition that transformed her financial situation.
Johnson co-founded the Englewood Arts Collective and has received support from organizations like the Gordon Parks Foundation. Her work proves that photographers can create social change while building sustainable careers.
Akilah Townsend: Self-Taught Success Story
Born and raised in Chicago's Bronzeville and Grand Crossing neighborhoods, Akilah Townsend is completely self-taught. Her photography celebrates Black beauty and everyday life in Chicago, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary art.
Akilah Townsend: self-taught perspective on everyday beauty and community.
Townsend's client list reads like a who's who of major brands: Nike, Airbnb, The New York Times, and many others. She's collaborated with the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and Color Factory, proving that you don't need formal training to succeed in photography.
Her journey shows young people that passion, persistence, and self-education can lead to lucrative commercial photography careers.
Dana Scruggs: From South Side to Magazine Covers
Originally from Chicago's South Side, Dana Scruggs has become a powerhouse in editorial and commercial photography. She works between Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, shooting for major magazines and brands.
Scruggs made history as the first Black woman to shoot certain high-profile editorial projects and has her fine-art prints in museum collections, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her magazine covers and commercial campaigns command top-dollar fees in the photography industry.
Her success demonstrates how photographers can build multiple revenue streams through editorial work, commercial shoots, and fine art sales.
Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe: Educator and Activist
Born and raised on Chicago's South Side in 1951, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe combined her love of photography with education and activism. Early exposure to museums and arts classes helped shape her path toward a multifaceted career.
Her work has been exhibited at prestigious institutions including MoMA and the Whitney Museum. Beyond creating art, she's built a career as an educator and published several photographic books. Her diverse income streams show how photographers can monetize their skills through teaching, publishing, and exhibition sales.
Michelle V. Agins: Pulitzer Prize Winner
Growing up in Chicago's Bronzeville area, Michelle V. Agins began her career as an intern at the Chicago Daily News. This early start in photojournalism launched a career that would make history.
Michelle V. Agins: Pulitzer-winning photojournalism that chronicles American life.
Agins became a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist for The New York Times, documenting politics, sports, social issues, and historical events. Her retrospective exhibitions and museum shows have cemented her legacy while providing ongoing revenue through print sales and speaking engagements.
Her journey proves that photography careers can span decades and provide both financial stability and historical significance.
Photography: Where Passion Meets Profit
These five women prove that photography offers incredible career flexibility and earning potential. The photography industry includes numerous profitable niches:
Portrait Photography: From family sessions to corporate headshots, portrait photography provides steady income. Many photographers charge $200-$500+ per session.
Wedding Photography: Professional wedding photographers can earn $3,000-$10,000+ per event, with top photographers commanding even higher fees.
Commercial Photography: Working with brands and businesses on advertising campaigns, product shots, and marketing materials often pays $1,000-$5,000+ per project.
Editorial Photography: Magazine and newspaper assignments provide both exposure and income, with rates varying from $500-$3,000+ per assignment.
Fine Art Photography: Selling prints through galleries, online platforms, or art fairs can generate ongoing passive income.
Photojournalism: Documenting news events, social issues, and human stories provides both purpose and payment opportunities.
Stock Photography: Creating images for stock photo websites generates royalty income over time.
The Fun Side of Photography Careers
Photography careers aren't just profitable: they're incredibly enjoyable. Photographers get to:
- Meet fascinating people from all walks of life
- Travel to amazing locations for shoots
- Capture once-in-a-lifetime moments
- Work flexible schedules
- Express creativity daily
- Build lasting relationships with clients
- See their work displayed publicly
- Continue learning new techniques and technologies
Documenting life, community, and creativity through the lens.
Your Photography Journey Starts Now
Whether you're African American, Latino, or from any background, your passion for photography can become a thriving career. The women featured here started with basic equipment and big dreams: just like many successful photographers today.
Here's how to begin:
Start with what you have. Most smartphones take excellent photos. Practice composition, lighting, and storytelling with whatever camera you can access.
Study the masters. Look at work by photographers like Carrie Mae Weems, Gordon Parks, and the Chicago photographers featured here. Analyze what makes their images compelling.
Practice constantly. Take photos every day. Document your neighborhood, family, friends, and daily life.
Learn the business side. Successful photographers understand pricing, client relations, and marketing.
Build a portfolio. Start showcasing your best work online through social media or a simple website.
Network with other photographers. Join photography groups, attend workshops, and connect with professionals in your area.
Consider formal education. While not required, photography classes can accelerate your learning.
Transform Your Community Through Photography
Like Tonika Lewis Johnson mapping Chicago's inequalities or Carrie Mae Weems addressing social issues, photography gives you the power to document and change your community while building a career.
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Your unique perspective is exactly what the photography world needs. Your stories, your community, your experiences: these are the raw materials for both artistic success and financial achievement.
At Hilson Photography, we believe anyone with a passion for capturing moments has the potential to build something extraordinary. Whether you're interested in wedding photography, portraits, street photography, or fine art, your journey can start today.
The camera doesn't care about your zip code, your parents' income, or what others think you can achieve. It only cares about your vision, your persistence, and your willingness to keep clicking that shutter.
Your photography career is waiting. The only question is: are you ready to capture it?
