Black Women Photographers - "Intentional with this Community"

On this episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, we are thrilled to help celebrate the first anniversary of Black Women Photographers. Founded in July 2020 by Polly Irungu, the mission of

Black Women Photographers is to "disrupt the notion that it is difficult to discover and commission Black creatives." And toward that goal, BWP is now a global organization of more than 600 members, and as an online directory, has become a home for Black women and non-binary photographers to receive proper recognition and, most importantly, to get hired.

We welcome Polly Irungu to discuss the founding of BWP, and to talk about the challenges and joys of running an organization that has blossomed so quickly, and about the successes of the past year and goals for the future. On that note, Irungu surprises us by announcing new grants available to photographers.

We are also joined by photographer Dawn Bangi, who received her first professional assignment—with the New York Times, no less—through Black Women Photographers. We ask Bangi how she became familiar with BWP and about the assignment she received. We also discuss her other work, the Nikon and Mamiya gear she uses, and the influence of Gordon Parks.

Join us for this inspiring episode and discover some of the great work found at Black Women Photographers.

Guests: Polly Irungu and Dawn Bangi

Photograph © Polly Irungu