The Black Shutter Podcast

Tune in to episode 64 where we speak with Albuquerque, NM, commercial and editorial photographer, and filmmaker, Evan Green about building a legacy as a Black photographer in the outdoor sports scene.

Tune in to Episode 63 where we speak with New York and Los Angeles-based commercial and portrait photographer, Sage East, about manifesting her dreams.

Rita Harper is a documentary photographer and photojournalist from Atlanta, Georgia. A quiet child, she grew interested in imagery and observing her surroundings – both skills that have greatly benefited her work. With no formal art education, she began to take to the streets of Atlanta and discover a style of her own. She quickly realized the affinity she had for capturing Black life and Atlanta...

Tune in to Episode 61, where we speak with Miami-based commercial photographer and filmmaker, Bob Metelus, on approaching the craft with humility and confidence. He prides himself in being trusted and keeping that trust with the people he works with. That trust has led to him being the personal photographer for Dwayne Wade, Chris Paul, Rick Ross. He is the lead of Metelus Studios, which is a leadi...

Tune in to Episode 60 where we speak with Nigerian-born commercial and portrait photographer, Ebuka Mordi about using his limitations to his advantage. Ebuka is motivated by the limitations he faces. He believes there is a growth process that forces photographers to hone their skills and become better versions of themselves. Basically, they need to pay their dues. Ebuka is a portrait and commercia...

To be the first requires the strength to break barriers. And the obstacles along the way are what build you up. There are many unforeseen opportunities that prepare us for our future roles. But the key is to recognize the lessons hidden in challenging situations so we can actually reap the benefit. Our guest in this episode has a diverse background in portraiture, sports, and music. She has worked...

Having interests outside of photography only makes our voice more unique. Dont limit those interests, celebrate them. Those interests can shape our perception of the world, influence our craft and in many occasions, lead to our next paid gig. Our guest in this episode is a portrait and lifestyle photographer with over 20 years of experience His clients include The Golden State Warriors, Paramount,...

Tune in to Episode 57 where we speak with Chicago-based commercial and sports photographer, Marcus Smith, about breaking down his career goals into smaller steps.

When we work on large projects each person filters the phrase based on their own unique experiences. Ron Brodie understands that whether his role is to write, direct, or produce a project, it is going to go through his filter and his experiences will influence the final product. He is an independent commercial director and cultural enthusiast. His perspective is inspired by his Jamaican-American h...

Tune in to Episode 55 where we speak with a Brooklyn-based documentary photographer Laylah Amatullah Barrayn about seeing the world from a global Black perspective. Growing up with a pan-African view of the world and believing she was part of a worldwide Black community, she used her photography to expand and explore the world's betterment.

Mel D. Cole is a self taught photographer with over 20 years in the game. He’s photographed some of the biggest names in Hip Hop and sports. He photographs nightlife, street documentary and more recently, photojournalism. During the pandemic, he transformed from a music and nightlife photographer into one of the most sought after photojournalistic reporters. Instagram Website

Tune in to Episode 53, where we speak with Los Angeles-based writer, photographer, and cultural strategist, Chérmelle Edwards as she discusses the complex and diverse world of coffee as a culture.

Tune in to Episode 52 where we speak with Tampa-based fine art photographer, Sage Causie, about the importance of photographing dark skin beautifully.

Tune in to Episode 51, where we speak with Tulsa-based photojournalist Michael Noble Jr. about the necessity of developing a thick skin in the photo industry.

Tune in to Episode 50, where we speak with New York-based portrait photographer Keith Major about seeing the beauty in everyone, with or without the camera. He has photographed A-list clients for Sony, Essence, Cosmopolitan, and he has photographed celebrities Kevin Hart, Tessa Thompson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Tiffany Haddish, and Usher. In addition, he is the photo director for Ebony...

Tune in to Episode 49 where we speak with Ghanaian documentary photographer, Francis Kokoroko, about the importance of sharing photos of your community. Black photographers have documented their communities for decades. Many of these talented historians have gone unnoticed. But now technology has bridged the gap, allowing photographers to more easily share images and stories of their culture. And...

Tune in to Episode 48, where we speak with Metro-Atlanta-based photojournalist and documentary photographer Alyssa Pointer about her journey away from home that leads her back to her home.

Tune in to Episode 47 where we speak with Los Angeles-based documentary and sports photographer, Joseph Louis Sherman Jr. about taking risks to gain clarity.

Tune in to Episode 46, where we speak with Los Angeles-based video and photojournalist Harrison Hill about his upbringing in Louisville, Kentucky, having journalists' parents, and the importance of having a community of like-minded peers.

Tune in to Episode 45, where we speak with Chicago-based portrait, commercial and unit stills photographer, Parrish Lewis about taking leaps, betting on himself, and answering to his calling.

Tune in to Episode 44 where we speak with Los Angeles-based photographer and cinematographer, John Simmons, ASC about his upbringing in Chicago and his transition into cinematography.

Tune in to Episode 43, where we speak with Washington DC-based photojournalist and protest photographer Tony Mobley about the importance of Black photographers documenting Black history and events.

In episode 42, where we speak with Portland, OR-based photojournalist, sports, portrait, and commercial photographer, Ivan McClellan about what it means to find his tribe within the Black Rodeo culture. We discuss his personal project, 8 Seconds, and why it is so important to bring awareness to this story.

Tune in to episode 41, where we speak with Washington, DC portrait photographer, Kirth Bobb, about photographing with compassion and the magic hidden within images.

Tune in to Episode 40 where we speak with Durham, NC-based photographer, Cornell Watson, about documenting the Black experience in White spaces.