Independent photographers are rising to the top of the industry, and you can, too
A new wave of young photographers is flocking to social media to voice their work
There is no time like the present to be an artist and particularly a photographer. For many years straight men like Bruce Weber and Terry Richardson ruled the photography industry but thanks to social media that is changing.
Movements such as #TimesUp and #MeToo have discredited these photographers and made way for others. With the rise of inclusivity and opportunity comes the rise of the independent young photographers. The up-and-coming young photographers bring conscious photography, photography that celebrates the nontraditional. Younger photographers are employing political and social commentary as the focus of their work.
Combining message and photograph is not easy. However, there are more platforms for that purpose now. So many interesting photographers are emerging in the industry to create conscious art in the world of fashion, such as Tyler Mitchell, Myles Loftin and Renell Medrano, working for top publications such as Vice, i-D, Vogue and Paper Magazine. Petra Collins, a 25-year-old photographer, shoots the majority of Gucci’s visuals in addition to frequently shooting for Vogue, Dazed and Confused, Love Magazine, Elle and i-D Magazine. Most of these new, independent photographers got their start by photographing their friends.
We underestimate the power of simplicity—by just doing a little makeup, styling, taking pictures of others and posting them on social media. As a photographer or any artist, getting your work out there is easier than it has ever been because of the internet.
