The Black Shutter Podcast

In this episode, he shows us how a camera becomes more than gear. It’s protection. It’s prophecy. It’s a way to remember what the world works hard to forget and imagine what it’s never dared to dream.He breaks down why chasing purpose over paper isn’t optional. It’s how you stay alive in a system built to drain you.Growing up between Florida, New York, and L.A. sharpened his third eye. Trained him to spot beauty in the overlooked. Power in the everyday.When he documented essential workers during the pandemic, it wasn’t just storytelling. It was future-proofing. A way to contain truth for the ones still coming.Through his lens, Black fatherhood, Black labor, Black joy is documented. They’re permanent. They’re law.He speaks on legacy and ownership. On what it means to create work for the Black community. Not for applause, but for survival. For freedom.If you build, if you dream, if you speak through visual language, this convo is for you.Tap in. Lock in. Keep building.Check out his work at markclennon.com

Mark Clennon ain’t just takin’ pictures. He’s bending time.

In this episode, he shows us how a camera becomes more than gear. It’s protection. It’s prophecy. It’s a way to remember what the world works hard to forget and imagine what it’s never dared to dream.

He breaks down why chasing purpose over paper isn’t optional. It’s how you stay alive in a system built to drain you.

Growing up between Florida, New York, and L.A. sharpened his third eye. Trained him to spot beauty in the overlooked. Power in the everyday.

When he documented essential workers during the pandemic, it wasn’t just storytelling. It was future-proofing. A way to contain truth for the ones still coming.

Through his lens, Black fatherhood, Black labor, Black joy is documented. They’re permanent. They’re law.

He speaks on legacy and ownership. On what it means to create work for the Black community. Not for applause, but for survival. For freedom.

If you build, if you dream, if you speak through visual language, this convo is for you.

Tap in. Lock in. Keep building.

In this episode of Black Shutter Podcast, we sit down with photographer Sianeh Kpukuyou (@AskPhotos) to explore the power of perspective, storytelling, and representation in photography. Sianeh shares her journey from discovering photography through a Canon 6D gift to tackling issues of colorism, identity, and societal beauty norms in her work. She breaks down the challenges of access to equipment in Ghana, how restrictions fuel creative innovation, and the importance of respectful engagement with people to create authentic moments.

We also dive into her viral success, her approach to documenting everyday life in Ghana, and how her projects challenge stereotypes about African youth, beauty, and femininity. From nostalgic cultural symbols to thought-provoking fashion photography, Sianeh’s work is a testament to the power of Black storytelling through the lens. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on art, culture, and the future of African photography.

Follow Sianeh online:

Portfolio

Instagram

In this episode, Steve Jones, founder of Pocstock explores how leaders in the industry are pushing for authentic representation of marginalized communities. We discuss the crucial role of photographers of color, emphasizing the financial potential of licensing and the importance of model releases for sustained income. We address industry challenges, such as the resistance to diverse representation, while highlighting initiatives like Pocstock that champion inclusive imagery. The video also covers the impact of AI on media, stressing the need for ethical use, and underscores the importance of culturally sensitive consulting for brands aiming to move beyond stereotypes.

In Episode 86, we speak with Dominick Lewis, the mastermind behind Photodom—the first Black-owned camera shop in Brooklyn—as he breaks down how building community has been the key to his success. From day one, it wasn’t just about selling cameras; it was about creating a space where film photographers could vibe, learn, and grow together. Dom talks about the power of support systems and how you can accomplish more when you move as a team. With his background in engineering and a passion for film photography, he's been able to build a business that’s more than a store—it’s a movement.

Tune in to Episode 85 where we speak with Los Angeles-based photo editor, Karen Williams. After graduating in 2008, Karen faced the harsh realities of the photo industry, struggling with low pay, extreme stress, and lack of career advancement. Burnout and instability were constant, leading her to found Black Visual Queen to combat industry injustices like racism and lack of diversity. Over 15 years, she worked with 14 companies and billion-dollar brands, turning her dream into a reality and now shares her knowledge and experiences with others.

In this episode, Chester Higgins Jr. discusses his approach to harnessing the spirit within a photograph. He has photographed Muhammad Ali, Betty Shabazz, Gordon Parks, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and many more prominent figures. His work is in the permanent collection of the MOMA. In 2022, he was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame museum. The wisdom in this conversation is invaluable.

About Ruddy:

Radcliffe Roye is a Brooklyn based documentary photographer specializing in editorial and environmental portraits and photo-journalism photography. A photographer with over twelve years of experience, Radcliffe is inspired by the raw and gritty lives of grass-roots people, especially those of his homeland of Jamaica. Radcliffe strives to tell the stories of their victories and ills by bringing their voices to matte fibre paper.  

Recently, Radcliffe began experimenting with interpretative photography, preferring to allow the abstract content within the frame to dictate the voice and purpose of the image. His Elements series focuses on the bold, austere, graphic and emotionally raw imagery, that is trapped behind a diffused lens. With painterly abilities, Radcliffe uses this diffused methodology to subtly awaken the subconscious and expose the isolated figure or vision painted within a rhetorical frame.

Ruddy can be found online at:

Portfolio
Instagram

Tune in to episode 82 where we speak again with Kris Graves, a New York City-based photographer and publisher, who details his journey from gallerist to founding Monolith Editions, a Black-owned publishing house dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices. This episode is for any artists interested in publishing their work in book format. We hope this conversation is informative and points you in the right direction.

Tune in to Episode 81, where we speak with Brooklyn-based photo editor and producer, Tracey Woods about the work that happens to bring photoshoots to life. She shares the transition from magazine covers to digital transitions, industry insights, and  ips for photographers to inject their personality into their images.