I must admit that I do not personally know many African American women photographers in my area (Holly Springs, NC) and that realization has stayed with me for quite some time. Not because of what might be missing, but because of what can be created when representation shows up behind the camera.

There is something incredibly powerful about sitting in front of the lens of another woman. And for many clients, especially those who don’t feel comfortable being photographed, that connection can make all the difference. When the photographer understands your hesitations, your body language, your culture, and your unspoken concerns, the experience changes. The guard comes down. The confidence rises.

Working with another African American woman has its advantages; much like going to an African American doctor. There’s an ease that comes from not having to explain yourself. From being seen without translation. From knowing your photographer understands how to light your skin beautifully, how to honor your features, and how to create images that feel authentic rather than performative.

As an African American culture, taking professional photographs, displaying them proudly in our homes, and intentionally leaving behind visual heirlooms has not always been common practice. But our stories deserve permanence. Our families deserve to be remembered in their fullness, beauty, and strength — not just through memory, but through art.

This year, my goal is to photograph more African American individuals and families. To capture moments that reflect who we truly are. To create portraits that don’t just sit on a hard drive, but live on walls, in albums, and across generations. Images that say: we mattered, we loved, we belonged.

Photography is more than pictures. It’s preservation. It’s legacy. It’s a declaration that our lives are worthy of being documented with care and excellence.

If you’ve been considering a session, whether for yourself, your family, or a milestone you don’t want to forget,  I would be honored to work with you. Let’s change the narrative together, one portrait at a time.

Book your session with Andrea Murray Photography.
You won’t regret it!