Home
Photography
During Harlem's transition in the early part of the twentieth century,
many African-American photographers were opening studios and exhibiting
their works in the Harlem community, especially during the 1920s and 1930s.
Their clients were artists, entertainers, families, and visitors to Harlem.
These photographers were producing works of lasting value, much of it
was race conscious and many were romanticized portraits of dignified African-American
men, women, and children. Some of the better known photographers were
James Van der Zee, Walter Baker, James Latimer Allen, R.E. Mercer, twin
brothers Marvin and Morgan Smith, Winifred Hall Allen, and Austin Hansen.
Beginning in the 1920s and lasting through the 1940s there were many camera
clubs in the New York area where members came together to discuss the
latest techniques of photography. Many of the photographers whose images
are in this portfolio were from the Harlem community. Where possible,
these photographers have been identified.
Reading
a Photograph