Linda was an immense natural talent in the world of photography. Through charisma, wit and well-seized opportunity, she worked her way towards becoming a fly-on-the-fall for all things (and people) Rock N Roll in the 1960s. In 1968 she became the first woman to have their work on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. She would turn press events, editorial shoots and her day-to-day life into the most inviting, artful moments. Whether intentionally including her shadow, framing a portrait with care or capturing a snapshot that showcases her humor, Linda’s greatest skill is that she always incorporated a part of herself in her work.

Personally, I love her family life images more than her Rock N Roll portfolio. Her work inspires me so much, no amount of words are enough. She is the reason I started to point my camera at people, which then lead me to storytelling. She will always be my favorite photographer; I wouldn’t be the artist I am today without her captivating contributions to the field.

Learn more about her here!

I cannot pinpoint exactly when I first met Amy, it was most likely through a mutual friend (of which we shared many) at The School of Visual Arts, but I always respected her work and her commitment to landscape photography. In many ways, I felt a sense of solidarity with her given the fact that both of our “genres” of photography are too often undervalued. There is so much more to landscape photography than a beautiful place, and your surroundings certainly don’t “do the work for you” (tourists’ photos are proof of that, haha). When looking at Amy’s images, I always feel a sense of appreciation for her artistry.

To keep up with Amy’s work, you can follow her on Instagram @amyleighhope and visit her website here!

Sammy and I met in the fall of 2015 when we became suitemates at The School of Visual Arts! By coincidence, we had both signed up for the same “academic block” which meant we had every single class together for our first year of school. Apart from being a great friend, Sammy and I helped each other survive painful critique classes and supported each other’s work when it seemed like very few others did. Sammy has overcome so many creative obstacles and has a deep (pun intended) connection to the seascapes she photographs. I don’t know where I’d be without her creative support, inspiration, collaboration and friendship!

No matter where Sammy is in the world, she will always find her way to the ocean. It may seem simple, but you can never go wrong when you “photograph what you love”, and that’s exactly what Sammy has done with her countless seascapes. She also doesn’t limit herself creatively, she creates videos, draws, runs a YouTube channel and has always been more open to trying new things than me, which is why I admire her endeavors so much!

To keep up with Sammy’s work, you can follow her on Instagram @samjamshoots, subscribe to her YouTube channel and visit her website here!

DJ’s work is always genuine; she truly cares about the moments and movements she documents. DJ and I both flew to Iowa in 2020 to photograph progressive organizing leading up to the Presidential primary (caucus). We also both photographed Elizabeth Warren’s Presidential rally in Washington Square Park. I’m so glad to have a photographer & friend like her in my life.

DJ and I first met in 2019 during Tiffany Cabán’s campaign for Queens District Attorney. We both participated in canvassing, followed by a RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party at Sanger Hall where we instantly connected over the show, which was quickly followed by the realization that we were both political photographers. Since then, our solidarity and friendship has grown so much stronger. It has been really interesting to see how her work has evolved; she began with a focus on electoral politics, which then shifted to documenting street protests and the movement for Black Trans lives.

To see more of DJ’s work, follow her on Instagram @dj_lehrhaupt or visit her website here

What I find so amazing about Youhong is the fact that we’ve been able to build a bond over Instagram for a few years now, yet I feel like I’ve known them longer! That’s the power of an artist like Youhong with incredible heart and talent. I fully believe that they will contribute impactful content that will inspire children and adults alike for many years to come. Being an artist can be very hard at times, especially during this pandemic, but I am glad that it allowed the two of us to find each other via social media.

To see more of Youhong’s work, you can follow them on Instagram @sketchedbyrory or visit their website here

Alessandra and I met in 2015 when we were both freshman at The School of Visual Arts. During orientation, the Photo Department essentially sorted the first year students into small groups as a social exercise & we ended up in the same group. The following year, I truly got to know Alessandra and appreciate her work when we wound up in the same critique class. Fellow classmates, guest professors and myself all realized and admired Alessandra’s ability to convey emotion through her images (especially using composition). Her photographs are always steeped in her distinctive heart, soul and depth of character; she has a calming presence that is equally matched by a striking sense of humor and dedication to her loved ones.

** Trigger Warning for Upcoming Photo: Blood **

Back in 2014, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into The School of Visual Arts’ pre-college program, which allowed interested students to take a three-week program at the college and stay in the dorms. During that time, a teaching assistant of mine stressed the importance of taking self-portraits, even if you aren’t inclined to create them. They went on to tell us that we would thank ourselves later for having created them at different points in our lives; Alessandra’s work is a perfect example of how impactful it can really be.

To explore more of Alessandra’s work, you can follow her on Instagram @alessandraweaver or visit her website here

To see more of Edward’s work, and to keep up with this project, you can follow him on Instagram @edward.gia or visit his website

Edward is a fellow graduate of The School of Visual Arts and one of my best friends. He is always entering photo contests, keeping up with local exhibitions and cultivating his creative passions. Without a doubt, he has made me a better photographer and person.

Edward’s work is especially engaging because he’s always thinking of new ways to approach this narrative and document his experiences. Moreover, he’s successfully weaving his culture, relationships, identity and home into every photograph.

Nina was a Russian-born photographer who moved to the United States in 1939. Her career skyrocketed as she began consistently contributing to LIFE magazine - where her images graced over forty covers. Her calm demeanor consistently put her subjects at ease, allowing for incredibly authentic photographs. In my opinion, Nina’s work is by far the most visually striking of the women I’ve featured here.

One of the first women to join the White House News Photographers Association in the 1940s. She was also the only female photographer to travel daily alongside President Truman.

From photography-news.com:
Her unique status made critics of some of her male colleagues, such as Washington Times-Herald columnist Tris Coffin, who complained in print that she used her feminine charms -- "smiled and teased" -- to persuade politicians to pose for her. Later, when Carpenter saw Coffin in the Senate restaurant, she sloshed a bowl of navy bean soup over his face, then stalked out. A photograph of the incident (on the left) was published with the headline "Carpenter Nails Coffin."

“One of the most pivotal contributors to lesbian culture”. Biren is a talented photojournalist who uplifted LGBTQ voices for decades through her work. She is both a politically active woman and a self-taught image-maker. At the start of her career, realistic imagery of lesbian life and culture was practically nonexistent. “When I was young they had these vocational tests for people to find out what you should be… I always joke one of the options was not lesbian photographer.” She undoubtedly paved the way for countless women (particularly queer women) in photography.

“An independent and strong-willed woman”. She was an official White House Photographer for FIVE (read that again, FIVE) Presidents… Harrison, Cleveland, McKinley, Roosevelt, and Taft. She took the very last picture of William McKinley before he was assassinated. She opened a photo studio in 1913 with her partner, Mattie Edwards Hewitt, who was a photographer in her own right.

After the war, when most women were forced to abandon their newfound place in the workforce, Esther Bubley travelled the world as a successful freelance image-maker. Her work documented the beauty and surrealism of “the everyday”. She worked actively with LIFE and Ladies’ Home Journal, as well as big-time corporate clients.

A model turned photojournalist who became the official war photographer for Vogue and is the definition of “badass”. She bore witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust (the most infamous and iconic pictures from concentration camps were taken by her), operation rooms, and more. Later in life, the cruelty and death she experienced while creating images left her with severe PTSD which she struggled with throughout the remainder of her life. Her bravery and character are an example for all of us in the field.

Social Media and peers can have a negative and inconsistent effect on how you perceive your work, as well as what you recognize as your most “successful” images. I’d like to tell you that after four years at a university where nine times out of ten I was the only person in the room creating political work, or even photojournalistic work, that you and only you can truly determine the success and quality of your own work.

For a personal example, this first thumbnail is a screenshot of the “likes” my photographs from a Syracuse for Sanders debate watch party received on Instagram. I was really excited and proud of the images I took that night, however my followers didn’t engage with the post for some reason, and it received 30 likes.

Next is a group photograph (one I did not take) of myself with Team AOC from NYC World Pride. This post received 134 likes and a great deal of engagement from my followers. The post to the right is not of greater quality than my work and it is so important that we all keep that in mind as image-makers in this digital world. These numbers merely represent the will of countless strangers to tap their index finger or thumb on a screen.

Sure, professors and peers can give critiques that vastly improve your work. However, when you feel passionate about something you’ve created and those around you seem to be unimpressed, indifferent or overly critical, listen to your gut. If you feel your work is worthy, it is.

All in all, don’t let others make you devalue your work when you feel it’s worthy of respect and appreciation. Numbers on social media mean nothing. If you create great work and trust yourself as an image-maker, people will have to “get the memo”.

Scout Tufankjian documented Barack Obama on the campaign trail as a journalist in both 2008 and 2012. She is so gifted at capturing numerous points of view that all tell a piece of the same story. She doesn’t only photograph Barack; which she does undeniably well; but the idea of him, his impact, his journey and what he means to people… real people.

When a guest speaker for one of my college courses suggested I look into her, I was in awe of her work. Tufankjian’s images possess a distinctive, genuine and intimate quality despite the overwhelming and invasive world of politics. And, as a female image-maker, her unique perspective yielded photographs that are a significant contribution to the story of Barack Obama, U.S. politics and the people of our nation.

Below are some of my favorite shots of hers from the campaign trail.

Why the interest in Chief White House Photographers?

As generation after generation grow older, and witnesses to the presidencies of yesteryear pass away, only these defining photographs remain: a testament to the legacy and leadership of politicians past.

There is a profound parallel between how each President treats their Chief White House Photographer and their own approaches to leadership.

Nixon’s photographer spent more time with closed doors than with the President, and Ford’s unusual path to the Presidency corresponds with the unconventional friendship and creative freedom he shared with his photographer, David Hume Kennerly; who took the photo to the left of Ford laying his hand on his beloved dog, Liberty.