Strong Black Lens brings together Black photographers, cinematographers and other artists to discuss the future of Black creativity in a new six-episode YouTube series.

Six of the featured photographers — Kwaku Alston, Dana Scruggs, Karl Ferguson, Erik Carter, Tolani Alli and Devin Allen — talked with Tudum about how they each started in photography and overcame doubts and detours, and they shared their advice for fellow Black creatives. Learn their stories and check out some of their most iconic images in these interviews.

“You’re not doing photography because you want to make money; you’re not doing photography because you want to get a cover of a magazine. You’re doing photography because you want to create images that empower people.” — Kwaku Alston

Kwaku Alston Interview | Strong Black Lens

“You have to believe in yourself... It’s very, very easy to get discouraged... You have to push past that feeling in that moment and just keep, keep, keep, keep going and believing.” — Dana Scruggs

Dana Scruggs Interview | Strong Black Lens

“Your vision is important; your perspective is important. I think those things just lend to our abilities to be emboldened in life.” — Karl Ferguson

Karl Ferguson Jr. Interview | Strong Black Lens

“I kind of fell into [photography] but it also was there to kind of save me along the way.” — Erik Carter

Erik Carter Interview | Strong Black Lens

“I discovered photography during a difficult period in my life... That was one of the courageous things I did because I felt like you only live once, so you might as well do what you love.” — Tolani Alli

Tolani Alli Interview | Strong Black Lens

“The work that I do, sometimes I question: Is it the photography? Is it me being guided by my ancestors or the universe to open up doors and spaces so that someone can be greater than me?” — Devin Allen

Devin Allen Interview | Strong Black Lens