PHOTOGRAPHERS TO KNOW: CHARLEE BLACK
CHARLEE BLACK
Charlee Black is a photographer and creative director based in the Midwest. Charlee’s photography is meant to take up space both physically and figuratively as she encourages BIPOC women to unapologetically command any room. Growing frustrated with the lack of representation of people of color in mainstream branding, Charlee launched Good Friends Studio to help small businesses own their visual storytelling from diverse perspectives.
SHEER: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
CHARLEE BLACK: My name is Charlee Black (she/her), I am a photographer + creative director based in the Midwest. Born and raised in Indiana. My studio practice is an exercise in power. I come from a community of strong outspoken women, that is always who I am going to represent in my work. I shoot primarily women, moreso BIPOC. I think it's something to be said for women to be behind the camera and construct the narrative, believe we see what happens when we let others speak for us or tell our stories.
My commercial work, Good Friends, is where my community of talented friends and I create work for emerging and established brands. As a Black woman, I was tired of seeing brands fumble when it came to representation in their brand. Not just from a consumer standpoint, but as a human being - it was hard for me to connect to brands that I couldn't see myself in. Why would I spend money with someone who doesn't even see me. I found this frustration to fuel not only my commercial work, but looking back, also my portraiture work.
SHEER: How do you choose the themes and subjects of your photography work?
CB: I've had to shrink into spaces for the sake of others and my creative work is a retaliation against that. There is no shrinking, no looking away - It stares at you and dares you to make a decision. I believe in sharing emotion in imagery - I feel you can always tell. As creatives move into social spaces I think you lose that digestion of an image that happens in a gallery space - you take a second to observe and digest what you are seeing. That's how I see my imagery.
I found this frustration to fuel not only my commercial work, but looking back at my portraiture work. My personal work is normally printed in large prints, like 3 feet by 4 feet. In my head that's how I imagine my work. Large. Taking up space. HERE. I realize for me that I want to see Black Women largely and proudly. I want to see diversity + inclusivity because that's the reality of the situation. I haven't shot a full personal project in almost a year, as I've shifted primarily to the business and producing for clients amidst the pandemic.
“I’ve had to shrink into spaces for the sake of others and my creative work is a retaliation against that. There is no shrinking, no looking away - It stares at you and dares you to make a decision. I believe in sharing emotion in imagery - I feel you can always tell. As creatives move into social spaces I think you lose that digestion of an image that happens in a gallery space - you take a second to observe and digest what you are seeing. That’s how I see my imagery. ”
SHEER: How would you say your upbringing and culture influence your creativity?
CB: I have very supportive friends and parents. My mom initially encouraged me into photography. She would treat me to bi-weekly disposable cameras and drop offs at our local convenience store. I was always encouraged to follow any creative passion from my parents, even though they constantly reminded me there wasn't money in that ( they were wrong). When I lost my mom at eighteen, I started my first year of college for a major in photography and minor in art history. I only lasted a year, much to my dad's dismay. My dad was always encouraging as well, he's a musician. He always says ”baby girl you gotta have a passion or you'll be lost out here.” And while my dad sometimes grumbles every now and again about “going back to school,” I remind him that school is always available + there are more ways to learn in 2021, besides a degree. I believe that level of encouragement really pushed me, at times when I could have stopped.
SHEER: Who are some photographers you admire and have influenced your work or process?
CB: DANA SCRUGGS. I can't explain how much her work resonates with me. And maybe because we are both midwest women (she's from Chicago and I’m from indiana) or i've watched her creative growth. Seeing her hustle and also be very open when she fails, that level of transparency and work ethic just really speaks to me. First Black Woman to shoot A Rolling Stone Cover. I know to some that's nothing, but to me that shows me that BLACK WOMEN can hit all barriers ahead of them. Another Breanna White (amazing portraiture) , Nadine Ijewere, Vanessa Lynn, Christina Poku to name a few. All heavy hitters with a unique style to them. I think that has been my biggest takeaway - show up as yourself. It pays off so much more than taking what you like from others. Other artists inspire that in me to show up as myself.
“ I think that has been my biggest takeaway - show up as yourself. It pays off so much more than taking what you like from others. Other artists inspire that in me to show up as myself. ”
SHEER: Tell us more about Good Friends studio and what inspired the name?
CB: I was inspired by my good friends. I had been working with a solid group of collaborators for the last 3 years. At that point in my personal life, collaboration has always been a constant in my work - I enjoy collaborating, meeting and networking with creatives. I believe, if done correctly, it will give you opportunities you couldn't even imagine. I started Good Friends Studio in 2018 with my good friend Cate. It started a bit out of frustration. I felt stuck, I was bitter and had been fired from a crap job 6 months before. I felt annoyed that I didn't have a space for me to do what I wanted to do in my city. I wanted the people who have helped me create dynamic work to play a major role in bigger projects with clients. We spent the better portion of Fall/Winter 2018 creating the entire framework and vibe of Good Friend studio. We spent most of 2019 getting our feet under us, I eventually bought out Cate top of 2020. As I transitioned to being fully freelance with Good Friends, that coincided with the pandemic. We grew rather significantly last year as we were able to create remote work for brands. I believe in Good Friends Studio as I believe we have carved a voice for ourselves that screams: This is the work we want to create, are you rolling with us or not.
SHEER: How is Good Friends working to empower small brands?
CB: As 2020 showed us, your business can be upended in a moment. As we move primarily to a digital space, the need for visual storytelling is imperative. Having consistent imagery to communicate to your audience won't slow down as we enter 2021. I love being able to create imagery for a brand and hearing how it impacts their business. Especially small businesses who are at times investing a good deal to influence their brand’s marketing. I take it as a badge of honor that people trust me to do so. We also continue to support the brands, as they are now our good good friends. We look out for our friends. Whether social support, sharing the brand or patronage, I believe in supporting those that support me. It's a really good space to be in, especially when done genuinely.
“We can all reach new heights if we make room for others. If you are rising, grab your people and take them with you - we all can achieve way more together than separately.”
SHEER: What advice do you have for creative entrepreneurs as they navigate managing and scaling a business while staying true to their creative vision?
CB: Go with your gut + take everything as a lesson. Trusting your intention is a great muscle to learn to flex. If a project/human/situation gives you a shaky feeling always listen to that. There were so many times that I was stubborn to a lesson because something hurt my feelings (Real Sag girl shit). Being able to take emotion out of feedback , critiques or any type of exchange that makes you feel uncomfortable. Sometimes you need to receive the message even if you can't stand the messenger. Take it , apply it , + let it help you grow.
SHEER: How would you like your creative impact to evolve over time?
CB: This was a tricky question. I saw that as I tend not to focus too much on what's to come as much as I analyze what has happened. I think ultimately it would be this idea that we can all elevate. We can all reach new heights if we make room for others. If you are rising, grab your people and take them with you - we all can achieve way more together than separately.
Check out more of Charlee’s work below.
