28 Days Of Black History: Meet Gordon Parks First Black Photographer For Vogue…
Gordon Parks Was The First Black Freelance Photographer For Vogue
Gordon Parks (November 30, 1912 – March 7, 2006)
Gordon Parks was born on November 30, 1912, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He was the youngest of 15. At a young age, he was told by a teacher that he should let go of his dreams of higher education. At the age of 14, his mother passed away and he was sent to live with relatives. He soon found himself homeless and on the streets, quickly learning to survive on his own. Working odd jobs to make ends meet.
In 1938, Parks was inspired to take up photography after seeing some images in an old magazine that caught his attention. With his newfound love, he bought his first camera at a pawn shop. After his first roll of film was developed, he was encouraged to seek a fashion assignment at a women’s clothing store. Soon after, Parks moved to Chicago where he started his own photography business. He specialized in photographs of society women, fashion, and documenting the lives of African Americans.
Later Parks found himself in New York where he was hired by Vogue’s art director Alexander Liberman to shoot a collection of evening gowns. “He continued doing freelance work for Vogue for several years, developing a unique style that was realistic, romantic, and full of movement. In 1948, Parks was hired as the first African-American staff photographer and writer for LIFE, where he produced works on subjects ranging from fashion and sports to poverty and racial discrimination. He remained at the magazine for 23 years, becoming one of the title’s most popular and influential photographers”.
For more information on Gordon Parks, visit GordonParksFoundation
Source: Gordon Parks Foundation, Time
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