Capturing Joy

Capturing Joy is a feature documentary about the history and impact of Black photojournalism and community photography in America. At once a social history and an experiential journey, the film reveals how generations of Black photographers have used the camera as a tool for justice, representation, and joy — chronicling everyday life, exposing injustice, and shaping cultural memory.

The story begins with personal narratives, drawing on interviews and archival footage to illuminate the motivations and challenges of Black photographers working in a field that often marginalized their voices. Their iconic images — from quiet portraits to urgent coverage of protest — reveal the dual role of the camera as both witness and weapon.

From there, the film explores the broader history of Black photojournalism: pioneers such as Augustus Washington and James Van Der Zee; the flowering of the Harlem Renaissance; and the mid-20th century work of Gordon Parks, whose photographs in Life Magazine and the Black press documented racial and economic injustice.

The documentary devotes special focus to the Civil Rights Era, showcasing the work of Charles Moore, Ernest Withers, and Moneta Sleet Jr., whose Pulitzer Prize–winning photograph of Coretta Scott King brought unprecedented recognition to Black photojournalists.

The narrative continues into the late 20th century and present day, from the visual culture of hip-hop and Black urban life to the digital revolution and the rise of social media. Contemporary voices such as Devin Allen, Tonika Johnson, Michelle V. Agins, Ozier Muhammad, Rashod Taylor, and Stephen Marc reveal how Black photographers continue to document community, identity, and movements like Black Lives Matter.

The film concludes by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Black photojournalism, underscoring its role in preserving memory, advancing justice, and inspiring future generations.

Visually, Capturing Joy will weave together interviews, archival footage, and a vibrant tapestry of photographs, immersing viewers in an experience that is historical, emotional, and deeply cultural. The film is designed for audiences interested in history, photography, social justice, and African American culture, offering a timely reminder of the power of images to effect change — and the enduring importance of joy.