Black Women in Photography Conference

The Black Women in Photography Conference is a transformative gathering dedicated to amplifying the voices and creative power of Black women photographers. Founded by acclaimed South African visual activist Zanele Muholi, the conference is a collaborative initiative with the Muholi Art Institute, Ruth Motau Photo Mentorship, and the Market Photo Workshop. The inaugural event took place from August 21 to 23, 2025, at the Market Photo Workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This landmark conference serves as a platform for Black women photographers to unite, share their stories, and reshape the narrative of photography. Under the guidance of Zanele Muholi and Ruth Motau, the event focuses on themes of mentorship, safety, wellness, and the protection of creative legacies. The conference aims to challenge industry inequities, reclaim space, and redefine the future of South African photography through care, collaboration, and unapologetic visibility.

The Market Photo Workshop, founded by David Goldblatt in 1989, has been instrumental in providing training in visual literacy for marginalized communities in South Africa. As an alumnus of the workshop, Zanele Muholi's involvement underscores the institution's commitment to fostering creative expression and activism through photography.

The Black Women in Photography Conference is more than an event; it is a movement towards building sustainable creative futures rooted in care and integrity. By centering the experiences and creativity of Black women photographers, the conference contributes to transforming South Africa's creative landscape and ensuring that their stories are seen, heard, and celebrated.