Beyoncé’s most recent Vogue cover shoot has gotten more attention than usual, which is hard to believe, considering she is Beyoncé. The extra attention comes from her choice in photographer, Tyler Mitchell. Mitchell is the first black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover in all 126 years of the magazine’s history. Not only is he making history, but he’s doing it at the young age of 23.
(Tyler Mitchell for Dazed)
Mitchell got his start with a self-published book of photographs taken at a documentary photography program in Havana, Cuba. He shot skate culture and architecture, and since then has achieved a lot for his age. From working with Conde-Naste, to shooting Lil Uzi Vert for Fader, he has an extensive resume. He is undoubtedly qualified for the job. Knowles said she was given “unprecedented control” over her images and captions by editor-in-chief Anna Wintour for this photoshoot, and used it to pick Mitchell.
Mitchell has earned respect from the art community for depicting his predominantly black subjects with what he calls “an honest gaze.” Mitchell said in an interview with the NY Times, “I depict black people and people of color in a really real and pure way,” he said. “There is an honest gaze to my photos.”
Mitchell graduated from NYU’s Tisch school last fall, and has already worked on campaigns for Teen Vogue, Marc Jacobs, and many other well-known brands, such as American Eagle. He works as a creative director and model. “I do look at myself as a black American and equally as a symbol at the center of this country. I had never considered myself an American Eagle model, but what made it interesting was to twist the cultural conversation about what the brand stands for and turn it on its head.”
Mitchell’s experiences and artistic vision make him qualified for a Vogue shoot, but it’s people like Beyoncé using their power and influence that can truly grant opportunities to young black artists like Mitchell. It has taken 126 years for Vogue to hire a black photographer for a cover shoot, and it might not have happened without B.
If you haven’t, check out Mitchell’s work. He is ridiculously accomplished for being 23 and a recent college grad. Beyoncé knows it, and soon the world will know, that these young artists are the future. Mitchell’s shoot came out on Vogue’s site today, and sits on the cover of September’s issue.
