Written By Liliana Mar, YIF Social Media Intern

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This Black History Month, we're honored to spotlight four remarkable Black photographers who call Seattle home. Behind each of their lenses lies a unique vision that celebrates Black identity, uplifts community voices, and shows us the transformative power of storytelling through photography. These artists remind us that every image can be both a mirror reflecting our truths and a window inviting others to see through our eyes.

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Nathan Abia Lawer-Yolar (he/him)
President and Co-Founder of @arrivedcollective‍

Nathan Abia Lawer-Yolar’s photography bridges storytelling and introspection, blending cinematic influences with personal narratives. His work often explores themes of identity, memory, and culture, and he hopes to inspire deeper engagement with his images beyond the fleeting nature of social media.
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What inspired you to get into photography?‍

“I have always loved movies since I was a kid. The combination of images and sound always intrigued me. As I grew older, I realized that filmmaking is a visual medium which is to say that photography is an essential part. My love for storytelling then led me to imagemaking in hopes of being a complete storyteller whether it's with images or film.”

How does your identity influence your art?‍

“My first ever images I made were of my mother. Photography is a reflection and proof of our existence. I am always actively thinking about the people I know and look like when I try to make an image. My identity is inseparable from my inspiration and goals. I am a good photographer because I am a Black man who has to inject and digest my cultural context as I create. There will be no me without my Blackness.”

What do you hope people feel or take away from your photography?‍

“I hope they are able to digest it for more than just the scroll rate on these apps. My images are almost always referencing something else since I think art is sampling. So I hope people look at my images with intent and try to understand the choices made by both the person/people in front of the camera and myself, the imagemaker. I hope my images are a window to a world of understanding by the viewer/enthusiast and I hope someday, my images give me the opportunity to build bridges across the diaspora.”

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You can view more of Nathan’s work on his website and on Instagram @esthersyute.

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Chloe Collyer (they/them)
YiF Teaching Specialist‍

With a background in photojournalism and a passion for documenting social movements, Chloe Collyer brings a sharp, thoughtful lens to Seattle’s evolving history. As a fifth-generation Seattleite, Chloe has dedicated their work to shedding light on untold stories and underrepresented voices, particularly in youth activism. Chloe’s photography is deeply informed by their love of history, ethics, and collaboration with their subjects.

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What inspired you to get into photography?‍

“I’m a fifth-generation Seattle resident who has dedicated my life to documenting the social and political movements of the Seattle area. I work to shed light on the untold and underrepresented histories of marginalized peoples in our region and have been documenting youth activism specifically for the past 10 years. A career in photography never seemed possible until I joined Youth in Focus and met working artists who showed me how it could be done.”

How does your identity influence your art?‍

“I love to learn, I love history, and I love Seattle. When I photograph, I bring all that with me in hopes of telling the most holistic stories possible. Working as a photojournalist over the years has taught me many skills, like timeliness, research, and the importance of ethics. I don’t consider the people I photograph to be my 'subjects' but rather 'collaborators' who have a say in how they’re photographed.”

What do you hope people feel or take away from your photography?‍

“I often felt alone as a child, and as an adult. I struggle with social anxiety in crowded places. Luckily, I’ve learned that my camera can be a tool not only for social change but also for my own life challenges.”

Is there a moment or project that shaped you as an artist?‍

“A moment that shaped me was in 2020 when I documented 100 consecutive days of protest in Seattle. I wasn’t getting paid but rather felt I was doing my civic duty. To my surprise, I got a call from the United States Library of Congress asking to archive my photos for the rest of time. The lesson this taught me was to first make the work you find important, and the pay or appreciation may come later.”

You can view more of Chloe’s work on their website and on Instagram @chloetry.

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Erica Daniels (she/her)
Emazing Photography CEO, YiF Board Member‍

Erica Daniels brings warmth, emotion, and authenticity to her photography. Inspired by a deep love for storytelling and preserving memories, her photography celebrates the beauty in both everyday life and special milestones. As a Black woman, her identity is an integral part of how she sees and captures the world around her.

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What inspired you to get into photography?‍

“My love for documenting memories and capturing the people I cherish most is what inspired me to pursue photography. From an early age, I found joy in taking photos of family and friends, preserving moments that might otherwise fade with time. There’s something magical about freezing emotions, laughter, and connections in a single frame. That passion grew into a calling—one that allows me to create lasting memories for others while doing something that truly fulfills me.”

How does your identity influence your art?‍

“Being a strong, creative, and loving Black woman, my identity deeply influences my art. I see beauty in everything—the simple, the complex, the joyful, and even the bittersweet. My perspective allows me to capture and celebrate moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through my work, I aim to provide people with memories they can cherish forever, reflecting the depth of their experiences and emotions. My heritage, strength, and love infuse every photograph I create, making my art not just a reflection of the world around me but also a testament to the resilience and beauty within it.”

What do you hope people feel or take away from your photography?‍

“I hope that when people view my photos, they feel a deep sense of happiness and love. I want my work to evoke warmth, connection, and the beauty of the moment. More than just capturing images, I strive to inspire others—to create, to express themselves freely, and to embrace who they truly are. If my photography can spark joy, ignite creativity, or remind someone of their own limitless potential, then I’ve accomplished something truly meaningful.”

Is there a moment or project that shaped you as an artist?‍

“A defining moment in my journey as a photographer was capturing my first wedding in May 2013—just two months after starting my business. The experience filled me with overwhelming gratitude and joy.”

You can view more of Erica’s work on her website and on Instagram @emazingphotography.

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Meron Menghistab (he/him)
Professional Photographer

Meron Menghistab’s work is a visual love letter to community and self-expression. Growing up in South Seattle, he was constantly surrounded by a diverse range of people, experiences, and cultures, shaping his approach to photography. For Meron, the camera is not just a tool but an entry point into meaningful conversations about representation, culture, and identity.

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“Growing up in South Seattle, a big part of what made me who I am today is knowing and interacting with so many different kinds of people. Community is at the center of my work - but also the opportunity for whomever I am imaging to express themselves. I look at the medium of photography as a conversation, and hopefully I am giving the viewers the ability to join in.”

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You can view more of Meron’s work on his website and on Instagram @meron_photo.

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These four photographers represent just a glimpse of the incredible Black artistic talent enriching Seattle's photography community. Their art reminds us that photography is more than just creating images - it's about building connections, preserving stories, and celebrating the diverse voices that make our community stronger.

We're proud to have Chloe as a Youth in Focus alum and now, a teaching specialist, and Erica Daniels as the newest member elected to our Board of Directors. We're inspired by how all these artists use their cameras to strengthen our community's bonds and tell stories that matter. Their art shows us the power of photography is to not just document our world, but to help shape it for the better.