During the mid-1930s, the natural disaster known as the Dust Bowl struck the agricultural industry of the United States. In the midst of desperate times, an iconic photographer emerged whose work would influence social justice photography for decades to come: Dorothea Lange. She documented the harshest aspects of the dust bowl to rally support and raise awareness for the countless suffering families. Her work served as a visual appeal to a society that could not deny this cold reality when presented on film. Lange’s work paved the way for future generations of photographers to breathe life into social justice movements 

Photography is not just an artistic medium—it is a powerful tool to inspire progress in social justice movements. During these chaotic political times and times of censorship in our country, it is paramount that we document these moments to capture hidden perspectives that sometimes lay right before our eyes but can only truly be seen by a great photographer. The art of photography is a liberal one, as it is versatile enough to instigate conversation, expose the truth, or even please the eye. As such, photographers are more vital than ever in helping to document the activity and life stories that are often brushed under the rug. 

When protests and social advocacy work is constantly being portrayed as a nuisance, photography can interpret these movements in a more positive light when capturing marches stylistically. Photographer Andre D. Wagner’s street photography captures the raw and unfiltered reality of marginalized communities and emphasizes their dignity and strength. Wagner is also renowned for his photography project FREE FILM: USA documenting Black Lives Matter Protests in late 2020.

These photographers are capturing the pure perseverance to bring change, and instigating conversations about these social issues. Off the beaten path and into the jungle, wildlife photographers also play a major role in exposing the true impacts of climate change which we are often desensitized towards. 

Matthew Abbott traveled to Australia to develop his photo collection titled “Black Summer” documenting the impact of Australian wildfires on local animals. He has travelled around the world to archive the slow deterioration of previously rich biomes and most importantly documenting its devastating impact on the wildlife who call it home. 

To have a social impact through photography, it isn’t always necessary to get down and dirty in the justice-making, but can be done from the comfort of a studio. Some photographers like the husband and wife photography duo Regis and Kahran Bethencourt, are redefining beauty standards through their colorful depictions of minorities. This style of photography is expanding the bounds of beauty and representing communities while also bringing attention to their unique ways of life. 

Whether it is through street photography, nature conservation, or portraiture, photography has the ability to shape public perception and ignite powerful conversations. The world’s most impactful social justice movements have often relied on the work of photographers to preserve moments of truth and resilience. Through the lens of justice, photography has undeniably carved its mark on being society’s call to action.