PROJECTS
Definitions and historical context for issues related to photographing race, gender, the Global South and more
Ideas for how to engage more generously with communities that are not your own
A list of helpful resources and questions photographers should ask themselves before their next project
Veer
VEER is a visuals-centric hybrid zine that features the work and perspectives of women and nonbinary lens-based workers of color. Launched in Jan. 2023, the online version of the zine publishes new content quarterly through a series of verticals highlighting visual work by Authority Collective Community, alongside features on media industry and social issues. Each year, VEER publishes its fourth issue as a print coffee table book that is circulated to photo editors, art directors, curators, and other industry insiders to spotlight the work of women/nonbinary visual media makers of color.
"To VEER is to change course suddenly and that is what Authority Collective has been doing for the last five years; pushing visual media industries to change course rapidly and with intention."
The Photographer's Guide to Inclusive Photography
As photographers, we have a moral obligation to listen to and understand a story first before trying to tell it. But are we considering how our perspectives or personal experiences may affect our approach to telling the story?
We’ve partnered with Photoshelter to bring you The Photographer’s Guide to Inclusive Photography, a collection of first-hand accounts, insights and learned lessons from industry leaders Tara Pixley, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn,Hannah Reyes Morales,Tailyr Irvine, Danielle Villasana , Mengwen Cao and Jovelle Tamayo.
Inside, you’ll find:
Download your free copy of The Photographer’s Guide to Inclusive Photography today.
Photo Bill of Rights
We have come together in the midst of COVID-19, alongside the movement to fight police brutality and systemic racism, to assert the rights of all lens-based workers and define actions that build a safer, healthier, more inclusive, and transparent industry.
Do No Harm: Photographing Policy Brutality Protests
The ethics of photographing protests against police brutality has been called into question as we become increasingly aware that photos are often used as evidence by police forces. We live in an age of surveillance and journalists must think deeply about our role in social systems. We use the word “system” because we are all components of a complex social structure that systematically disenfranchises some while privileging others. If you think it’s standard to take images of or report info on Black and brown protesters with no concern for the consequences, please review established journalism codes of ethics (see “Minimize Harm” in SPJ Code of Ethics and "Give special consideration to vulnerable subjects" on NPPA Code of Ethics).
The Lit List
The Lit List is committed to recognizing and awarding the outstanding work of photographers who are womxn, femmes, trans, non-binary people of color, and otherwise marginalized artists.
COVID-19 Mutual Aid
As the new coronavirus continues to spread, we recognize that freelance visual journalists and artists are losing significant income for the immediate future, and that many folks in this position will be facing this shortfall without a financial buffer. Volunteers — mainly other photographers who have the capacity — have offered to donate money to those who need it.
With that in mind, Authority Collective is organizing mutual aid to connect donors with artists and journalists who need it. We can't guarantee any particular amount of funding, but we believe every bit counts when it comes to supporting each other. We will be prioritizing requests from freelance visual creators of color.