Black Joy In The Outdoors: Picture It

L. Renee Blount discusses the role of photography and brands in promoting outdoor inclusivity.

By Peak Design

August 18^th, 2020

L. (short for Lanisha) Renee Blount caught our attention with a thoughtful personal project in which she superimposed the cover art of outdoor industry publications with her images of people of color in the outdoors. The project's aim: show a predominantly white industry what marketing and journalism can (and should) look like. We asked to share her story about being a Black photographer and climber. She agreed and asked us to raise the bar by committing to give away gear to promising Black photographers. We partnered with Sony and BorrowLenses to create three complete pro-level gear grants (Sony a7iii + tripod, bags, accessories, and $250 in free lens rental) to give away to Black photographers (find out more at the end of this post). Below are L's thoughts on why she became involved in photography and what is needed to help others like her succeed in the profession.

AS an outdoor athlete and climber, I rarely see myself in outdoor imagery. So, a few years ago, I decided to pick up a camera and document my experience and that of others traditionally underrepresented in the outdoors.

My interest in pursuing photography ignited one summer while interning in Los Angeles during grad school. I started hanging out with a community of climbers, one of whom happened to be a photographer. He was kind enough to teach me the basics of photography and give me tips on what gear I could afford with a modest budget. That next summer in San Francisco, I finally bought my first camera—a used Sony—off another photographer.

I began taking pictures because I wanted to highlight a small burst of my joy outside. This was especially true following the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson. Like George Floyd, it hurt to see our bodies lying deceased on baking concrete. I realized the power of recurring imagery and I decided to document a trip I went on with my younger brother in order to capture and celebrate our joy outside. To inspire and re-empower. Even though it felt small, I thought showing outdoor joy could be a way to contribute in a unique and intentional way.

My photography is about illuminating the world I imagine. A world where people of color are being joyous in spaces that were never designed for us to enjoy. Spaces that our parents and grandparents would be nervous to travel to.

Although I've had other educational opportunities due to scholarships, photography has been self-taught and I've had to be scrappy to make things work. All my gear is used. I finally acquired a gently used commercial grade body this year. For two years, I just had a Sony a6000 and rented higher-end commercial equipment. When it comes to projects with the subjects of color, I've done nearly everything on spec. I do the casting, production, and leg work. Brands haven’t believed in the commercial value of those projects for campaigns. But I believed our smiles were worth it.

Despite working full-time, I remember some brands reaching out and feeling as if I didn't have the financial privilege to work with them—going out to do trips where people weren't paid...their seeming desire to make you an uncompensated friend of the brand...waiting months to get paid. I couldn't fathom how people were making it economically viable full-time.

Climber and photographer, L. Renee Blount

Despite my success, it's always been a claw for me and I hope the outdoor industry is ready to better support and value creators of color. Below are some of my recommendations to brands and fellow photographers wanting to support this work:

Updated payment process. I see teams and brands with good intentions but unreasonable payment processes. The payment structure only works for a set of privileged people who can afford not to get paid for months or paid very little. Brands need to agree to buy a predetermined amount of photos, reimburse photographers for the expenses, and pay within thirty days or less. You have to invest in what you want to see.

Mentorship. If you see someone with interest or talent, reach out to them. Ask if they ever need anything in regards to advice or help. Bring them out with you.

Allyship. The biggest way to be an ally is often sharing information about compensation, navigating clients, and answering questions. That's been a huge help and continued need.

Camera gear grants. If you want to see more people of color in outdoor photography, lower the barrier. One way is for photography brands to provide gear grants to those with an interest and those you see with a talent.

When Peak Design asked me to share my story and thoughts, I saw it as an opportunity to do more. So as part of this piece, I am teaming up with Peak Design, Sony, and BorrowLenses to give out three gear grants. I appreciate them taking on this push to elevate more than just me, but a community of talented individuals.

GRANT DETAILS

Peak Design, Sony, and BorrowLenses are teaming up to award gear grants to 3 Black photographers or filmmakers. Each grant will include over $3500 in value:

Sony Alpha a7III Mirrorless Camera with 28-70mm Lens
Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
2 Peak Design Everyday Bags of choice
Peak Design Tech Pouch
Peak Design Slide Lite, Leash, and Cuff straps
Peak Design Capture Clip
BorrowLenses $250 gift card

To be considered for a grant, submit an application below. These grants are open to Black photographers and filmmakers based in the US, and are intended for those who don’t have the resources necessary to acquire their own professional-level gear. We encourage creatives of all levels of experience to apply. Winners will be chosen based on a combination of talent, interest, motivation, and need.

The application period opens on August 18th and closes on September 1st. Grant recipients will be announced the week of September 7th. After winners are announced, all qualified applicants will receive emails with special 1-time-use discounts from Sony and Peak Design.