Visionaries From Black Lives Matter to Vogue Cover - How One Photo Changed Misan Harriman's Life
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Oct 28, 2025 
Misan Harriman, a self-taught photographer and activist, shares how a powerful image he captured during a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest transformed his life, making him the first Black male photographer for British Vogue. He discusses the responsibility of representation in art and how childhood experiences with racism shaped his perspective. Misan emphasizes the emotional power of storytelling, connecting global struggles from Black liberation to environmental issues, while highlighting the importance of empathy in photography.
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Viral Protest Photo Changed His Career
- Misan Harriman captured Darcy Bourne at the U.K. Black Lives Matter protest, a photo that unexpectedly went viral.
- Martin Luther King III shared the image and that exposure led Vogue to notice Harriman's work.
Seizing The Vogue Opportunity
- At 42, having started photography at 40, Harriman was offered the British Vogue September cover.
- He describes feeling stunned and trying to "stay cool" when Edward Enninful offered the commission.
Self-Taught Late Bloomer
- Harriman taught himself photography via YouTube after his wife encouraged him to try.
- He practiced, failed repeatedly, and improved until audiences began responding.
