JOHN SIMMONS, ASC

There are moments in a photographer’s life that feel bigger than a single conversation, moments that remind you why you picked up a camera in the first place, and why you should continue to keep photographing. Meeting John Simmons, ACS, was one of those moments for me.

 

From the 1960s, John represents a generation of photographers who had to carve space where none existed. His career wasn’t built on shortcuts or trends, but on discipline, patience, and an unwavering commitment to seeing Black life with dignity and truth. So standing with him felt like sitting with living history.

 

As someone from the next generation, seeing his photos felt both grounding and motivating. My journey has been shaped by film photography, street work, and storytelling. These tools allow me to slow down and engage with the world honestly. In many ways, our approaches were separated by time of life, but connected by the same generational purpose. The streets may change, but the responsibility stays the same.

 

What struck me most was that He knew who I was and reached His hand out to greet me. With an unspoken exchange between generations, John’s presence affirmed that legacy is about continuation. Being a Black photographer today means standing on the shoulders of those who endured far more resistance, yet still created beauty and meaning.

 

With a small, quick talk with John, Simmons, a quiet understanding that the work continues. That the stories still need to be told, protected, and passed forward. In that space, I wasn’t just learning from an icon; I was being reminded of my responsibility to document, to uplift, and to create images that will one day speak for themselves.

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January, 2026

Los Angeles, CA. U.S.