*This story is brought to you by Most Incredible Studio founder Syreeta Gates as a part of our Because Of You: Legacy in Focus campaign honoring contemporary Black photographers*
He’s got the eye!
A great photograph doesn’t just capture a face—it tells a story. It reveals something deeper, something lasting. Karl Ferguson Jr. understands this with every click of his camera. His images transcend mere moments; they serve as proof of existence, markers of history, and glimpses into the souls of his subjects.
“I see it as my obligation to ensure that I’m capturing us in the best light possible,” Ferguson says. “Long after I’m gone, long after the subjects have passed, if someone can look at my images and feel something—know that person existed, that their life mattered—then I’ve done my job.”
Ferguson doesn’t rush the process. Before he takes a shot, he engages with his subjects, building trust and creating space for them to be seen on their own terms. The result? Images that feel honest, alive, and deeply human.
His approach extends beyond celebrity portraits and magazine covers. Whether he’s photographing a cultural icon or a small business owner, he removes the layers of expectation and fame to reveal the human beneath. His work reminds us that no matter how grand or modest the stage, every life has significance, and every story deserves to be told.
For Ferguson, photography is more than just composition and lighting—it’s a responsibility, a memory, and an impact. His goal isn’t only to take beautiful photos but to capture a truth that lingers long after the moment has passed.
“I love when I can capture someone and, while editing, look into their eyes and see that they’ve given full permission,” he says. “That vulnerability, that humanity—that’s what I want people to feel when they look at my work years from now.”
Photography, for Ferguson, is a form of play and discovery. He views creativity as something tactile—something you build, refine, and shape over time. That’s why he’s drawn to the Because of You: Legacy in Focus LEGO set collection.
“LEGO bricks are so synonymous with imagination,” he says. “When I’m in my studio, on the floor, catching angles, it’s play—it offers the same kind of creative freedom.” Ferguson’s work will outlive him. His images will persist in telling stories, shaping narratives, and honoring Black life in its entirety. Through every frame, he ensures that those who stand before his camera are remembered—not just for who they were in the moment, but for the legacy they leave behind.
Cover photo: Meet Karl Ferguson Jr., the Photographer Capturing Black Legacy One Portrait at a Time/Photo credit: Joe Chea/Karl Ferguson Jr./Instagram