I discovered New York City-based photographer and artist Andre Wagner during Tumblr’s heyday. His work garnered high respect and regard on the “Black” side of the popular app. Wagner’s distinctive style, primarily captured through analog photography (commonly referred to as film photography), immediately caught my attention.Wagner’s talent extends far beyond the streets of New York. His work has resonated with A-list celebrities and prestigious publications alike.

Wagner has captured megastar Beyoncé for the cover of ESSENCE, Civil Rights icon Reverend Al Sharpton, and even contributed to the cultural zeitgeist with his photo work for the movie “Queen and Slim.” It’s safe to say Wagner is a humble, walking legend.

The roots of Wagner’s passion can be traced back to a college course that unearthed his love for photography. This pivotal moment ignited a creative fire that continues to burn brightly today. His mastery of film photography is evident in the fierce technical elements of his work, demonstrating a deep understanding and skill in the craft.

Wagner’s artistry stands out for its beautiful capture of Blackness across the globe. He expertly focuses on the specific storytelling aspects of each photograph, bringing his subjects to life with remarkable clarity and depth. Through his lens, Wagner not only documents moments but also weaves intricate narratives that resonate with viewers, offering a unique perspective on the Black experience across various cultures and communities.

For this feature in our Art of Home franchise, we invited Wagner to share more about his craft and the driving forces behind his work.

Home &Texture: What inspired your love for photography storytelling?

Andre Wagner: Initially, when I found the work of Gordon Parks, I was floored by the emotion he managed to capture in a photograph. At the time, I had no idea that this was possible.

I think the other element of inspiration for me was simply living life and needing an outlet to deal with trauma. Storytelling, personal history, and having a background in social work are part of the alchemy when it comes to my art. Photography, for me, is also time travel. It’s one of the few art forms that plays with our understanding of life and truth.

H&T: You’re known particularly for your moving black-and-white art. What made you gravitate towards this method of coloring?

AW: The monochrome scale focuses more on what I want to extract from the world instead of reflecting it as it is. It’s flattering, in a way. I can get the viewer to focus on the emotionality of the content and guide their eyes through a feeling without the color red or yellow stealing the show.

H&T: Who are the artists that inspire you?

AW: So, so many—but these days, I’m inspired a lot by philosophers. I’m thinking a lot about energy, consciousness, time, and space. Making photographs has a lot to do with being very present in the moment and picking up on subtle clues that are hard to articulate intellectually. That is what’s so beautiful about the snap of the shutter; you’re not sure if the image will work, but you have some faith in the exchange happening in a particular time and space. It’s all energy. Being perceptive to that energy and the pull is an art form in itself. I very much like the idea of that. I think the intelligence that’s happening all around us is much smarter than the brain that I have. So, I’m inspired and guided by the universe.

H&T: During a time of political and social unrest, we can find you capturing many of those moments. Why has it been so important for you to catch these historical moments?

AW: You know, I’m actually not one who is big on sensational moments. Especially being inside of this Black body. I know what the struggle can be like on the day-to-day in this country. I’m a witness of the times for sure—but my art weaves in and out of nuances of daily life. Black people and our communities are beautiful. Period. The injustice and racism we face are part of the story, but it’s not the story.

H&T: What moves you about catching imagery in New York?

AW: All of the energy that’s bound up in this place is fun and difficult to deal with, so it’s an exciting problem. People walking across your frame, the light changing from one corner to the next, the tension in the subway, and the vastness of the streets. There’s just so much to be inspired by. I love it here.

This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.