Capturing America: 50 Years of Photography, Dwight Carter

Take a limited, but very impressive look, at Dwight Carter's 50-year career photographing African Americans from a uniquely positive perspective in this monograph. Dwight has set new standards in capturing a spirit of black people that is rarely shared or discussed: confidence.

Dwight Carter is an award-winning photographer whose work spans the globe. He has documented the Dance Theater of Harlem's historic performance in Cairo, Egypt, the 10th Anniversary of independence of Zimbabwe, the last vestiges of the Black Cowboys in America and the war-torn landscapes of Vietnam, where he served as a combat photographer and personal photographer to General Creighton Abrams, US Commanding General of South Vietnam.

His engaging portraits capture the heart and soul of America’s favorite boldface names. His portrait portfolio includes subjects such as Toni Morrison, Harry Belafonte, Dr. Maya Angelou, Judith Jamison, Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Dee, Leontyne Price and Nelson Mandela.

Dwight launched his career in great company, as assistant to Richard Avedon, Hiro, Bert Stern and Helmut Newton. Dwight received his B.A. degree in Fine Art Photography from the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, California.

“I make my living as a commercial photographer, and many of these photographs are the outcome of my assignments. Although it’s important to keep in mind what the assigned photograph is intended to convey and how it will be used, I’m always sensitive to the inner truth of the subject, the spirit inside and the beauty that reaches beyond the surface. When I achieve that and successfully capture what was required and more, my work transcends the commercial and becomes art.”