Its nothing new that Africa has an abysmal track record when it comes to visual representation. We don’t need to illustrate any further how Africa has been systematically portrayed as a continent that is primitive, impoverished, violent and diseased. We will however highlight sources that have sought to combat the alto familiar dismal visual history. Here is our short list of  some of our new visual ambassadors representing Africa in a positive light.

African Lens

AfricanLens is a new website that is dedicate to telling the story of Africa through a different photographic visualization of Africa.  What I love most about the site is the ability to submit a picture or a photo essay or an editorial. AfricaLens hopes to evoke responsible photojournalism that strays away from what we have come to know as ‘poverty porn’.

“The dominant representation of Africa today is one of war, poverty, disease and everything that can go wrong with humanity. It is famously referred to as the “forgotten continent”.  African Lens is designed as a platform to document and present a visual Africa in an unbiased way . It is also a medium to showcase different aspects of our every day lives and serve as an advocate to compelling stories that need to be told. Content will be generated from everywhere – from the established photojournalist to user contributions”

Africa Visual Media

A long time favorite, Africa Visual Media was probably one of the very first few blogs that I came across that strayed away from the ‘usual’ African photography we all have seen.  Africa.Visual_Media is infamous for “keeping track of african and africa-related culture related media”. This blog features some of the best film, photography, television and print projects from Africa.  I would go as far as saying that Africa. Visual_Media cemented my desire to start African Digital Art. Truly a blog to follow.

Scarlett Lion

Scarlett Lion is also on my blog favorites. The blog features the journey of American photographer and journalist, Glenna Gordon through her travels through Africa. Scarlett Lion begun as a scrap book on the web that chronicled her passion for photography, music, arts and politics but I would argue it has become something much more. One of the most popular posts on her blog, “ Just how stereotypical are images of Africa?” has sparked engaging conversations on Africa’s visual representation. It doesn’t end there, Scarlett Lion also provides tips and resources on how to shoot in Africa.

Africa Knows

One of the most promising projects dedicated to photography, Africa Knows is a stock photography website dedicated to providing stock photography for journalists and creatives. What I love about Africa Knows is that it serves the need for stock photography. I cannot even believe to tell you how frustrating it is to find quality stock images of Africa for my creative projects. Recently launched, Africa Knows is dedicated to offering a diverse range of imagery that portrays everyday life in Africa.

I Am the NuBlack

I am the NuBlack offers a fresh perspective especially for African diasporans. The site features positive images of modern Africans and also addresses the new generation of globe trekking Africans.  The blog spans fashion, design, art and often features spectacular and inspiring photography. Definitely worth a look.

NOTEWORTHY

Still hungry for more. Here are some posts/articles that have addressed the issue of Africa’s visual representation. Be sure to check them out.

Chimamanda Adichie: The danger of a single story

How to Photograph Africa, a Satire by Getty Images & Stefano de Luigi:

Binyavanga Wainaina – How to Write about Africa

Asim Rafiqui: How to Take Photos Of Africa

Have we forgotten any other resources, The discussion doesn’t end here.. let us know other sources we might have forgotten. Either leave a comment or join the discussion on the Forum.. Great Examples of African Photography