Photographer Lelanie Foster Gets Wide Praise For Capturing Historic Photo Of Ketanji Brown Jackson
Photographer Lelanie Foster is getting her flowers after capturing a historic portrait of judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who just became the first Black woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court.
“Today the White House partnered with photographer, Lelanie Foster, from the Bronx, NY to take Judge Jackson’s first portrait following her historic bipartisan Senate confirmation,” a White House official said in a statement to Blavity.
Foster’s photo is being shared widely across the internet. Oprah is among the prominent figures who has praised the portrait. As she shared the photo on Instagram, Oprah cited the poem “I Am a Black Woman” by Mari Evans.
“I am a Black woman,” the poem reads. “Tall as a cypress. Strong. Defying place and time. And circumstance. Assailed. Impervious. Indestructible. Look on me and be renewed.”
Oprah said the poem “feels extremely defining in this moment.”
Foster’s photo is also featured on Beyoncé’s website. Foster, a New York native, is known for capturing Black beauty in her pictures. According to the photographer’s bio, much of her work is focused on “themes of identity, sisterhood, beauty, and community.”
The young artist showed off her work in Queen & Slim when she was chosen to visually interpret the movie through her photography. Foster has also displayed her work in several commercial, fashion and documentary projects. In addition, she has been featured in publications by Nike, The New York Times, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Chanel and many others.
Foster spoke to Ebony Magazine after capturing the historic photo of Jackson.
“Anytime we see a Black woman, in front and in these kinds of situations, it becomes incredibly affirming. For us to see them recognized, celebrated and honored is beautiful,” she said. “For me to be just a piece of that and to have spent that time with Justice Brown Jackson in this moment that celebrates her is so special. I feel like I, too, am seen and heard in this way for such a positive reason. It makes me reflect on how important this is for all Black women to see these moments exist. It’s encouraging.”
Foster was “ecstatic, floored and shocked” when she was asked to capture Jackson’s photo.
“A phone call came in from my agent telling me that this opportunity came up on the heels of one of history’s biggest moments and she asked ‘Are you ready?’” the artist said.
The opportunity came after Foster recently photographed Black women attending Harvard Law School, Jackson’s alma mater.
“So, it is a very full circle moment and I’m filled with so many different emotions. I feel very honored and embraced by a community of Black lawyers at this time,” Foster said.