Today we’d like to introduce you to Carell Augustus.
Hi Carell, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a Los Angeles–based photographer whose work bridges technical mastery with cultural storytelling. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, I left home at 18 to serve in the United States Army, where I was stationed in Germany. During that time, I discovered the renowned Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara and set my sights on formal photographic training.
In 1997, I began my studies at Brooks Institute, spending three years mastering the technical foundations of photography before graduating in 1999. I then moved to Los Angeles, working in commercial production companies and a couple well-known studios. That professional foundation led to a decade-long passion project—my acclaimed photography book Black Hollywood, which has been widely celebrated and continues to perform strongly. I currently developing Black Hollywood, Volume Two, expanding on the vision that defined my career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth ride. There have been plenty of bumps along the way. I wasn’t a rich student—I had to work while going to school just to survive. Even after graduating, I was working to pay rent, which doesn’t leave much space to focus on creativity the way you’d like.
Still, I always carved out time to shoot. I made sure to build connections with celebrities, to earn their trust, and to deliver work that was strong enough for them to believe in. I hoped that once I photographed one, it would make getting the next easier—and in some ways that’s true, and in others it’s not.
There is no easy road. It’s all hard work. You have to stay focused, keep procrastination in check, and keep moving forward. It took me ten years to complete this book.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The work I do is primarily key art photography. I’ve created campaigns for Disney and several television shows, and what sets me apart is my consistent focus on talent that looks like me—an area that has long been underrepresented. That focus has shaped my career and led to meaningful, powerful creative experiences.
What I’m most proud of is my number one best-selling coffee table book, Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Movie Moments. I’m constantly amazed when people—both celebrities and everyday people —tell me, “I have that book.” It’s a reminder that the work has traveled far beyond me, making real impact in the world. Seeing it create such excitement and cultural resonance is exactly why I’ve begun work on Volume Two. I’ve had the pleasure of giving Oprah Winfrey, Janet Jackson, Ryan Coogler, Henrey Winkler, RuPaul, Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeks signed copies of my book.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can always help by coming out to assist on set—you can truly never have too many hands. Helping generate new ideas and concepts, especially for new talent for the next book, is also invaluable.
Supporting the work by following my social media accounts, and continuing to support the book itself, means a great deal. Supporting the art—and all art—is what keeps it alive, and I’m always grateful when people choose to support me in those ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: @CarellAugustus _
- Facebook: Tommy Carell Augustus
- LinkedIn: Carell Augustus
- Twitter: @CarellAugustus
- Youtube: Black Hollywood Book Project
- Other: Carell Augustus
Image Credits
All photos by Carell Augustus
