"Why?" with Shawn Black

by Skip Cohen

In the spring of 2016, I was teaching a class at Shutterfest, and nobody knew who Mary Ellen Mark was! I couldn't do anything about new photographers, not knowing who the icons of the past were. Still, I wanted to do something to help everybody recognize the work of the contemporary movers and shakers in imaging.

We did over 130+ mini-podcasts featuring a favorite image of some of the most respected artists in photography. I stopped the series to take a break in 2021 and recently decided to bring it back. "Why?" is about great artists and their favorite images. Each featured artist is helping to set the pace not only in their area of expertise but also in marketing, business, and education. What better way for you to meet them than through one of their favorite images and their explanation of why it's special?

Shawn Black joined me this week, helping me jumpstart the series. He's a remarkable artist. While his image is one of his favorites from Couture Black, his luxury boudoir and portrait brand, I'm not sure there's anything Shawn can't photograph.  He's photographed weddings, is a writer, educator, and President of the Association of International Boudoir Photographers. He's also a husband, dad, friend and is admired by so many of us in the industry.

Whether boudoir is part of your business or not, Shawn's explanation of the portrait above is worth listening to. It's a great way to get to know an artist who should be on your radar. Check out more of his boudoir work with a click to his Instagram page. And more information on AIBP is just a click away.