Roger Erickson

Photography, for me, is about more than capturing a face — it's about revealing presence, identity, and narrative. I’m drawn to the subtle tension between how people see themselves and how they are seen by others. Through portraiture, I aim to honor that complexity.

My practice began with music and editorial assignments, but over time it has evolved into a deeper exploration of culture, legacy, and representation. I’m particularly interested in how portraiture can challenge stereotypes and expand the visual language of American identity. Whether I’m shooting for a global campaign or a magazine cover, I approach each subject with curiosity, care, and the belief that a single image can tell a lasting story.

I believe in clarity. I believe in detail. I believe in making images that hold space for emotion, intention, and voice. Portraiture is collaborative by nature, and I strive to create an environment where authenticity leads — where the image reflects not just my vision, but the subject’s truth.

Roger Erickson (born in Washington D.C.) is an Oakland, California native whose work is distinguished by a narrative depth and visual clarity that continues to shape the landscape of modern portrait photography. After studying at San Francisco State University, Roger relocated to London to embark on a career in editorial photography. His early breakthrough came in 1990 with commissioned assignments featuring Motörhead, Neil Young, and Crazy Horse for Select Magazine.

In 2003, Roger made history as the first African American photographer to shoot two covers of Vogue Magazine — the March cover of Vogue en Español with Paulina Rubio, and the August cover of Vogue México featuring Lily Aldridge.

Roger’s talent for capturing compelling narratives earned him the opportunity to photograph his third Out100 Portfolio Issue in 2017 for Out Magazine. His images have appeared in numerous publications including GQ (US), Harper’s Bazaar (UK), Vogue (México y Latinoamérica), ELLE (France), Entertainment Weekly, The Advocate, Emmy Magazine, and Flaunt.

Roger Erickson’s visual discography includes album covers for iconic recording artists such as LL Cool J, Joan Jett, Lil’ Kim, Brandy, Ja Rule, Keke Palmer, Musiq Soulchild, Danity Kane, Too Short, and J Dilla. In 2024, Goff Books/ORO Editions published FLOSS, his first monograph collection showcasing his distinctive work in music and Hip Hop culture from the 1990s.

He has collaborated with global brands, contributing to campaigns for Cartier, Hugo Boss, Marc Jacobs, H&M, Lexus, Def Jam Music, Atlantic Records, Disney Plus, Audible, Paramount Plus, and Netflix, among others. His photography offers a unique perspective on American portraiture, blending artistry with storytelling.

Clients : 

Vogue, GQ, ELLE, Out, Flaunt, Oyster, Entertainment Weekly, Complex, Ebony, Washington Post Magazine, Cartier, Hugo Boss, Marc Jacobs, Stussy, H&M, GAP, LG, Shinola, Bloomingdales, Diesel Jeans, Zenith Watches, Timberland, Grey Goose, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Netflix, Audible, Paramount Plus, Disney Plus, WETV, A&E, Sony BMG Music, Blackheart Records, Electra Records, Island/Def Jam Music, Universal Music, and Atlantic Records.

Filmography :

Short Film Documentaries “I Am…” and “Who Am I…”  About what it means to be out in 2017.

• July 20, 2018, Atlanta Underground Film Festival.
• October 11th, 2018, 29th Annual Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival,
• October 9th, 2018, Q Fest: San Antonio LGBT International Film Festival.
• September 11th, 2018, London-X4 Short Film Festival.

Exhibitions :

• “Indelible Imprints” Exhibition (group), SaveArtSpace and DCDG & Co at Gallery 90220, Los Angeles, CA., June 14th to July 26th, 2024. View Link: https://www.saveartspace.org/indelibleimprints
• “Queer Heroes in Focus” Exhibition (group), Queer Festival Heidelberg, Intercultural Centre in Heidelberg, Germany. May 30th 2024. View Link: https://queer-festival.de/rogererickson/
• “OUTspoken: Portraits of LGBTQ Luminaries” (Solo), SFAC Galleries, San Francisco City Hall, San Francisco, CA June 9 - Oct. 16, 2015
• "Voices for Womankind: Resilience.", WOMENKIND Art Exhibit (Group), One Art Space Gallery, Manhattan, NY, Sept. 27 - Oct. 3, 2018 View Link : https://womankindart.org/participatingartists/
• “Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality” (Group), Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond, VA., June 22 2019– March 29 2020 View Link: https://www.virginiahistory.org/exhibitions/determined-400-year-struggle-black-equality
• “Conversation in Black” TLGB Black History Exhibition (Group) Queer Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA., February 1 - February 29, 2020
• "Breaking Gender Stereotypes" Queer Festival Heidelberg Exhibition (Group), Heidelberg, Germany. May 2nd -June 30th, 2020 View Link: https://queer-festival.de/roger-erickson/

Press :

• ‘A quiet testimony to J Dilla’s legacy’ Phil Pirkovic’s poignant interview with Roger Erickson about his photographic session with J Dilla in 2005, for Shinola Watches. Filmed in Detroit, MI - April 2025
• “Roger Erickson | Upcoming Portrait Photobook 'FLOSS' His Lens Captures the Beat” Written by Isa Luzarraga for Flaunt Magazine - October 2024
• “Photographer Roger Erickson Presents 'OUTspoken: Portraits of LGBTQ Luminaries'
  This Celebrity Fashion Photographer Is Turning The Lens On Queer Luminaries” Written by James Michael Nichols for Queer Voices/ Huffpost - Jun 7, 2015
• “Celebrity photog’s portraits of LGBTQ luminaries at City Hall” Written by Kimberly Chun for The Seattle Post-Intelligencer (SeattlePI.Com) - July 15, 2015
• “Roger Erickson, OUTspoken at San Francisco City Hall” An exhibition of the photographer's work featuring LGBT figures is on display this summer” Written by Dennis Hinzmann for Out Magazine - May 29, 2015
• “Pride illuminated in Roger Erickson’s ‘OUTspoken’ photos” Written by Anita Katz for the San Francisco Examiner- June 18th 2015
• "Versatility: Roger Erickson Got Many Styles” Interview and 6 page photo retrospective on Roger Erickson's career photographing Hip Hop Musicians. Respect Magazine (Volume 4 / Issue 4)· Aug 1, 2013
• "Still Lives Through J Dilla"and "Photographer, Roger Erickson" 8 page article and cover on J Dilla, along with a 9 page article and Interview with Roger Erickson on photographing J Dilla and his career in music photography.. Wax Poetics Magazine, Japan No. 41 · Aug 15, 2015
• “GOWEST! : Cutting Edge Creatives in the United States” Profile Interview and photo retrospective. DAAB Publishings (Hardcover book) · Aug 15, 2011
• Out Spoken Portraits of LGBTQ Luminaries by Roger Erickson article in MutualArt

FLOSS comprises a collection of monographs showcasing retrospective photographs by Roger Erickson, highlighting Hip Hop and Rock'n Roll music from the 1990s. These uniquely stylized images explore the aspirational, unrestrained and often extravagant nature of artists during an era when Hip Hop culture burst into international prominence. His wholly original vision captures the vitality of urban music, arts and culture in the '90s. Often delving into the psyche of these personages for his inspiration, crafting iconic conceptual portraits that have become synonymous with the recording artists. The celebrities include Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Eminem, Joan Jett, Neil Young, Ozzy Osbourne, Ice Cube, Lil'KIm, Chaka Khan, LL Cool J, Fat Joe, Da Brat, Ja Rule, Nelly, EVE, and many more.

• "FLOSS charts Erickson’s best work throughout his decades-long career, bringing together a host of rappers, fashion icons and rockstars in one book. With a foreword by actress and director Salli Richardson Whitfield, FLOSS is a visual meditation on the intersection of art, culture and identity." —Flaunt Magazine
• “It’s dynamic, sexy, and iconic.” —SPD (The Society of Publication Designers)

22nd Pollux Awards : Pro Series Category Winner (People / 2025)

Communication Arts, Photography Annual 66 : Award of Excellence (Books, 2025)

American Photography 41 Awards : (Books, 2025)

International Photography Awards : 2nd Place (Book / Monographs, 2024)

Tokyo International Foto Awards : Bronze Medal (Book / People, 2024)

• Communication Arts 2024 Photography Annual 65 Winner: photograph of Colman Domingo (Category: Editorial)
• American Photography 39 Selected Winner American Photography 39 Selected Winner· April 2023
• Refocus Awards Photographer of the Year Fashion & Beauty (Professional) Photographer of the Year Fashion & Beauty (Professional) Feb 2023

• Erickson is currently based in NY/LARoger