
Teaching the enchanting beauty of photography and the power of photojournalism.
We are dedicated to documenting the plight – and triumphs - of Black and Brown people in Los Angeles, New Orleans and throughout the world.
At the heart of our work in the Watts community of Los Angeles and New Orleans, untold stories are being reclaimed through photography and narrative. In Watts, we are transforming a house across the street from the historic Watts Towers into a creative studio—where young and old learn to document their lived experiences and vibrant community. Through portraits and prose, they are not only learning the language of visual storytelling but reshaping how their neighborhood is seen and understood. In New Orleans, we are working alongside individuals who have been exonerated after decades of wrongful incarceration, helping them share their journeys of resilience, justice, and healing through powerful visual and oral testimonies. Across both cities, we are committed to lifting voices too often unheard—and we are proud to honor this work with public exhibitions that celebrate the depth, dignity, and truth of these lived experiences.
A note from our director
“Empowering people to tell their own stories is what I care deeply about. Photography, photojournalism in particular and writing are powerful weapons for self determination, empathy and understanding. This foundation has been 30 plus years in the making. My dream is deferred no longer. It is built on the love and respect that I have for all people who have struggled the hardest to live and be treated with dignity.”
—Clarence Williams, Founder & Director
Our ultimate goal is to have a permanent home, where these activities can take place in perpetuity.
Please help us kick off & sustain The Iris Photocollective Foundation as we celebrate the vibrant, historical communities in Los Angeles and New Orleans. Your donation is more than appreciated, it’s a blessing.
Thank you for your tax-deductible gift.