A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, iconic photographer Addison Scurlock (1883-1864)  moved with his family to the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. at the age of 17. After settling in the Shaw neighborhood, the young Scurlock soon began an apprenticeship under the prominent white photographer Moses P. Rice. Under Rice’s mentorship, Addison attained mastery of portraiture photography and the basics of laboratory photo-development. He began his own photography studio in his parents’ home in 1904, then in 1911 he opened the legendary Scurlock Studios on 900 U Street, NW. Scurlock Studios specialized in documenting what National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) Founding Director Lonnie Bunch has described as “the promise of Black life” in 20th century America.

Addison Scurlock captured the essence of everyday African-American middle-class life. His subjects were often weddings, graduations, cotillions and conventions. However, Scurlock’s range is demonstrated by his many photos of luminaries in African-American history such as Madam CJ Walker, Mary McLeod Bethune, W.E.B. Dubois, Sterling Brown, Marian Anderson and Booker T. Washington amongst others.

For African-Americans living in the 1920’s 30’s 40’s, being photographed by Addison Scurlock was a kind of rite of passage to social respectability. The old saying widespread at the time was, “If a couple did not hire Scurlock as their photographer, they were not considered married.” In a time when African-American representation was dictated by minstrel stereotypes and caricatures, Scurlock’s photography conveyed dignity, elegance and pride in Black life and the Black experience. The “Scurlock look” is marked by “a conscientious positioning of clients and an unusual positioning of lighting”.

“You Know!” … or did you?

Addison Scurlock served as the official photographer of Howard University for over 30 years. Scurlock covered athletic games, graduations, parties and many influential Howard University families. Some of the most recognizable photos of 20th century Howard life are the works of Scurlock, such as “the Bleacher girls”. 

Fun Facts

• The Scurlocks were a well-known family in D.C. and especially in the Howard University community. Two of Scurlock’s sons: Robert and George graduated from Howard and eventually led their father’s business at Scurlock Studios. Addison’s brother, Herbert C. Scurlock also went to Howard and became a renowned biochemist.
• Scurlock brothers Robert and George, having followed their father’s passion, became exceptional photographers themselves and even trained other photographers in D.C. including future First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
• Addison Scurlock was very particular about positioning and once directed President Calvin Coolidge against the advice of the Secret Service.