Art possesses the unique power to serve as an escape, offering solace and self-expression amidst life’s trials. For Polly Irungu, a self-taught photographer currently based in Washington, D.C., this form of visual art has not only been her refuge but also her avenue for empowerment and advocacy.  

  

A Childhood Defined by Change 

Polly was born in Nairobi, but at the tender age of three, her family embarked on a life-altering adventure that took them thousands of miles away to the United States. Settling in Topeka, Kansas, Polly was raised in the embrace of a traditional African household. Here, her future appeared predestined to follow the well-trodden paths of medicine, engineering, or academia. Fields such as photography and journalism weren’t even in the conversation.  

During Polly’s high school freshman year, her family relocated once more to Portland, Oregon. This move was the first major upheaval she was cognizant of, and it proved immensely challenging to her. Polly plunged into a dark emotional abyss, where depression began taking hold.  

 

A Turning Point 

However, the turning point arrived when her mother secured a position at the University of Oregon, prompting another move, this time to Eugene City. It was there that Polly’s high school advisors provided the support she needed to navigate this turbulent period. They encouraged her to reframe her perception of the new city and state, urging her to uncover its hidden potential.  

Acting upon one counselor’s suggestion, Polly became involved in yearbook activities. This offered her a creative outlet as she began to capture photos around her school. This newfound passion ignited her love for storytelling and capturing moments. It is during this time that she invested her hard-earned money made from working part-time at McDonald’s in purchasing her first camera.  

 

A Budding Passion for Photography 

For the remainder of her high school years, Polly documented various rallies and protests happening in her city. She began submitting her work to CNN iReports and started receiving recognition for her photography. Convincing her parents to support her newfound passion proved to be a challenging saga, but eventually they became her staunchest supporters, recognizing her talent and dedication.  

Polly’s education journey continued as she was admitted to the University of Oregon, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, which she successfully completed in 2017. After graduating, she embarked on a career as a freelance photographer, further honing her craft and expanding her portfolio. 

  

Empowering Black Women Photographers 

With time, Polly’s journey as a photographer sparked a deep sense of responsibility. Recognizing the underrepresentation of Black women photographers in the industry and the unique challenges they face, Polly decided to take action. In March 2020, she began reaching out to Black women photographers whose works she was discovering online, asking them about their experiences in the field. She wanted to understand if they shared her sentiments of isolation and adversity. The responses she received affirmed that she was not alone in her struggles. 

Motivated by this revelation, Polly launched “Black Women Photographers” in July 2020, on her 26th birthday. This initiative went beyond her personal success and aimed to provide visibility, access to hiring opportunities, mentorship, workshops, and personal and professional growth opportunities to a community of incredibly talented Black women photographers who had been marginalized for far too long. She even initiated a COVID-19 relief fund that raised and distributed over $14,000 to support Black women and non-binary photographers in the United States and internationally. Her initiative has fostered a supportive community and instigated change within the photography industry, addressing the unique challenges faced by Black women in the field. 

  

A New Chapter 

In July 2022, Polly reached another pivotal milestone in her career when she was appointed as the Photo Editor for the Office of the Vice President in the Biden-Harris Administration. Her dedication to photography and her advocacy for marginalized voices continue to make a profound impact on a larger stage.  

Polly Irungu’s extraordinary journey from Nairobi to becoming a prominent photographer and advocate in Washington, D.C., is a testament to her resilience and unwavering determination. Through her work, she has not only achieved personal success but has also opened doors and created opportunities for others in the field. Polly Irungu has truly elevated Kenya’s presence on the global stage, demonstrating the immense talent and potential that can emerge from diverse backgrounds when passion and creativity are nurtured. 

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