BIOGRAPHY
Dee Dwyer is a powerful force in the world of photography, curation, education and directing. Raised in Southeast Washington, D.C. Dee is known for her inspiring images. Her dedication to collecting and sharing stories has earned her the well-deserved title of "The Visual Voice for the People" in her community. Her commitment to showcasing the full spectrum of human existence, with humanity at the forefront has become her driving force. Dee’s visuals are a window into the souls of people, revealing their adversities, truths, beauty, and culture.
In 2024 The National Gallery of Art Museum released a documentary starring Dee Dwyer showing the parallels between she and renowned photographer Dorothea Lange’s collection. In 2021, she delivered a thought-provoking TEDx talk in collaboration with the University of Washington, titled "Putting Humanity First within the Media Industry." Her work has graced the walls of prestigious institutions, including The Phillips Collection, The National Building Museum, PhotoSCHWEIZ, Catchlight, Reginald F. Lewis Museum, The MLK Library, among many others. Her visuals are in esteemed publications such as Vogue, Rolling Stone, National Geographic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, BET, The Guardian, Bloomberg Businessweek, NPR, and more. Dwyer is currently a part-time Professor at Howard University teaching the next generation "Visual Storytelling" all while continuing her journey as a documentarian focusing on humanity and community.
SELECTED PRESS.
EBONY: Boss Up
Global Citizen: 7 Black Photographers Who Photographed Iconic Moments
The Washington Post: D.C.’s most significant Black landmarks, according to its Black leaders
Essence Magazine: 20 Spring Exhibitions & Art Show to Explore
British Journal of Photography: Dee Dwyer on the importance of true historical representation
Black Women Photographers: Why Photojournalist Dee Dwyer is the Visual Voice for the People
Brittish Vogue Uk: 10 Black Photojournalist Give Personal accounts on U.S. Protests
Harper’s Bazaar: Ten writers and 10 photographers reflect on what they witnessed during a summer of activism
Washington City Paper: Local Photographer Dee Dwyer Photographs Southeast
Washington City Paper: A Great Day in Go-Go tribute to Art Kane & Gordon Park
W Magazine: For Some Protest Photographers, There’s No Such Thing as Neutral
SELECTED PUBLICATION & CLIENTS
The National Gallery of Art, The Phillips Collection, Rolling Stone, Vogue, W Magazine, People Magazine, Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, Smithsonian Anacostia Museum, Vice, The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, The Wallstreet Journal, RAI 3: Rome, Italy, Dove, BET, Apple, Emerson Collective, Bloomberg Businessweek, A&E: Disney + more
SELECTED TALKS & PANELS.
Upcoming Panels:
Photoville 2024: MFON GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM: PRESENCE & PRESERVATION
Speakers: Dr. Deborah Willis Joy Gregory Nicole AcheampongNadiya Nacorda Naima Green Melissa Alcena Colette Veasey-Cullors Keisha Scarville Yelaine Rodriguez Noelle Flores Théard Lynsey Weatherspoon Dee Dwyer Marilyn Nance
Photoville 2024: DEEP DIVE: “SOLUTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY”
Speakers: Kriston Jae Bethel Dee Dwyer Andrea Morales
PAST:
TEDx UofW: Putting Humanity First within the Media Industry
Creative Mornings: Pride with Dee Dwyer
Sidwell Friends: Visual Voice for the People
The Phillips Collection Artist Talk: Wild Seeds of the Soufside
CCCADI: Justice for Deon Kay
Black Women Photographers: A Conversation with Dee Dwyer
EXHIBITIONS & COLLABORATIONS
2024, Photograph Like a Great Documentary, A Tribute to Dorothea Lange, Starring Dee Dwyer. The National Gallery of Art Museum.
2024, Long Journey Forward Black Men In Passage, A Tribute to Kwame Brathwaite, Kenkeleba House and The Wilmer Jennings Gallery, New York City. Curated by Jamel Shabazz & Howard T Cash featuring works by Dee Dwyer, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, Kwame Brathwaite, Adgar Cowans + more.
2023, “Wild Seeds of the Soufside” Washington, D.C., “The Phillips Collection.” Curated + featuring works by Dee Dwyer
2023, “Chocolate City Series” Washington, D.C., “National Building Museum”, In Celebration of the FIFTH ANNUAL ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FILM FESTIVAL. Curated by + Featuring works from Dee’s documentation in Southeast, D.C.
2023, “Eyes on Main Street” 9th Edition, Wilson, NC
2022, “Black Is…” Laurel, MD “Montpelier Arts Center.” Curated by + featuring Dee Dwyer, Cheriss May, Tone Mobley, Andre Chung
Eaton DC presents “Harriet’s Wildest Dreams” October 15, 2021- April 1, 2022 Washington, D.C. featuring Dee Dwyer, Cheriss May, Kyna Kool, Nyeusi Mwezi. Curated by Claudia Watts.
“Eyes on Main Street” 8th Edition, October 30, 2021-March 30, 2022, Wilson, NC, Featuring Dee Dwyer, Dawoud Bey, Cheriss May, Cornell Watson, Jamel Shabazz + more. Dee also was a featured Speaker, Title of her talks “ Putting Humanity First when Documenting Life”
“Rebel Vision” Curated by Tara Piley Photoville September 18, 2021- December 1, 2021 , Brooklyn, NYC Featuring Dee Dwyer, Tara Pixley, Stephanie Mei-Ling, Danielle A. Scruggs, Sarahbeth Maney, Sylvia Jarrus, Vanessa Charlot, Gabriella Angotti-Jones
"Tell Our Story: A Tribute to Robert Houston" Curated by Carol Dyson July 3, 2021-January 2022, Baltimore, Md Featuring Dee Dwyer, Robert Houston, Devin Allen, J.M. Giordano
SELECTED AWARDS
2023, The Society of Professional Journalists Dateline for an online feature
2023, Gracie award for a story on the Black Maternal Health crisis
2022, A Regional Edward R. Murrow award for feature reporting
2020, i-D magazine's top 20 photographers who defined the year
In The Works
Dee Dwyer is currently directing and producing the film "Neighborhood Heroes" an exhilarating documentary that unveils the untold stories of a group of fearless ATV and dirt bikers who redefine the meaning of freedom. Centered around the legendary Nina Simone's quote "I'll tell you what freedom is to me: No Fear." The film takes audiences on a visual journey deep into their vibrant and adrenaline-fueled world.