LAWRENCE AGYEI

Lawrence Agyei is a Chicago-based photographer whose work explores identity, culture, community, and the complexities of belonging. Born and raised in Italy to Ghanaian parents, his perspective is shaped by movement between cultures and an ongoing relationship with ideas of home. Through portraiture and documentary photography, Agyei creates intimate images rooted in connection, spontaneity, and lived experience. His work centers Black life, celebrating individuality while reflecting on the traditions, relationships, and environments that shape us. Photography allows him to preserve fleeting moments and create space for people and stories to be seen authentically.

thoughts on the lab

Latitude changed my life. As a film photographer, learning how to scan negatives, work with images, and engage with the community completely transformed the way I approached photography. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the entire process—from shooting and developing to scanning and sharing. More than anything, Latitude introduced me to a community that challenged, inspired, and encouraged me to grow. It became a space where I could experiment, learn, and connect with others who shared the same passion. The experience changed not only how I made photographs, but how I understood photography itself.