BIOGRAPHY :
Roger Erickson (born in Washington D.C.) is an Oakland, California native whose work is distinguished by a narrative depth and visual clarity that continues to shape the landscape of modern portrait photography. After attending San Francisco State University, Roger relocated to London to embark on a career in editorial photography. His early breakthrough came in 1990 with commissioned assignments featuring Motörhead, Neil Young, and Crazy Horse for Select Magazine.
In 2003, Roger made history as the first African American photographer to shoot two covers of Vogue Magazine — the March cover of Vogue en Español with Paulina Rubio, and the August cover of Vogue México featuring Lily Aldridge.
Roger’s talent for capturing compelling narratives earned him the opportunity to photograph his third Out100 Portfolio Issue in 2017 for Out Magazine. His images have appeared in numerous publications including GQ (US), Harper’s Bazaar (UK), Vogue (México y Latinoamérica), ELLE (France), Entertainment Weekly, The Advocate, Emmy Magazine, and Flaunt.
Notable exhibitions include “OUTspoken: Portraits of LGBTQ Luminaries”. A four month, solo exhibition at the S.F. Art Commission (SFAC) Galleries in San Francisco City Hall from June 9 - Oct. 16, 2015. "Breaking Gender Stereotypes" Queer Festival Heidelberg Exhibition (Group), Heidelberg, Germany. May 2nd -June 2020
“Queer Heroes in Focus” Exhibition (group), Queer Festival Heidelberg, Intercultural Centre in Heidelberg, Germany. May 30th 2024, and “Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality” (Group), Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond, VA., June 22 2019– March 29 2020
His short film documentary “I Am…” examines what it means to be Out, as told by influential voices from music, social activism, the military, politics, and entertainment - revealing personal journeys of identity, courage, and pride. Film screenings were as follows:
(Atlanta Underground Film Festival, July 20, 2018.)
(29th Annual Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, October 11th, 2018.)
(Q Fest: San Antonio LGBT International Film Festival, October 9th, 2018.)
(London-X4 Short Film Festival, September 11th, 2018, "Honorable Mention".)
Roger Erickson’s visual discography covers album packaging artwork for iconic recording artists such as LL Cool J, Joan Jett, Lil’ Kim, Brandy, Ja Rule, Keke Palmer, Musiq Soulchild, Danity Kane, Too Short, and J Dilla. In 2024, Goff Books/ORO Editions published FLOSS, his first monograph collection showcasing his distinctive work in music and Hip Hop culture from the 1990s.
He has collaborated with global brands, contributing to campaigns for Cartier, Hugo Boss, Marc Jacobs, H&M, Lexus, Def Jam Music, Atlantic Records, Disney Plus, Audible, Paramount Plus, and Netflix, among others. His photography offers a unique perspective on American portraiture, blending artistry with storytelling.
Roger Erickson serves on the Storytelling Advisory Council at The American LGBTQ+ Museum in New York City. His work advances the museum’s mission to create inclusive and representative exhibitions through interpretive planning, object research, concept design, and scriptwriting.
ARTIST STATEMENT :
Photography, for me, is about more than capturing a face — it's about revealing presence, identity, and narrative. I’m drawn to the subtle tension between how people see themselves and how they are seen by others. Through portraiture, I aim to honor that complexity.
My practice began with music and editorial assignments, but over time it has evolved into a deeper exploration of culture, legacy, and representation. I’m particularly interested in how portraiture can challenge stereotypes and expand the visual language of American identity. Whether I’m shooting for a global campaign or a magazine cover, I approach each subject with curiosity, care, and the belief that a single image can tell a lasting story.
I believe in clarity. I believe in detail. I believe in making images that hold space for emotion, intention, and voice. Portraiture is collaborative by nature, and I strive to create an environment where authenticity leads — where the image reflects not just my vision, but the subject’s truth.
INQUIRIES :
CONTACT: rogerericksonphotography@yahoo.com
TEL: +1 954 701-6671
SYNDICATION :
LICKERISHLTD
CONTACT: emma.carlsen@lickerishltd.com
TEL: +44 (0)207 323 1999
BOOK PUBLISHERS :
ORO EDITIONS / GOFF BOOKS PUBLISHING - ROGER ERICKSON FLOSS
CONTACT: brooke@oroeditions.com
TEL: +1 415.883.3300 ext. 202
WEBSITE: https://goffbooks.com/product/floss