John Simmons, ASC

On Saturday, May 16th, IPF will honor John Simmons, ASC. The Inglewood Photo Festival is proud to present the IPF Documentary Vision Award to John Simmons, ASC @johnsimmonsasc for his outstanding contribution to documentary photography, visual storytelling, and Black visual culture. Join us as we celebrate his work and legacy at IPF 2026 in Inglewood. May 16, 2026 at 1 PM Inglewood Photo Festival RSVP — link in bio #IPF2026 #InglewoodPhotoFestival #JohnSimmons #DocumentaryPhotography #BlackVisualCulture PhotographyFestival

UNSEEN FILM FESTIVAL — SPRING EDITION Winners will be announced on May 31st. Including the recipient of the Johnny Simmons ASC Award. — Stay tuned. #UnseenFilmFestival #SpringEdition #IndependentCinema #FilmAwards #asc

Chicago will be in the house at Atlanta’s Mason Fine Art opening May 29 featuring the work of John Simmons along with Robert “Bobby” Sengstake and Vivian Maier. The images pictured are by John Simmons. He will give an Artist Talk on Saturday, May 30 from 1-3PM. Born and raised in Chicago,John Simmons came of age at the height of the politically charged, artistically fluent 1960s. His talent as a photographer was identified and nurtured by Robert “Bobby” Sengstacke who ushered him into his early years of publishing his photographs and to his formal education in art and photography as an undergraduate. His next educational milestone was studying cinematography at USC and moving to Los Angeles where he currently resides. John is a working cinematographer, carries his still camera with him everywhere he goes and continues to mentor and be inspired by the life around him. His photographs are held in the collections of the (Getty Museum) Harvard Art Museums; the High Museum of Art, Atlanta; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Center for Creative Photography; American Society of Cinematographers; and the David C. Driskell Center, University of Maryland.

Wrapped up shooting the reboot of A Different World for @netflix . Working with a legacy path and some new exciting actors! You’re gonna be so surprised when you see the new Different World. I loved working on this! I worked with @shawnpeezie who invited me to alternate with him and some exciting directors: @hollywdafricans @loveangelabarnes Who's going to be watching?

Born and raised in Chicago,John Simmons came of age at the height of the politically charged, artistically fluent 1960s. His talent as a photographer was identified and nurtured by Robert “Bobby” Sengstacke who ushered him into his early years of publishing his photographs and to his formal education in art and photography as an undergraduate. His next educational milestone was studying cinematography at USC and moving to Los Angeles where he currently resides. John is a working cinematographer, carries his still camera with him everywhere he goes and continues to mentor and be inspired by the life around him. At age 15 Simmons began shooting photos for The Chicago Defender newspaper — the oldest Black-owned publication established in 1906. After leaving Chicago he studied fine art at Fisk University and completed a Master’s degree in cinematography at the University of Southern California. In 2004 he was inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) where he currently serves as the co-chair of the ASC Vision Committee. He is also on the Board of Governors of the Television Academy and champions increased diversity on-set. John Simmons, ASC and has had a prolific career as both a still photographer and cinematographer. He has filmed numerous music videos and commercials for artists such as Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg and many more. He has collaborated with filmmakers including Spike Lee and Debbie Allen, and has served as the Director of Photography for more than 25 television series. Simmons earned an Emmy for his work on Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, another two nominations for his work on Pair of Kings, and a third for Family Reunion. His feature film credits include Once Upon a Time … When We Were Colored, The Killing Yard, Collected Stories, The Gin Game, Asunder, The Old Settler and the documentaries Cool Women and Dark Girls. His photographs are held in the collections of the (Getty Museum) Harvard Art Museums; the High Museum of Art, Atlanta; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Center for Creative Photography; American Society of Cinematographers; and the David C. Driskell Center, University of Maryland.

A few moments from BUTTER LA! It was great seeing people spend time with my photographs and collages. It's the best part of showing work. Happy to share that “Window Writing” found its way into a new collection. Andre 3000, Mike Epps, and Hebru Brantley were among the many who stopped by. Thanks to everyone who came through! #ButterLA #Photography #BHM

10 years ago I had my first big solo show here in LA thanks to Charlie Lieberman, ASC and Armando Arorizo of @perfectexposuregallery for getting it started. I'm so glad I got the confidence and opportunity to show the world my photos 🖤🖤 #johnsimmonsasc #blackartist #photography #itstartedinthe60s

A look back at “A Matter of Things Seen” at Matter Studio Gallery. 🖤🖤🖤🖤 Thank you to everyone who came through and spent time with the work! It meant a lot to share these pieces together in one space. #johnsimmonsasc #blackandwhitephotography #blackart

@stellathepoet1 presents work from her New Book of #poetry titled Love, Magic & Maroon Moons followed by a book signing along with the #closing #reception of @johnsimmonsasc exhibit titled A MATTER OF THINGS SEEN! This Saturday Feb 28, from 3-6pm. This is a free event! #spokenwordartist #poetrycommunity

A few pieces heading to @BUTTERartfair this week! I'm honored to be a part of this cultural movement right here in Los Angeles! I've got more over there than this instagram post so buy a ticket and check them. You'll see some really amazing artists! Don't let black history end without appreciating the art 🖤✊🏽 More collages and photographs are also on view at @MatterStudioGallery this month! Closing reception of "A Matter of Things Seen" is 2/28.

Tonight at The Getty opens "Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985" where you can see one of my favorite pieces that shows black love. I took this photo when I was 16 years old. My best friend since even younger than that went with my wife last night to the reception. I'm sad to miss but I'm in Atlanta working on an exciting project! Let me know if you check it out 🖤🖤🖤 #blackhistorymonth #blackandwhite #blackart

Yesterday one of our studio assistants packed and delivered curated photos and collages to @ButterArtFaire which I am honored to be part of 🖤 check it out February 26 - March 1 at Hollywood Park, Inglewood