disquisitiveorange:

James VanDerZee (June 29, 1886 - May 15, 1983)

VanDerZee was an American photographer.  In 1916, he and his wife opened the Guarantee Photo Studio in Harlem.  He began chronicling the Harlem Renaissance.

VanDerZee also took portraits of many renowned people such as the poet Countee Cullen and Bill (“Bojangles”) Robinson.  He incorporated, not only various props, but also spent much time retouching negatives to achieve a more glamorous appearance.