A QUALITATIVE EXAMINATION OF THE SUCCESS OF BLACK WOMEN PHOTOGRAPHERS UTILIZING THE SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY

Abstract

Colvin, Tomayia T., A Qualitative Examination of the Success of Black Women Photographers Utilizing the Self-Determination Theory. Doctor of Education (Executive Educational Leadership), May 2020, Houston Baptist University, Houston, Texas. Purpose The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological case study was to identify factors that contribute to the success of Black women photographer business owners related to the self-determination theory. For this study, successful Black women photographer business owners are those who earn at least 50% of their individual income from photography via self-employment or commissioned work, with gross earnings of more than $30,000 per year from commissioned work, and who have the ability to create images with high technical skill or merit. The participants self-identified their experiences as Black women photography business owners. The research questions allowed participants to share their lived experiences related to the self-determination factors that contributed to their professional success. Findings indicated that autonomous factors such as having the freedom and ability to take control of their business and be able to fulfill their life’s purpose through photography contributed to participants’ feelings of success. Participants demonstrated the relatedness factor through deep connections to their clients and colleagues and via support received from other photographers. Participants described a sense of effectiveness in their technical skills and business acumen that they attributed to communication and praise from other photographers, demonstrating the competence factor. Participants noted that an appreciation for Black culture and lifestyle had a positive impact on their photography business. This study provides Black women photographers the framework to envision iv success, and offers photography industry practitioners and camera companies recommendations on how to support the success of Black women photographers in the photography industry. Keywords: Black Women Photographers, Success, Self-Determination Theory, Entrepreneurship