My name is Tengbeh Kamara, I’m a Dutch-Liberian photographer based in Amsterdam. Although my photography is very personal, documenting intimate stories of myself and the communities around me, it aims to create a greater understanding of people who have systematically been ignored and oppressed.
Our political system is uncertain. I am aware that my rights as a black, queer, and non-binary person have only existed for a few decades. These rights can be taken away from me. In a political climate that speaks of us in broad, abstract, and often villainizing ways, I use photography to share stories that show my subjects as relatable human beings rather than hypothetical concepts.
Besides my autonomous projects, I am also available for commissions. I’ve worked with organisations like Greenpeace, OXFAM Novib, De Volkskrant, VPRO, ActionAid, Netflix, and Rotterdam Pride.
Awards
2025 - #1 Category Portrait, De Zilveren Camera
2024 - Shortlisted SO Awards
2023 - De Volkskrant: Emerging Talents of 2023 (#3 Photography)
Exhibitions
2025- The Trans Yearbook, Museum More
2025- De Zilveren Camera, Museum Hilversum
2024 - SO Awards, Capital C
2024 - Roze Filmdagen, Meterhuisje
2023 - Yes, I do, Gallerie Nieuw Dakota
2023 - Gay Games 1998, Het Amsterdam Museum
2022 - Trots, Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam
2021 - Utopia, NDSM Fuse
Press
2024 - AD: Tengbeh Kamara maakt de schoolfoto opnieuw
2024 - NRC: Het Cultuurdagboek van Tengbeh Kamara
2024 - Volkskrant Magazine: Het Trans Jaarboek
2024 - PF Magazine: personal interview
2023 - Vogue Nederland: Diary van Stijn de Vries
2023 - Volkskrant Magazine: Twee Warme Weken
2023 - The Thing Magazine: 5 photographers too good to be replaced by AI
2023 - Linda: Deze foto’s van jonge modefotografen moet je zien
2021 - VICE Benelux: De foto’s van Tengbeh Kamara tonen dat je ook met grote borsten en heupen androgyn kan zijn
Speaking Engagements
2025 - The Trans Yearbook, Bibliotheek Den Haag
2025 - Fonds Anna Cornelis, Why You Left - Who You Left
2024 - DUPHO Day at Pakhuis de Zwijger, panel on photographing communities
2024 - Unfair, Interview Roulette
2023 - Hilversum Museum, panel on gender and photography
2023 - Kunststof/jongstof, personal radio interview
2022 - Van Gogh Museum, panel on femininity in art
2022 - Pakhuis de Zwijger, panel on coming out day
2022 - Rotterdam Pride, tv interview on Non-Binary and Trans Inclusion
2022 - Scholieren.com, online video on being queer in high school
2021 - Lipton, video ad on friendship and activism
2021 - Cameranu, online videointerview on photography and work process