The Camera as Connection: McKinley Wiley’s Portraits of Community

Rooted in Community

Cleveland-born and raised photographer and filmmaker McKinley Wiley has long seen the camera as more than a tool of documentation — for him, it is a bridge of connection. His portraits and films are grounded in the belief that art has the power to affirm, to heal, and to reflect back the beauty of individuals and communities that are often overlooked.

   “My intention has always been to empower people to see the beauty within themselves, even if it’s only for a brief moment.”

— McKinley Wiley

In one striking black-and-white photograph, a young girl braids an elder’s hair while a child rides his bicycle in the background. The scene unfolds in a backyard at night, under the glow of a single light, yet the image radiates warmth and history. It is a portrait of lineage: the act of grooming becomes a metaphor for care and continuity, a reminder that heritage is passed on not only in grand gestures, but in the small, ordinary moments of togetherness.

Affirmation Through Portraiture

Beyond photography, Wiley embraces mixed-media portraiture that speaks with urgency and clarity. In one bold work, painted figures emerge from textured strokes of orange, blue, and black. The words “BLACK GIRLS ARE ARTIST” stretch across the canvas, declaring identity as both truth and resistance. These pieces are not quiet—they speak directly to the viewer, demanding recognition of Black creativity as foundational, not peripheral.

Life, Art, and Everyday Joy

Wiley’s passion for community and fine art is matched by his joy in the everyday. When he isn’t behind the lens, he jokes about “pretending to be a cross-fit athlete,” unwinds with Jeopardy reruns, and shares culinary docuseries with his wife. That same balance—seriousness of purpose with lightness of spirit—infuses his work. His art affirms that beauty is not only found in curated spaces but also in backyards, in laughter, in rituals, and in moments of stillness.

A Vision of Empowerment

Whether through film, photography, or painting, Wiley’s vision remains clear: to empower people to see the beauty within themselves. His work exemplifies a passion for life and community, offering viewers a chance to recognize the extraordinary in the everyday. For Wiley, art is connection—between people, generations, and histories—and it is through that connection that he finds his deepest creative