Get To Know: Addison Scurlock

Addison Scurlock was born in North Carolina in 1883, but the family relocated to Washington, D.C. In 1900. Only 17 years old, Mr. Scurlock reported to the census takers that his profession was photography. His first official studio was within his parent’s home, but he opened his own in town by 1911. He set out to be the preeminent African American photographer in the Capitol.

His two sons joined him in the business. By placing outstanding portraits in the window for passers-by to see, he quickly became THE photographer for recording important events, especially high-society parties and visiting dignitaries. Their particular manner of posing, lighting, and re-touching became known as the “Scurlock Method.” The studio closed in 1994.

Scurlock Studio photo of Marian Anderson, who, refused use of Constitution Hall because of a “white artists only” policy, sings to 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial on April 9, 1939. (photo from Smithsonian Institution online archive)