Episode 20 - Reginald Cunningham on Photography, Pure Black, DIVINE WOMAN & Creative Empowerment
On this episode of The PHYS Podcast, Tyson Martin sits down with Reginald Cunningham, better known as Reggie Noble, a Washington, D.C.–based photographer, entrepreneur, creative visionary, and founder of the Pure Black brand.
Through photography, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, Reggie has built a powerful platform that celebrates culture, identity, representation, and self-expression. His work blends urban style, portrait photography, and visual storytelling to create images that challenge perceptions, inspire confidence, and amplify voices that deserve to be seen and heard.
As the creator of Pure Black, Reggie has developed a brand rooted in authenticity, creativity, and empowerment. His work extends beyond photography, serving as a cultural statement that encourages individuals and communities to embrace their identity with pride and confidence.
A major focus of this conversation is his acclaimed exhibition DIVINE WOMAN, a powerful body of work celebrating the beauty, resilience, strength, and complexity of women. Through carefully crafted portraits and visual narratives, the exhibition highlights themes of empowerment, representation, and humanity while creating space for important conversations around identity and culture.
Throughout the episode, Tyson and Reggie discuss the responsibilities that come with visual storytelling, the importance of representation in the arts, and how creativity can become a catalyst for personal and collective empowerment.
In this episode, you'll discover:
• The story behind creating the Pure Black brand
• Reginald Cunningham's journey as a photographer, entrepreneur, and creative leader
• How urban style, culture, and portraiture influence his artistic vision
• The inspiration and creative process behind the DIVINE WOMAN exhibition
• Why representation matters in photography and visual storytelling
• The role art plays in shaping identity and cultural understanding
• How entrepreneurship and creativity can work together to create impact
• The importance of empowering communities through authentic storytelling
• Why purpose-driven art has the power to inspire meaningful change
This episode is an inspiring conversation about creativity, culture, leadership, and the transformative role photography can play in shaping how we see ourselves and one another.
Reggie's work demonstrates that photography is more than a creative medium—it is a vehicle for representation, empowerment, and cultural expression. Through Pure Black and projects like DIVINE WOMAN, he continues to create work that sparks dialogue, celebrates identity, and encourages people to embrace their stories with confidence.
Whether you're a photographer, artist, entrepreneur, community leader, or someone passionate about culture and storytelling, this conversation offers valuable insight into building work that is both meaningful and impactful.
The most powerful images don't simply document people. They help people see themselves differently.
Follow Reginald Cunningham
Instagram: @kidnoble