‘A Beautiful Transformation’: Portraits and Hopes of Atlanta’s Black Bartenders

I’m a photographer by trade, but one of the things that always strikes me about Atlanta is the togetherness of the bar scene. It’s expansive and vast, sprawling across the metropolitan area, but there is a strong and supportive sense of community, especially when you see bartenders and mixologists utilizing products and brands that they feel a connection with.

Black bartenders taking the time to intentionally utilize Black-owned products and creating an elevated drinking experience where the integrity isn’t compromised makes you want to keep coming back for more rounds.

Small things like that help make it personal and bring together a great story — while also providing a great cocktail experience.

And as Will from the James Room points out, there’s something exciting happening in the Atlanta bar scene right now, as more and more Black bartenders are doing groundbreaking — and delicious — work. He describes it as “a beautiful transformation.”

— Jonathan Cooper

Jonathan Cooper is a food, beverage and lifestyle photographer. See his work at coopernicusphotos.com, Follow him at @iamcoopernicus_

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