Roy DeCarava was an influential American photographer known for his intimate and poetic images of African American life. Born in 1919 in New York City, he became the first African American to win a Guggenheim Fellowship in photography. His work often focused on the everyday experiences of his community, capturing moments of joy, struggle, and resilience. DeCarava's most famous collection, titled The Sweet Flypaper of Life, features photographs accompanied by text from the writer Langston Hughes. His style is characterized by rich tones and a deep sense of humanity, making his work a significant contribution to both photography and African American culture.