Collection Guide
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Guide to the E. F. Joseph Photograph Collection
MS 126
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Description
Photographer Emmanuel Francis (E. F.) Joseph (1900-1979) was born on November 8, 1900 in St. Lucia, West Indies. He was the
first professional African American photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area operating a commercial and studio photography
business in his home initially at 1303 Adeline St. and then at 384 50th St. in Oakland. The E.F. Joseph photograph collection
includes 2,518 photographs from Joseph’s work as a portrait and commercial photographer. The collection is organized into
four series: Portraits, Commercial photography, Assorted photographs, and Letter and customer card.
Background
Photographer Emmanuel Francis (E. F.) Joseph (1900-1979) was born on November 8, 1900 in St. Lucia, West Indies. After graduating
from the American School of Photography of Illinois, he moved to Oakland, California in 1924 where he served as an apprentice
in a photography studio. He was the first professional African American photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area operating
a commercial and studio photography business in his home initially at 1303 Adeline St. and then at 384 50th St. in Oakland.
Extent
22.5 linear feet
(28 boxes)
Restrictions
Permission to publish from the E. F. Joseph Photograph Collection must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library
at Oakland.
Availability
No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.