William L. Fambrough, Sr.

William L. Fambrough was born in 1916 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He moved to Kansas City, Missouri, as a child, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1935. His interest in photography began in childhood; his family bought him his first camera when he was eleven or so.

He decided to pursue his interest by studying graphic arts at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. During his studies, he was the staff photographer for the student newspaper, The Lincoln Clarion.

Beginning in 1942, Fambrough served with the 829th Aviation Engineers of the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. After the war, Fambrough completed his degree at Lincoln University under the GI Bill. 

Fambrough was a photographer for The Call in Kansas City from the 1950s to the 1970s, and took many photographs documenting African-American life in the city. He also worked as a freelance photographer.

During his career, he used a Graflex Speed Graphic camera. He was known for capturing his subject in a single frame; his nickname was “One-Shot Fambrough.” 

William L. Fambrough died on October 18, 1983.