The Nigeria photography industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world. This is not surprising, photography in Nigeria has gone through many phases and has now become one of the most reputable professions in the country. Gone are those days when photography used to be seen as a jobless man’s work. Speak of photojournalism that tells the story of remote areas, fashion photography, wedding photography, food photography and many more, there are talents from Nigeria that are shaping the profession. Today, you will meet Ten Best Photographers in Nigeria and find out what they do and how they stand out.
Bayo Omoboriowo
Bayo Omoboriowo is a Nigerian freelance photographer who has a passion for development within Nigeria. His works have been widely published on international media such as CNN and remain one of the most used Nigerian photography materials on the internet. He has worked with international organizations such as Sahara Energy, Malaria No More UK, USAID, and Department for International Development (DFID). He is a photojournalist and documentary photographer. One of his popular photography series is on Nigerian Unsung Heroines, which was featured recently on CNN, where he celebrated exceptional Nigerians contributing to the development of the country. Bayo Omoboriowo has made a mark for himself and is renowned for his dynamic use of the camera in producing mind-blowing images. Bayo Omoboriowo is in fact the official photographer for the president of Nigeria.
Tolani Alli
Tolani Alli is an award-winning documentary photographer. She is the first-ever personal female documentary photographer to a governor in Nigeria. She is in fact the first to have ever occupied such a role in the country. Tolani Alli was well on her way to a medical degree but stopped pursuing a passion in photography. After being the personal photographer to the late Governor of Oyo State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, she went on to become the official photographer to the Vice president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Tolani Alli has proven herself to be a bold photographer and is renowned for creative and expert shots in photojournalism.
Steven Tayo
Steven Tayo is often referred to as the Street Style photographer. He is greatly motivated by who and what he sees around him. Tayo takes pictures of ordinary life such as the way everyday people dress in Lagos state. He started gaining popularity while still shooting on an iPhone 5. Tayo strongly believes in the Nigerian culture and loves to capture its moments. He takes pictures of people, events, places, dressing, anything that points to the country’s culture. He believes that the heritage of the Nigerian culture should be kept and photography is his tool to achieving that. Steven Tayo studied Philosophy in school which he claims adds to the depths of his works. People also testify to how Steven Tayo’s photography carries depth and communicates culture and heritage.
Victor Adewale
Victor Adewale is a documentary photographer from Lagos, Nigeria. Victor Adewale graduated with a B.A in Philosophy from Obafemi Awolowo University. He began his career as a writer. This skill helps him in communicating deep messages via images. Victor Adewale has a wide portfolio having worked with organizations in various sectors such as literary organizations, music establishments, etc. He has a passion for using photography to explain worldviews and experiences. He draws his inspiration from music and literature. His most recent work is that with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority where he documents daily activities in the state as it concerns the inhabitants and waste. He is currently working as a freelancer as he continues to partner with top organizations and documenting their activities and stories. Victor Adewale is one of the few Nigerian photographers who fuse photography with literature and music.
Seyi Body Lawson
Seyi Body Lawson is the creative director of Body Lawson limited, the parent company to Seyi Body Lawson Photography. His company has more than 15 years of experience in food, wedding, and fashion photography. Seyi Lawson is particularly known for his expert aerial photography. He has become a strong force in the industry due to his creative style and professionalism. He has a dynamic use of drone cameras to capture places and events. Images from Seyi Body Lawson Photography have been featured in many local and international magazines such as Ovation, Exquisite, Thisday style, etc. Seyi Body Lawson continues to be a mentor to other young photographers in the Nigerian photography industry. One thing that has marked him out this far is his creative style and professionalism.
Kola Oshalusi
Kola Oshalusi is a full-time photographer who left the science and medical field to be a photographer. He is the creative director of Insigna media and the convener of The Business of Photography Conference which is the largest gathering of photographers in West Africa. Kola Oshalusi is based in Lagos, Nigeria and has been in the photography industry since 2006. His works are widely published locally and internationally and span across various sectors such as Events, Portraits, Fashion, Editorial, Advertising and Architectural photography. His continued success lies in his creativity and attention to detail. Kola Oshalusi is one of the most sought-after event and fashion runway photographers in Nigeria.
Ahama Ibeleme
Ahama Ibeleme is a Benin-born photographer with a first and second degree in Geology and geographical systems. He is arguably, one of Nigeria’s best portrait photographers. Amazingly, Ahama is a self-taught photographer who started the profession as a hobby while he was studying in the United Kingdom. Ahama Ibeleme is known for fashion and celebrity portraits. His works are one of the most popular and powerful depictions of Nigeria’s celebrities on the internet. Some of his clients are Genevieve Nnaji, Wizkid, Banky W., Tiwa Savage and others. Aham Ibeleme is not only known for his celebrity portraits but fashion editorials and advertising campaigns for big organizations such as Union Bank, Malta Guinness, Dudu Osun,. With such creativity and a vast portfolio, Ahama ibeleme is a mentor to many young photographers.
These are the best photographers blazing the trail in the Nigerian photography scene.