As a budding photographer, you’d find that different things inspire different people, from fashion to product, landscape, and street, even travel or wildlife.
No art is genuinely original, but every photo tells its unique story based on lighting and angles. We are often inspired by a subject or in this case, other photographers.
These 10 Nigerian photographers have carved their niche in different areas, repeatedly capturing awe-mazing pictures. Our selection cuts across different types of photography.
Contents
Here’s Top Ten Nigerian Photographers that can inspire you
Kelechi Amadi-Obi
Number one on our list of photographers in Nigeria is Kelechi Amadi-Obi. Here’s why; kelechi dazzles with colours and light. You could learn a few tricks from his Youtube tutorials. His Wiki portfolio is massive but what catches my eyes is the appealing texture in the skin tones of his subjects.
If you have a thing for nighttime pictures, then keep Kelechi’s words close to your heart.
Starting as a lawyer Kelchi has become a renowned force in the creative scene says Vogue and I can’t help but nod to that.
Aisha Augie-Kuta
Well, Aisha may be mostly political these days. She can’t help it as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kebbi. But don’t let that fool you. Aisha has eyes for good pictures and her New York Film Academy certificate in digital filmmaking backs up my claims. Aisha’s images tug at the heartstring. If you’re looking to create emotional pictures, then let Aisha inspire you. Just listen to this woman speak at TEDx – “we travel through our imagination”.
Andrew Esiebo
Are you a self-taught photographer with an interest in social issues such as sexuality, gender politics, football, popular culture, and immigration? Then you might have more in common with Andrew Esiebo. The first thing I noticed with Andrew is realism in his work. In terms of tone, his edit style reminds me of a young photographer I found on IG. Don’t judge in a hurry, Andrew towers above Chika but like most young photographers, Chika is likely self-taught and exploring his art.
TY Bello
Oh, Toyin Sokefun-Bello needs no introduction. If I’m partial, TY is my favourite celebrity cinematographer on this list of Top ten photographers in Nigeria. Her photo style gets me because TY understands that less is more. I like to think the best stories are the ones we’ve lived. If you’re that type of artist who is inspired by a person’s history and personal journey, then you should follow TY because she’d teach you depth in one shot. Her work puts the famed quote in perspective: “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind
Uche James-Iroha
Now with Uche, let’s talk about edgy! Not so over the top that it hurts the eyes. But definitely edgy. I’m scrolling through his works and I’m guessing Uche is the kind of guy that sees regular crap and gets excited at the opportunity to #Captionthat. So if you’re that photographer that gets excited about a junkyard and random crap inspires you then by all means stick with Uche.
Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko
This caption by Yetunde is dicey, but she said it and it’s not up for debate. You don’t need to have experience in front of the camera to get stunning shots, but the photographer has to. You see what translates in a photograph is the photographer’s experience with light, angles, his subject, and his camera.
Yetunde gives me that teacher vibe and since I read of her affiliation with Germany I’m tempted to blame her genes. I mean I hear Germany and I think of film classics and the magical minds behind their cinematography. But beyond good cinematography genes, Yetunde had her roots in advertising photography at Studio Be in Greven, Germany.
Lola Akinmade Åkerström
Does Lola have any competition? I would like to know! Seriously, leave a comment if you think so. Her Awards in travel photography, landscape, culinary, lifestyle and more speaks for itself. If you aspire to storytelling and photography, and you desire to find your niche then follow Lola on IG and get to learn from this remarkable woman.
Jide Kola
Wedding photography is officially a thing. And the pictures get crazier each day. Which is why I’ve highlighted Jide as the go-to inspiration for young photographers with interest in wedding photography. Follow Jide on IG and be inspired.
I like how he goes over the top with his subjects but still keeps it insanely good. That’s a blessing.
Bayo Omoboriowo
Bayo is one travel photographer that makes you look on the bright side – literally. You may know him on Twitter, as the official photographer of the President of Nigeria; Muhammad Buhari, but that’s of little inspiration for a young photographer. So here’s what we can focus on for today: brilliant use of colors and color contrast.
Tom Saater
I have this personal quote that says: “There’s a story in everything”, which is why I respect street photography, photojournalism, and documentary. which is why I saved the best for last. Tom invites you into the experience in his art. It is simple and it is everything.
This is not Forbes and definitely not an ultimatum on who majors up as top ten photographers in Nigeria. But these ten cut across different aspects of photography and have been selected because as experienced photographers You could learn a few tricks from them.
A good photo can explain anything. And as with other forms of art, photography is storytelling.
This subject of storytelling is relevant in our individual lives and business brands.
Whether you intend to major in fashion, portraits, product, and landscape. The most important thing is to keep the integrity of the art.
And so I’ll close with these words from Aaron Siskind:
“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
RECOMMENDED
