Top female photographers in Nigeria

PHOTOGRAPHY in Nigeria is one of the fastest growing professions today.  Nigerians have come to realize the essence of photography and how it affects our everyday lives.  Unlike before, photography is now seen as a proper profession.

Most photographers earn as much as six figures per job and get up to three jobs in one day.  Photography also used to be known as a male dominated job, but recently, females have proved the saying, ‘What a man can do, a woman can do better’ right, as they have embraced photography and are doing great at it.

ENCOMIUM Weekly brings you some of the female photographers in Nigeria.

‘All my customers are special’ – Enitan Tobi (Itan Photography)

How and when did you venture into photography?

I’ve always loved photography and taking pictures.  I started by working with Phototek.

How has the experience been?

It has been wonderful and also hectic.

Can you remember the job that gave you your big break?

I really can’t remember, I worked for Replica, then Kanu Nwankwo.  I’ve done so many jobs and most of them lead to the very next one.  All my customers are special and all have given me great prospects.

What’s your unique selling point as a photographer?

My job is unique.  I don’t put our pictures on Instagram, but our package is always on point.  I studied Photography and I’ve worked with top photography studios in Nigeria.  So, I know what it takes to be a great photographer.

How many jobs have you done so far this year?

I really can’t remember because I have lost count. At times, I do two to three jobs on a weekend, and I sometimes travel in and out of Nigeria.

What are the challenges of being a female photographer?

When you do what a man does, there’s always a lot of harassment.  The whole point is to know what you want and what you want to do.

Photography is seen as a male oriented field, why did you go into it?

It’s been said that what a man can do, a woman can do better. Women are more creative.  The fact that a man can do something well doesn’t mean a woman can’t do it better.

How do you handle male admirers on the job?

It’s very simple. You have to be friendly and calm. I don’t tell off, because men patronize us more.  I’m usually firm and friendly because I know what I want.

‘It started as an hobby’ – Yemi Disu (Four23 Photography)

How and when did you venture into photography?

I started photography about five years ago.  It started as a hobby. It was something I really loved and enjoyed doing.

How has the experience been?

It has been wonderful and creative, so many interesting moments.  I am trying to create a niche.  I shoot pictures of babies, maternity pictures, family pictures, children and weddings.

Can you remember the job that gave you your big break?

Yes, I do.  It was an 80th birthday party.

What are the challenges of being a female photographer?

The challenges aren’t so much because we get equal opportunities as the men.  Some of the equipment are a bit heavy.

Photography is seen as a male oriented field, why did you go into it?

Like I said, photography started as a hobby for me.  People were telling me I was good, meanwhile I was just doing it for fun.  The great commendations gingered me into being a professional photographer.  I remember the first wedding I shot, when I got there and they saw that I was female, they looked disappointed but by the time I was done with the job and they saw the finished products, they were very impressed and it got me two wedding jobs.

How do you handle male admirers on the job?

I just smile at them.  Everybody is supposed to smile for me to get a beautiful shot.  So, it makes it easy and gives an easy interaction with both the male and female folks.  Some can’t come to us, they just smile and those that come we use the camera to block them.

‘My style is unique’ – Angela Eboda (Gela Studios)

How and when did you venture into photography?

I ventured into photography out of passion. I used to own an analogue camera, Olympus.  I would shoot with it and print the photographs out.  I started photography as a profession in 2006.

How has the experience been?

It has been a wonderful experience because photography is part of me, so shooting is always fun and makes me happy.

Can you remember the job that gave you your big break?

I really can’t remember the major event but I have had good remarks as a portrait, wedding and corporate photographer in and out of Nigeria.

What’s your unique selling point as a photographer?

Being a female photographer and a creative person, my style of photography is unique.

How many jobs have you done so far this year?

I’ve done so many jobs.  I can’t count but on the average, I get four to six events coverage in a month.

What are the challenges of being a female photographer?

Being a female photographer alone stands you out.  The industry is dominated by men.  The few women in the photography industry are very creative and stylish.

Photography is seen as a male oriented field, why did you go into it?

Photography started as a passion for me.  My love for gadgets and cameras made it easy for me to be relevant in the industry as a photographer and editor.  We learn and develop every day.

How do you handle male admirers on the job?

I handle them with wisdom and focus, no distraction.

-TINUOLA JOSEPH