Adedamola Adetoyi, editorial fashion photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria

Adetoyi Adedamola is a photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria. He specialises in portrait and editorial photography. He started his photography journey from his love for looking at photos, to wanting to create the same feeling they gave him.

Over time as a photographer, he has strived to capture raw emotions, personality, and intensity of people through the use of lighting, colours, and environment. He has a keen sight for beauty in simplicity and the capacity to hold people's interest in a single frame.

His work has been published three times on three different digital platforms and also exhibited for the first time this year at +234 art fair.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I see the world through photographs, and people never stop fascinating me. 

How did you first get into photography?

It started with my love for looking at photos and wanting to create the same feeling they gave me.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

I specialise in portrait and editorial photography, with a focus on storytelling that highlights people and their unique identities. Over the years, my photography has developed from just clean and straight-forward photographs to a more refined, minimalist look that has depth, mood, and emotional feel.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

I focus on people and storytelling; using portraits and editorial imagery to capture mood, emotion, and subtle details that make each moment feel real and relatable.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

Some of the moments I’m most proud of in my short photography career are a mix of both personal and professional milestones. Being published three times on three different digital platforms and also exhibiting my work for the first time this year at +234 art fair were huge achievements for me.

But beyond that, I also value the small everyday moments — receiving compliments from strangers, capturing and creating meaningful stories, and working with brands while still creating fulfilling and authentic photographs.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

Some of my greatest challenges as a photographer have been dealing with gear limitations, finding the right kind of people and audience, and also overcoming the fear of putting my work out there. In the beginning, I felt like I needed the perfect camera, perfect skills, and perfect network before I could really call myself a photographer.

But over time, I learned that growth comes from using what you have, practicing consistently, and putting your work out there even when it feels scary. Each step built my confidence! 

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

There are so many Nigerian brands with unique stories I’d love to photograph. For example, Oshobor — I admire how they celebrate culture, craft, and individuality. Collaborating with brands like this would allow me to create imagery that highlight their stories, connect with people, and bring their vision to life through my editorial and storytelling approach.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

54Ruum is a community where African photographers share real stories through their photos — it’s all about people and authenticity.

How's the photography and art space in your country: how has it evolved in recent years?

From my perspective, the art and photography space in Nigeria has grown a lot — there are more platforms, exhibitions, and workshops now, and it feels like people are starting to value our stories and creativity more than ever.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?