Awelewa Charles, Nigerian photographer and visual storyteller

Awelewa Charles is a Canadian-based international award-winning photographer and visual artist born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He uses photography as a medium of storytelling, capturing raw, unfiltered emotions and the true essence of human experience.

His lens is driven by a deep commitment to authenticity and the belief that every image holds the power to connect, heal, and inspire. Awelewa Charles creates like an artist and thinks like a scientist.

Nicknamed “Charles with the Eagle Eye”, his vision is defined by resilience and the pursuit of beauty in both fleeting and ordinary moments. His works consistently invite viewers to pause, reflect, and find meaning in the everyday.

Awelewa’s photography has earned him multiple features on Vogue and global recognition. He is the author of Bare – Innocence, the image celebrated as the Best Phone Photograph in the World, emerging first among over 444,000 submissions across 173 countries.

His art has been exhibited internationally in places like New York City, Toronto, Belgium, South Korea, Romania, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Paris.

In addition to his artistic journey, Awelewa is the founder of The Art of Storytelling workshop series, first hosted at the University of Toronto, where he mentors aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs on using photography as a tool for narrative and self-expression.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I would describe myself as one who believes that everything created carries at least an ounce of beauty, waiting to be maximised. I am resilient, I find an advantage in every disadvantage and potentials in things or people that are often walked over.

I see the world very differently, and I find solace in what is perceived as mundane. I love to have great fun. I love the noise and the quiet.

How did you first get into photography? Was there a specific moment, person, or inspiration that sparked your passion for capturing images?

The loss of a friend — compounded by several other struggles in that same period — stole my voice, which had always been expressed through writing. My journey into photography began as a direct attempt to recover what was lost: to find a new outlet and reclaim my narrative.

A quick back story: in my final year at the university, I carried a drawstring bag with a few props in it and my broken phone, which doubled as my camera. My guys would see me heading out and, with playful banter, often ask, “Chale, where you dey go?” and I always replied, “I’m going for a shoot.” They all laughed. I laughed too, because honestly it was funny, but deep down, I meant it.

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

Storytelling – conceptual storytelling, portrait, documentary, fashion… Everything I photograph has the key element of storytelling in it; even something as simple as a bottle.

I am drawn to storytelling because whenever I photograph, I aim to freeze time in a frame. I want you to look at my photos and they remind you of a time, a place, a familiar or unfamiliar emotion. I want my art to make you feel things, whether or not you fully understand it. That is the power of storytelling.

The style of storytelling has always been my default since the beginning. Over time, photographing across different genres has allowed me to gather experiences that sharpen my approach to creating.

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

The underlying themes in my photography revolve around identity, time, culture, and emotions.

Connecting with others through my work comes naturally. It begins with self: expressing my vulnerability and sharing the experiences of the times around me, and somehow others find themselves in it. That way, my art becomes a mirror where people find a piece of their story.

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

In 2024, my art was displayed on 1,000 billboard screens in Brussels, Belgium, across 200 cities for one week. It still feels like a dream.

Also, winning the award for the Best Mobile Phone Photograph in the World is the achievement that stands out to me. My image ranked 1st out of 444,000 participants across 173 countries. “Taking that photo with my broken phone carried both great and difficult memories, all of which I now cherish. It was truly special.”

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

I overcame it by first trying hard to find an advantage in that disaster. I got back to work immediately: sketching new ideas, writing, capturing random moments on my phone, and practising on Lightroom mobile.

When I had a camera back in my hands, I picked up where I had left off. From that experience, I learnt that being a great storyteller isn’t just about picking up the camera. Being a great storyteller is the ability to see without the camera – to create first, in your mind.

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

I would really love to collaborate with Grace Ekpu. She is a brilliant global storyteller whose approach to documentary I deeply admire. Interestingly, she was one of the earliest supporters who believed in my journey. Working with her will be a full-circle moment.

I would also love to collaborate with Wale Adebisi. He has a genius mind. I admire the spontaneity of his creative process – the way he can come up with powerful ideas right in the moment. He is one person I look forward to collaborating with someday.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I appreciate 54Ruum’s dedication to highlighting African creatives’ stories. From the platform, I can tell how much work and sacrifices the team puts in behind the scenes to make it as beautiful and seamless as it looks. 54Ruum is certainly headed somewhere great.

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

Nigeria is full of unreal talents, and the art scene is constantly growing with young talents breaking boundaries globally.

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