Biruk Belay: product, food, and portrait photographer based in Addis Ababa

How did you first get into photography?

My love for photography started with my dad. He always had this vintage camera, capturing moments whenever our family was having fun or celebrating something special. I remember him showing me how to use it when I was a little kid, but back then, it all seemed too complicated for me to grasp. Fast forward a few years, I spotted a Panasonic camera at my local church, and something just clicked literally and figuratively.

That was the first camera I actually got to use, and from that moment, I was hooked. I started experimenting, capturing whatever I could, and that curiosity eventually turned into a full-blown passion. Looking back, I guess my dad planted the seed, and that old Panasonic camera helped it grow.

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

I specialise in portrait, food, and product photography in three very different but equally exciting worlds. Portraits draw me in because I love capturing emotions and personalities; there’s something magical about freezing a genuine expression in time. Food photography started as a fun challenge making dishes look as delicious as they taste but it quickly became an art form I really enjoy.

And product photography? That’s where my attention to detail shines, transforming everyday objects into visually striking images.Over time, my style has evolved from simple, straightforward shots to more dynamic, storytelling compositions. I’ve learned to play with lighting, textures, and moods, making my photos not just visually appealing but also engaging. Now, I can see how each niche has shaped my perspective, teaching me to balance creativity with precision.

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

At the core of my photography is storytelling. Whether it’s a portrait, a beautifully plated dish, or a sleek product, I aim to capture more than just an image. I want to evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and create a connection. I believe that every subject has a story, and my job is to bring that to life through composition, lighting, and perspective.

For portraits, it’s about capturing raw, genuine expressions that reveal personality and emotion. With food photography, I focus on making the viewer almost taste the dish just by looking at it.

And in product photography, I emphasize details and aesthetics to showcase an item in the most engaging way possible. I love when my photos resonate with people whether it’s making someone feel nostalgic, hungry, inspired, or just appreciative of the beauty in everyday things. Photography is my way of communicating without words, and I hope my images leave a lasting impression.

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

One of the achievements I’m most proud of in my photography career is the impact I’ve made in the food and product industry. I’ve had the opportunity to work with several restaurants, including Boss Burger, La Morgan Mexican Restaurant, La Basil Italian Restaurant, and Little China Chinese Restaurant, capturing mouthwatering images that bring their dishes to life. Seeing my photos used on menus, websites, and social media to attract customers is incredibly rewarding. It's proof that a well-crafted image can make people crave an experience before they even take a bite.

On the product side, I’ve worked with businesses like Rungo and Wine Tribes, helping showcase their liquor collections in a way that highlights their quality and branding. These projects pushed me to refine my lighting techniques, composition, and storytelling, ensuring that every image not only looks good but also speaks to the brand’s identity. Knowing that my photography plays a role in elevating these businesses is what keeps me inspired and motivated to keep growing in my craft.

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

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a photographer is dealing with unpredictable shooting conditions whether it’s bad lighting, difficult environments, or uncooperative subjects. Early on, I used to get frustrated when things didn’t go as planned, like when natural light wasn’t working in my favour or when a product didn’t look as good on camera as it did in person.

I overcame this by learning to adapt and problem-solve on the spot. I invested time in understanding artificial lighting, experimented with different angles and compositions, and developed a flexible mindset. Instead of stressing over what wasn’t working, I focused on what I could control.

Another challenge has been the business side of photography - pricing my work, dealing with clients, and standing out in a competitive field. Through experience, I’ve learned the importance of clear communication, setting boundaries, and valuing my craft. Every challenge has taught me something valuable, but the biggest lesson is that photography isn’t just about technical skills, it's about creativity, patience, and adaptability.

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

If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be Joshua Wanderer, an incredibly talented Ethiopian creative currently based in Washington, D.C. His cinematic, storytelling approach to photography is something I deeply admire. He has this unique ability to make each image feel like a scene from a film, and I’d love the opportunity to learn from his mastery of light, colour, and composition.

As for a brand, I’d love to work with Cactus Ethiopia, a highly powerful production company that stands out in the Ethiopian creative scene. Their innovative and high-quality approach to content creation has had a major impact, and I think collaborating with them would be an amazing opportunity to push my creativity further.

Combining Joshua’s artistic direction with Cactus Ethiopia’s powerhouse production could result in some truly game-changing work, and I’d be excited to contribute to a project that blends Ethiopian culture with modern, high-concept visuals.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

54ruum is an inspiring and important platform for underrepresented Black African photographers. It provides a space where creatives can connect, share their art, and access mentorship opportunities, fostering an environment of respect, kindness, and collaboration.

Being part of such a community offers not only a sense of belonging but also invaluable exposure and growth. It’s exciting to see how 54Ruum amplifies diverse voices and perspectives in the photography world, and I believe it plays a key role in shaping the future of African photography on the global stage.

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

Don’t stress about having fancy equipment focus on learning the basics like light, composition, and perspective. Take your camera with you everywhere and shoot whatever inspires you. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover your own style. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey. Every great photographer started just like you one shot at a time!