Dawit Geremew: Ethiopian fashion and documentary photographer capturing authentic Ethiopian stories | 54Ruum Spotlight

Dawit Geremew is a photographer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His artistic foundation began in Graphic Design, which gave him a sharp eye for composition and colour before he ever picked up a camera. His journey to professional photography was shaped by perseverance. While studying at Wachamo University, he was forced to withdraw due to health challenges.

Later, Geremew enrolled in Tom Photography School, but financial constraints again cut his formal education short. Rather than giving up, he took his education into his own hands. He spent countless hours mastering the craft through world-class resources like B&H and AdoramaTV, teaching himself the technical side of lighting and digital storytelling.

He eventually transitioned from a student to a practitioner at Mekbib Studio, where he refined his skills in a professional studio environment. Today, Geremew’s work focuses on the intersection of fashion and documentary photography. He is passionate about capturing the authentic stories of Ethiopia through an editorial, deeply human lens.

How would you describe yourself?

I am a resilient visual artist who transformed personal setbacks into a self-driven education in photography. 

After my formal studies in Ethiopia were interrupted by health and financial challenges, I took ownership of my craft by mastering global technical resources and refining my skills to a professional level at Mekbib Studio.

Today, I combine my foundational expertise in graphic design with a deep passion for fashion and documentary photography to capture the authentic, evolving soul of Addis Ababa.

How did you get started in photography?

My journey into photography is a long and slightly mischievous one that began with a “stolen” camera. 

As a child, I used to secretly take my father's mini digital camera to snap photos of my friends for our Facebook posts, hiding it so he would not find out. What started as a childhood prank quickly grew into a lifelong dream.

I began capturing everything around me — from the energy of the streets to the quiet beauty of church ceremonies and local occasions.

By the age of 22, I decided to turn this passion into a profession. Though my formal education at Wachamo University and Tom Photography School was interrupted by health and financial challenges, I refused to stop.

I dedicated myself to self-learning through global resources like B&H and AdoramaTV, eventually refining my craft at Mekbib Studio.

Today, that same curious kid with a hidden camera has evolved into a professional photographer dedicated to blending fashion with the authentic documentary stories of Ethiopia.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I am drawn to fashion photography because it serves as the ultimate bridge between my background in graphic design and my passion for storytelling, allowing me to treat every frame as a canvas where I can control composition, colour, and mood. 

While my documentary work captures the world as it is, fashion photography gives me the creative freedom to build a cinematic reality, blending the rich textures of Ethiopian heritage with modern, professional lighting techniques I mastered through self-study and studio practice.

This genre allows me to collaborate with other artists to transform a simple garment into a powerful statement on identity and resilience, and turn my curiosity into a sophisticated visual language.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

I use my images to connect with others by telling visual stories that capture real emotions and meaningful moments. Through my choices in lighting, angles, and subjects, I try to create feelings like happiness, empathy, or nostalgia so people can relate to what they see.

My photographs allow me to share my perspective and experiences without words, helping others understand how I see the world. By capturing authentic moments or creative ideas, I build connections with viewers and invite them to feel something personal and meaningful.

What moment in your photography career are you most proud of?

That would be the moment someone told me that one of my photos made them feel seen and understood. It was not about awards or recognition — it was about connection.  I had captured a quiet, emotional moment, and seeing how deeply it resonated with others reminded me why I started photography in the first place.

Knowing that my work could tell a story, spark emotion, and create understanding between people made me realise that my camera is a bridge between experiences, perspectives, and hearts.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

I am learning to balance self-doubt with creative confidence. There are moments when I question whether my work is good enough or meaningful enough, especially given how many talented artists there are in the world.

I have also struggled with capturing exactly what I feel in a moment — the pressure to translate emotion into a single frame can be overwhelming. But over time, I have learned that growth comes from those challenges.

Pushing through creative blocks, accepting criticism, and continuing to shoot even when I feel uncertain have made me stronger, more patient, and more intentional with every image I create.

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

I would love to work with Wanaw Sportswear because I am passionate about supporting local brands and showing the strength, culture, and energy of Ethiopia through my photography.

I would want to create powerful images that highlight movement, determination, and pride — capturing athletes and everyday people who represent resilience and ambition.

Collaborating with a homegrown sportswear brand would not only allow me to grow creatively but also give me the chance to contribute to my community and help tell authentic Ethiopian stories through bold, inspiring visuals.

What do you think of 54Ruum?

I would say 54Ruum is a really exciting and positive space for creatives, especially for photographers across Africa.  It is built to showcase work by photographers and visual artists from different countries, help them gain visibility, and connect them with peers, brands, and audiences interested in African storytelling through images.

Many photographers featured on the site talk about how it celebrates culture and identity, fosters community, and gives them opportunities to share their work with people all over the world — which can be very motivating and empowering for emerging artists.

Overall, it feels like a supportive community that helps African creatives be seen and heard through their photos.

How's the photography and art space in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, the photography and art scene has grown significantly in recent years. Platforms like Addis Foto Fest and galleries such as Artawi have created spaces for exhibitions, workshops, and collaboration, giving photographers more visibility and opportunities.

The community has shifted from mainly informal sharing on social media to a more structured and recognised art scene, celebrating Ethiopian stories and contemporary photography both locally and internationally.

Advice someone starting in photography

Just start shooting and do not wait for perfect equipment. Focus on learning light, composition, and storytelling before worrying about having the best camera.

Practice every day, even on your phone, and train your eye to notice small details, shadows, and emotions. Study photographers you admire, analyse why their images work, and then experiment to develop your own style instead of copying others.

Do not be afraid of mistakes — every bad photo teaches you something valuable. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Growth takes time, and consistency, curiosity, and passion will take you much further than talent alone.