Farid Daba: Nigerian-Beninese fashion and editorial photographer exploring identity, culture, and self-expression | 54Ruum Spotlight

Farid Daba is a self-taught Nigerian-Beninese photographer and filmmaker with over seven years of experience exploring identity, fashion, and culture through visual storytelling.

His love for art and drawing led him to photography as a way to express himself and connect with people. He creates editorials, fashion projects, and short films that blend colour, movement, and authenticity to tell meaningful stories.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I’m a photographer and filmmaker passionate about telling authentic stories through colour, movement, and emotion. My work explores identity, culture, and fashion in ways that feel both expressive and real.

How did you first get into photography?

My journey into photography started through my love for drawing. Growing up, my brother used to tell me stories while sketching in his notebook, and I found those moments fascinating.

Over time, I realised I wanted to capture them in real life, so I picked up my phone and started practising photography — and I’ve been exploring ever since.

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

I specialise in fashion and editorial photography. Growing up in the northern part of Nigeria, editorial photography style wasn’t common — most creatives focused on other forms of photography.

I didn’t want to follow the crowd, so I decided to create something different. In the beginning, it felt strange to people around me, and many thought I was wasting my time.

But I kept practising, learning, and refining my craft, and over time, my style has evolved to reflect confidence, colour, and storytelling in a way that feels true to who I am.

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

My work is driven by themes of identity, culture, and self-expression. I’m inspired by how people show who they are through fashion, movement, and emotion. I create images that feel real, colourful, and alive — moments that reflect both individuality and shared human stories.

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

One of the moments I’m most proud of was being interviewed by a magazine — it felt really special to see my work recognised. Another highlight was earning good money from my craft for the first time and seeing how proud my siblings were of me. It reminded me that my effort and passion were paying off.

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 was not having the right equipment — no camera or laptop — which was really discouraging at times.

But I didn’t give up. I kept finding ways to create with what I had, and with the support of my friends, I stayed motivated and kept improving.

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

To be honest, there are so many amazing creatives, including my friends, that I’d love to collaborate with. But internationally, two people I hope to work with are Cole Bennett and Tyler Mitchell. Cole Bennett is an incredible director and editor; his vision is outstanding, and I’ve followed his work for years.

I’ve seen how much creatives grow after working with him, and it inspires me. Tyler Mitchell is another huge influence. I’m a big fan of his art, the way he understands people, and the minimalism and honesty in his photography.

For brands, I would love to work with Adidas one day. Everything about the brand stands out to me — the stripes, the shoes, and their approach to sportswear and culture. I’m also really inspired by Unfinished Legacy; their creativity, storytelling, and energy align with the kind of work I want to create.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

54Ruum is an amazing platform, helping creatives showcase their work and gain visibility. It’s inspiring to see the opportunities they create, and I’m really happy they reached out to me.

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

The photography and art space in my country is amazing — it’s so inspiring to see what creatives are producing. Honestly, some of the work being done is unbelievable. I’m excited to see how many more opportunities will open up for creatives in the coming years.

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

I’d say work hard, be patient, and never stop learning. Connect with other creatives, embrace opportunities, but always stay true to yourself — your unique perspective is your greatest strength.