Nahom Nigussie: Ethiopian street and documentary photographer documenting urban life and transformation

Nahom Nigussie is a 25-year-old Ethiopian photographer whose work centres on street photography and social documentary practices. His journey into photography began during his early school years, when he started photographing with a mobile phone camera in ninth grade.

What began as a simple act of observing and capturing everyday moments gradually evolved into a deeper commitment to storytelling and visual documentation.

In 2020, Nahom transitioned into using a digital camera, marking a significant turning point in his practice. This shift allowed him to refine his technical skills while expanding his visual language.

Since then, he has consistently explored the streets of Addis Ababa, using the city as both subject and context. His work reflects a strong engagement with the everyday lives of people, the rhythm of urban spaces, and the subtle, often overlooked interactions that define public life.

Nahom’s photography is driven by a desire to document and interpret the ongoing transformation of his city. Through long-term and ongoing projects, he examines the social, cultural, and physical changes shaping Addis Ababa.

His images often reveal tensions between past and present, tradition and modernisation, intimacy and anonymity — creating a layered narrative of a city in flux.

A pivotal moment in his development came after attending the Addis Foto Fest exhibition in Addis Ababa. The experience exposed him to new perspectives and possibilities within photography, fundamentally shifting how he understood the medium.

It was through this encounter that he discovered photography not only as a tool for documentation, but also as a powerful form of expression and critical engagement.

The work and influence of Aïda Muluneh, in particular, played an important role in inspiring this transition, opening his eyes to the depth and potential of African photographic voices on a global stage.

This turning point led Nahom to deepen his focus on social documentary work, where he could engage more intentionally with themes of identity, community, and change.

His approach is rooted in observation, patience, and respect for the subjects he photographs. Rather than imposing narratives, he seeks to create space for authentic moments to unfold, allowing his images to carry a sense of honesty and emotional resonance.

Alongside his documentary work, Nahom continues to develop his street photography practice, capturing spontaneous and unfiltered moments that reflect the complexity of urban life.

His photographs are characterised by a sensitivity to light, gesture, and composition, as well as an instinct for timing that brings out the poetic qualities of everyday scenes.

Through his work, Nahom aims to contribute to a broader visual archive of contemporary Ethiopian life while also challenging perceptions and encouraging deeper reflection. As he continues to grow as a photographer, he remains committed to exploring meaningful stories, expanding his creative boundaries, and using photography as a tool for connection and understanding.

How did you get started in photography?

My introduction to photography began at home through my father, who worked as a photographer in our village. He documented our family, extended relatives, and community events such as birthdays and ceremonies. 

Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by his work — watching how he approached people, how he handled his camera, and later looking through the printed photo albums he created. Those albums were more than just images; they were memories carefully preserved, and they shaped my early understanding of what photography could mean.

Seeing his process up close made photography feel both familiar and meaningful from a young age. It was not something distant or abstract — it was part of everyday life. That experience planted the first seed of curiosity in me, even before I fully understood it as a creative practice.

A defining moment that truly sparked my passion came later, in 2014, when I visited the Addis Foto Fest exhibition in Addis Ababa, curated by Aïda Muluneh. That experience completely shifted my perspective.

It was my first real introduction to African photographers working at a high level, telling powerful and diverse stories through their images. Until then, I had mostly seen photography as documentation, but the exhibition revealed its depth as a form of expression, storytelling, and artistic voice.

After that moment, I began to see photography differently — not just as a way to capture memories, but as a tool to explore ideas, identity, and society. It pushed me to take the medium more seriously and eventually led me to pursue street photography and social documentary work.

That combination of early exposure through my father and the transformative experience of Addis Foto Fest continues to shape how I approach photography today.

How would you describe yourself?

I would say I am a curious, fast learner. I am a bit introverted and not the strongest communicator yet, but I have been working on it and improving over time. I also see myself as a photographer who is naturally curious and finds inspiration in both everyday moments and unique scenes.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

My photography focuses on everyday life, human connection, identity, and the quiet changes happening in my city. I am especially drawn to ordinary moments — things people might pass by without noticing. These small moments often carry emotion, tension, and meaning, and I try to bring attention to them through my work.

I am also interested in transformation — how places and people change over time. Living in a city that is constantly evolving pushes me to document these shifts, both visually and emotionally, to understand where we are and where we are going.

Through my images, I try to connect with others by keeping things honest and relatable. I do not try to stage or control too much; instead, I observe and respond to what is already there. I want people to see something familiar in my work — something that feels real to them, even if it comes from a different place.

At the same time, I hope my photographs create space for reflection. Whether it is a feeling, a memory, or a question, I want the viewer to engage with the image in their own way and find their own meaning within it.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

Being part of the pre-launch exhibition of the Africa Foto Fair, curated by Aïda Muluneh. I exhibited my work under the title “Gaze Eternal: Ethiopia, Past and Becoming.” 

Having my work shown in that space and featured on the platform was a very meaningful milestone for me. It felt like a moment of recognition and encouragement to keep going.

Another important part of that experience was attending a workshop led by Aïda Muluneh. Receiving direct, insightful feedback on my work from her was deeply valuable.

It helped me see my work from a new perspective and pushed me to think more critically about my process and direction. Altogether, that experience remains one of the most defining and motivating moments in my journey so far.

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

Practicing street photography in a context where awareness and understanding of the medium are still limited is a major challenge. Photographing in public spaces can be difficult, especially when people are not always comfortable or familiar with being photographed. 

I have also had challenging encounters with authorities — there was a time I was stopped by police, physically confronted, and had to spend hours explaining why I was taking photos on the street.

Experiences like that have been difficult, but they have also taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of communication. I have learned to be more mindful of my surroundings, to approach situations calmly, and to better explain my intentions when needed.

At the same time, I see positive change — more people are becoming open to photography, and I believe continued work and dialogue can help build a better understanding over time. These challenges have shaped me not just as a photographer but also in how I navigate and engage with the world through my work.

"My photography focuses on everyday life, human connection, identity, and the quiet changes happening in my city."

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I mainly focus on street photography while also exploring social documentary work as I continue to learn and grow. For me, street photography is not just about candid photos or the streets themselves — I see it as documenting something much bigger: life. 

I photograph the life of the streets, trying to hold on to fleeting moments before they disappear — I keep things from fading, giving them a sense of permanence.

My interest in this approach comes from a desire to understand and reflect everyday life in an honest way. I do not see myself as someone who has mastered the craft, but rather as a photographer who is still learning — observing, practicing, and slowly finding my voice.

Over time, my style has been shaped by spending more time in the streets, studying the work of other photographers, and becoming more aware of light, timing, and human interaction. I am also increasingly interested in documentary work, especially in telling deeper, more layered stories about people and places.

Right now, my work sits between exploration and growth — using photography as a way to learn, to see more clearly, and to connect with the world around me.

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

Well, I would love to work with Aïda Muluneh, Hilina Abebe, and Geremew Tigabu. Their work and presence in the field have been very inspiring to me, especially in how they approach storytelling and visual identity from an African perspective.

Collaborating with them would be a great opportunity to learn, grow, and exchange ideas. I would also love to work with The New York Times, as I admire its storytelling and global reach.

What do you think of the 54Ruum?

I think 54Ruum is building something very important and timely for African photographers. Creating a platform that not only showcases work but also focuses on storytelling, visibility, and real opportunities is powerful. It feels like a space that understands both the creative and professional sides of being an artist, and I really respect that vision.

How's the photography and art space in Ethiopia?

There has been significant growth in the art and photography scene in Ethiopia over the last few years. Especially with the opening of Studio 11 and Artawi Gallery, there has been increased awareness, more exhibitions, and stronger community engagement. These spaces are helping to create dialogue, support artists, and make photography more visible and appreciated.