Omotayo Tajudeen, documentary photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria

Omotayo Tajudeen is a Nigerian photographer with a passion for storytelling that began six years ago. He is known for his documentary and photojournalism work, which has been published and exhibited internationally by institutions such as ICP and FORMAT. He is also a versatile artist with a fascination for other forms of photography.

Omotayo’s portfolio is influenced by Renaissance art and extends into portraiture, fine art, fashion, and beauty. His images are inspired by vivid colours, unique styling, luxurious fabrics, nature, and architecture.

He has worked on commissioned projects with brands and organisations including the Nigeria Girl Guides Association, consistently capturing authentic narratives with a sharp eye for detail. He is a member of the Africa Photojournalism Database and the Diversify Photo Up Next group.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I'm quite volatile and at the same time calm. I rarely approach things the same way twice because I believe “normal” is boring. My vision sometimes surprises me; my imagination can go from 0 – 100 in just two shutter clicks.

What I love most about myself is the way I can create in any space I find myself. I carry a deep bank of mental images and art pieces that I've curated over time from watching movies, magazines, visiting art galleries and so on. These memories often give me reference inspiration when I see a colour combination, a dress, fabric, outfit or textures on a building. These mental images have shaped and continue to shape my vision. 

How did you first get into photography?

It all started in 2016 while I was in school. Before then, I was quite a shy person. I had to step out of my shell and be in front of the camera more. In December 2015, my dad got me a phone that had a really good camera; a fantastic camera in fact, and I didn't really explore it until a fun evening with friends, when one of them (Hyzick) picked it up and showed me what it could do.

I was shocked and thought; “No way, let me try this myself” - That was the beginning! I was like, naaaah, let me have it - and that's how the journey started. I watched a lot of YouTube videos, studied so many online articles on composition and documentary photography and was really inspired by Bayo Omoboriowo, Jide Kola and Ademola Olaniran.

I was intrigued by their vision. However, I kept practising with my phone and took photo shots of nearly everyone and everything around me. I transitioned into using a friend's Canon 1200D – his name is Riley. I also used another friend's (Jaiy's) 60D until I left school. And now I'm here.

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

I’m a documentary photographer and photojournalist at heart because I love making images that show what’s really going on. Documentary trains your eye and mind not just to look, but to see; and that foundation influences all my other expressions.

Whether I’m photographing a portrait or a wedding, in the studio or outdoors. I anticipate, visualise, wait, I recognize the decisive moment. At the same time, because of my love for colors, art, nature, sunlight, and so many other things, I blend all of that into my portraits. Ultimately, I just capture the energy I’m receiving from what’s in front of me.

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

Faith, Empathy, Beauty, Modesty, Joy, African culture, Relationships.I love to use light, shadow, composition, colour, and my environment to connect my subject to the story I’m trying to tell. That in turn, connects my audience to the story the subject is telling, or makes the viewer’s idea or vision feel tangible.

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

I don't really like to pin down one moment because I strongly believe in the Mamba Mentality. However, I'm really grateful to God for all the highlights in my career and for how far He has brought me.

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

There have actually been challenges but I think the toughest among them - although strange, is believing in myself and my uniqueness. I used to think that I ought to be some sort of photographer, until I realised that I was never built like anyone else. Even while growing up, I participated in about four different extra-curricular and sporting activities. I have learnt deeply that there is always an element of the artist in the art. Your art simply projects who you are.

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

Tough one! There are a lot of amazing people and brands that I look forward to collaborating with, but if I were asked to pick one, I'd say Tyler Mitchell. His work beautifully bridges fashion and fine art while centering Black identity, joy and softness - these are values I deeply resonate with.

I admire how he brings storytelling and cultural nuance into editorial spaces, and I would love to invite that approach into my documentary sensibilities and Renaissance-inspired portraiture. Collaborating with him would be an opportunity to create images that celebrate African stories with both emotional depth and visual poetry.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I really think it is a great platform - fantastic innovation for Africans. We have other global platforms like PhotoVogue and a host of many others but having one that centres on and brings African creatives together is a big win.

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

The photography and art space in Nigeria has evolved massively within the last decade. There's been a huge increase in photographers, visual artists with various art expressions and that has helped diversify the output and also challenge the thought process of each creative.

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

Just don't stop. Train your eye and mind to see, your vision is your strongest strength and never let people's definition of art stop you from making what you see as art.