Oumar Bayo Fall: The Senegalese Visual Storyteller Capturing Emotion Through Light | 54Ruum

Oumar Fall, professionally known as Bayo, is a passionate lover of art. He was born in Ziguinchor and lived in Fatick and Dakar, which shaped his creative eye with the diversity and soul of Senegal. Bayo is a photographer, videographer, and filmmaker who tells stories with light as a language, making every image carry emotion.

He has been mastering professional cameras since 2015, exploring the power of visuals as a medium for expression and transformation. His journey has led him to work with renowned organisations and brands like Chanel, Panafrican Music, Greenpeace, Coris Bank, Fleur de Lys, La Liga Española, and many others.

In the music industry, he has worked alongside leading artists like Samba Peuzzi, Fata El Presidenté, Pispa The Legend, Zou Kana, and Paco Briz, crafting visual worlds that merge urban energy with poetic storytelling.

Recently, Bayo directed the presentation film and promotional launch spot for the African media ZOA, solidifying his reputation as a visionary image-maker. Bayo is rooted in Africa yet reaching out to the world. Bayo aspires to carry the Senegalese flag through cinematic projects that transcend borders and speak to the human heart.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I'm a mix between a dreamer and a doer — the kind of guy who'll shoot a cinematic video at sunrise, then forget where he left his lens cap because of how much focus I put on the work I love doing. I see stories everywhere, even in a cup of coffee.

How did you first get into photography?

I got into photography when I was a little kid, living in the hotel where my dad worked at Cap Skring. My dad had binoculars, and I used to admire the landscape; there was nature all around the hotel. I could stay a long time watching the beach, the trees or the animals through the binoculars. One thing in particular is that every time I watched through the binoculars, it felt like a photograph, frame by frame. Then, whenever there were group pictures to be taken, I would hurry to take them.

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

I mostly learned photography by capturing streets and landscapes, and I felt the need to capture the light from people — their very soul, their energy. So I decided to focus on portrait photography because of the connection to the human being and what I can feel beyond the physical.

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

The idea of human connection and authenticity drives my photography. I'm fascinated by the silent emotions that live between people — the gestures, glances, and imperfections that tell real stories.

Through my images, I try to capture the poetry in ordinary moments, to remind people that beauty often hides in what feels familiar. My camera is a bridge that helps me connect souls without needing words. Every person is unique and special in their own way.

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

It's more about the reaction people have when I show them the pictures I take of them. They are always in doubt that they are the ones in the image I show them, and this is because I let my photography tell them: you're beautiful the way you are.

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

As a self-taught photographer, I didn't know where to start. I approached some famous people on social media for help, but I didn't get any reply, so I went to Google and YouTube to look for photography courses. I am still learning, though, and trying to adapt to new technologies.

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

It would be with Sidy Mouhamed Kandji because of his anthropological approach, and also his creative genius as a photographer and art director.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

54Ruum is the kind of platform needed to showcase talents. It brings African creatives together to strengthen our bonds of heritage despite our cultural diversity.

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

It flew by so fast that when I started learning photography, you could barely count artists or photographers (those on social media, I dare say), but now we can connect with many creatives, exchange, work together, and learn from them. I think Senegal is becoming a capital of the art world, which is why many international artists are visiting and creating here.

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

There's no limit, get knowledge and practice a lot. Some things are learned through practice and experience. Whether you use a phone or a camera, it's just a tool that lets you translate your vision.