"Photography is more than a profession for me — it is a way to observe, connect, and preserve moments that matter."
Surafel Dejene is a photographer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Driven by curiosity and a love of visual creativity, he began his journey six years ago, passionate about capturing meaningful moments and telling stories.
Over the years, he has developed a keen eye for detail and a focus on creating authentic, expressive photographs. Photography is more than a profession — it is a primary way for Dejene to observe, connect, and preserve the moments that matter most.
Surafel Dejene - Ethiopian photographer
I am a storyteller who uses the lens to bridge the gap between observation and emotion. For me, photography is not just about the technical act of taking a picture; it is an immersive way to connect with the world and preserve the raw, unfiltered narratives of the human experience.
Whether capturing the vibrant energy of the streets or the quiet depth of a portrait, my goal is always to create images that resonate with authenticity and speak a universal language of feeling.
"I challenged myself to capture strong and meaningful images using my mobile phone — proving that creativity is not limited by equipment."
I began my photography journey about six years ago while I was a second-year student in Hotel and Tourism Management. During this time, I discovered that photography was more than an interest — it was my true passion, evidenced by the emotions I felt when capturing different moments and the talent I recognised in myself.
I am a photographer with a strong passion for capturing meaningful moments and human stories through images. As my passion grew, I made the bold decision to leave my college degree and fully commit to photography by joining a photography school. This step allowed me to focus on developing my skills, artistic vision, and personal style.
Portrait and street photography. I have worked with these styles since the beginning of my journey, which has provided me with extensive experience in both. Over time, I have observed significant growth in my approach, allowing me to develop a deeper understanding and a more refined style within these two forms.
My photography is inspired by real human emotions and unfiltered moments. I am drawn to the feelings, expressions, and stories that naturally appear in everyday life, especially in portraits and street scenes. Consequently, I focus on human emotion and authentic moments.
One of my key accomplishments is reaching a significant personal milestone in my creative journey. Over the years, I have evolved from exploring photography out of passion into developing a clear artistic vision and a consistent style, particularly in portrait and street photography. This growth reflects my dedication, skill development, and long-term commitment to the craft.
Another major accomplishment is my participation and recognition in various photography and visual art competitions. I have taken part in visual art competitions associated with human rights film festivals and similar platforms, where my work was acknowledged for its artistic and social value. These experiences have allowed my photography to reach wider audiences and be appreciated within professional spaces.
It was tough not owning a camera or complete photography accessories. This limitation made it difficult to practice consistently and fully explore my creative ideas. However, I overcame this by making the most of every opportunity to use a camera whenever one was available. I learned to work patiently, plan my shots carefully, and value each moment I had with professional equipment.
Additionally, I challenged myself to capture strong and meaningful images using my mobile phone. This experience helped me develop a sharper eye for composition, light, and timing, proving that creativity is not limited by equipment.
"I discovered that photography was more than an interest — it was my true passion through the emotions I felt when capturing different moments."
54Ruum is a vibrant platform that celebrates African photographers and visual artists, giving them a space to share their work and stories.
It is more than just a showcase; it is a creative community that connects artists from across the continent, highlights diverse perspectives, and helps photographers gain visibility beyond their local circles.
The platform features portfolios, personal stories, and learning opportunities, making it both inspiring and supportive for emerging creatives.
“Join communities like 54Ruum for feedback and inspiration, and remember that patience and persistence are key to developing your own style.”
The Ethiopian photography and art scene is evolving rapidly. There is increasing recognition of photography as a serious art form, more spaces for creative expression, stronger opportunities for learning and networking, and growing international engagement with Ethiopian photographers.
These changes are helping local photographers to share their perspectives more widely while shaping a dynamic cultural identity grounded in both tradition and contemporary experience.
Starting in photography is exciting, but focus on learning and practising rather than expensive gear — your phone or a simple camera is enough. Understand basic settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and experiment with light and composition using the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing.
Shoot often, try different styles, and learn from your mistakes. Study other photographers, practice post-processing lightly, and build a portfolio of your best work. Join communities like 54Ruum for feedback and inspiration, and remember that patience and persistence are key to developing your own style.
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