Adaeze Okaro (b. 1995) is a self-taught photographer born and raised in Enugu state, Nigeria. She is primarily based in Abuja, Nigeria. Okaro’s work is a vibrant tapestry of portraiture, fine art, documentary, and fashion photography. Her captivating images, influenced by love, melancholy, and black beauty, feature black women and men in vivid, culturally infused portraits.
Adaeze Okaro first picked up a family-owned film camera in her family’s garage in Enugu when she was six years old. In March 2017, she began her photographic career by taking fashion portraits with an iPhone 5s. Transitioning to professional photography in September 2018, Okaro achieved a milestone that November with her first commission for Dove & Getty Images. Recognized for her talent, Adaeze Okaro was selected for the Adobe Stock Artist Development Fund in March 2021. Her selected brief, “Celebration of Self,” aligns seamlessly with her mission to capture the inherent beauty in every subject. Through collaborations with renowned companies like Dove, Getty Images, Girlgaze, VSCO, Google, and Adobe, Okaro continues to dismantle stereotypes surrounding black women, using her lens to showcase their beauty and resillence.
With her use and knowledge of color, composition, and mood, Adaeze Okaro discusses how she addresses contemporary issues within African societies in a conversation with Omenai.
How would you describe yourself and your work?
Adaeze Okaro: I am a passionate artist who beautifully captures the essence of African culture and Black beauty in my work. I infuse my art with themes of love and melancholy, creating a unique blend that speaks volumes about my perspective. As an introvert, I find comfort in my own space, which allows me to dive deep into my creativity. I value my close relationships and work connections, as they provide meaningful interactions in my life.
You are a self-taught photographer. How and when did you know photography was something you wanted to pursue?
AO: I discovered my love for photography when I started taking street photos with my iPhone. The ability to capture moments in time and revisit them was magical to me. It was then I knew I wanted to be a photographer. The journey wasn’t easy; I had to teach myself how to use a camera. It was challenging at first, but with time and practice, my skills grew. Now, I’m here, a self-taught photographer who fell in love with this art form through the lens of an iPhone.
You are into portrait, fashion, and documentary photography. Can you describe your creative process to me?
AO: As a portrait, fashion, and documentary photographer, my creative process has evolved. Half the time, I don’t plan my shoots. Years ago, I would spontaneously buy clothes, and accessories, and just shoot. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve started creating mood boards for my shoots, often drawing inspiration from films, Pinterest or Tumblr. During shoots, I roam around the room like a mad scientist, exploring all angles before taking photos. I also do most of the makeup and styling myself, though I’ve had great assistants over the years.
Your adept use of vibrant composition, light, color, and visual tension is remarkable in your work. Tell me more about your relationship with color.
AO: My life’s been a riot of color, all thanks to my vibrant upbringing. My mom’s eclectic fashion sense and our home, a kaleidoscope of hues, sparked my artistic journey. I’m irresistibly drawn to natural light photography, it’s like painting with sunlight, capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of the world. My distinct use of color and light is a window into my past, a canvas of my experiences and personal observations.
What would you say comes first when you are creating? The story or the subject of focus?
AO: When I’m creating, it’s a 50-50 toss-up. Sometimes, the story comes first and guides the focus. Other times, I just create art that’s been brewing in me, without a specific story or focus. It’s all about expressing myself through my photography.
Most of your subjects are women and you have explored the female form in different scenes and varied emotions. What themes do you like to explore and what is a recurring theme in your work?
AO: Women have been the center of my work. While I’ve photographed men too, my main focus has been on black men and women, especially dark-skinned black women. My central theme is beauty. To me, beauty is anything that has been made, anything that has characteristics making it what it is. Women are just beautiful stories walking around, blessing us with their existence. Even the things that may seem flawed to others, I want to capture them. That’s my central theme when photographing women, exploring the female form.
I have noticed that only a few galleries in Nigeria show works from photographers. What are your thoughts on this? How do you navigate showings and sales?
AO: Actually, I’ve found that many Nigerian galleries do showcase photography work. I’ve had the privilege to work with some amazing galleries that have featured my work in their group exhibitions. It’s been a wonderful experience. I’ve seen many photographers in the country have their work displayed in galleries too, leading to some truly beautiful exhibitions. It hasn’t been challenging for me, thanks to these amazing curators.
Tell me about your experience building a photography career in Abuja.
AO: Building my photography career in Abuja has been a journey of discovery and growth. The city is rich with beauty and offers an abundance of spaces that are perfect for capturing stunning images. The people here are incredibly warm and welcoming, adding a unique charm to the city. Abuja is an artsy state, full of untapped potential that many don’t realize. This has allowed me to explore and create unique pieces of art. While I don’t currently have a studio here, I see it as a future goal. I believe in reaching a certain level in my career before setting up a permanent space. This approach keeps me motivated and allows me to focus on refining my skills and creative processes. The tranquility of the city also aids my thought process, providing me with the serene environment I need to bring my creative visions to life. The journey so far has been rewarding and I look forward to what the future holds.
When you were starting, who were your influences? Has it changed? Can you talk a bit about your current inspirations and what is fascinating about them?
AO: Photography for me is a journey of self-discovery and expression. My inspirations are diverse, ranging from the stunning works of Renell Medrano, Lakin Ogunbanwo, Malick Sidibe, Kennedy Carter, Peter Lindbergh, Nadine Ijewere, Adrienne Raquel, to Fan Ho. Each of these artists has a unique perspective on beauty, light, composition, and subject matter that deeply resonates with me. I find myself particularly drawn to their remarkable ability to capture the essence of their subjects and their cultures, especially those that show a great, representation of black women and the black/African experience.
Who would you like to work with and why?
AO: There are so many talented individuals I’d love to collaborate with, especially Nigerian photographers. The idea of planning a shoot together, or even just observing each other’s process, is incredibly exciting. Their work ethic is inspiring and being around such passionate individuals would undoubtedly push me to be my best. I also greatly admire several black American photographers. Their dedication and the quality of their work is something I aspire to. Being in their presence, learning from them, and listening to their experiences would be invaluable for my own growth and development in this field.
Can you share in detail the phase you are at right now in your photography practice?
AO: I’m currently in a phase of my photography practice where I’m not afraid to fail. I’m teaching myself, learning from others, and most importantly, I’m not rushing my processes. I believe that taking my time brings out a quality in my work that I didn’t even realize I could achieve. It’s not about creating work for the sake of creating, but about following my heart and shooting what I’m truly passionate about. I’ve always followed my heart, but now, more than ever, I’m confident in listening to my instincts and doing what I want, when I want. I’m taking everything calmly, quietly, and thinking it all through. That’s where I am right now.
What are you working on now and next?
AO: Right now, I’m in a state of creative flux, focusing on commissions while nurturing a wealth of ideas for my personal projects. I can’t precisely define what I’m working on, but I know it’s going to be different, groundbreaking, and breathtaking. I’m excited to dive into this beautiful chaos, to mold and shape it into something unique. Perfection isn’t the goal, but I’m confident that the end result will be mind-blowing. I can’t wait for the world to see it.
Iyanuoluwa Adenle is a Nigerian art writer, essayist, and poet based in Lagos. She is currently the head writer at Omenai. Adenle has contributed to a number of art publications, including Tender Photo, Art News Africa, Pavillon 54, and Omenai.
