Adaeze Okaro
Adaeze Okaro (she/her) is a self-taught photographer based in Abuja, Nigeria, whose work explores love, introspection, and identity. Beginning with an iPhone 5s in 2017, she transitioned to professional photography in 2018, securing her first commission with Dove and Getty Images. Her images blend portraiture, fine art, documentary, and fashion, capturing the emotional depth of her subjects. Selected for the Adobe Stock Artist Development Fund in 2021, Adaeze has collaborated with WeTransfer, Google, Adobe, Penguin Books, HarperCollins, VSCO, and more. Through her lens, she honors black beauty, melancholy, and human connection, crafting stories that linger beyond the image.
Hi Adaeze! Tell us a little about yourself — when did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today?
The first time I picked up a camera, I was six years old. But professionally, my journey began in 2018, after graduating from university. Before that, I was always experimenting, I borrowed cameras from friends, tested my phone’s capabilities, and did small shoots for people in school. My first camera came in 2018, and with it, my first professional project and clientele. That was when everything came together, and I realized I could truly build a career out of something I love. It’s been a journey of exploration, self-belief, and countless moments of growth since then.
“Through my work, I aim to embrace and celebrate those emotions that connect us all while creating space for reflection and dialogue about what it means to be alive.”— Adaeze Okaro
Are there particular themes you like to explore through your work? Why are these themes important to you?
I love exploring themes of love, identity, melancholy, and the quiet spaces within ourselves that are often left unspoken. These themes are important to me because they feel universal yet deeply personal. They reflect the rawness and beauty of being human. Through my work, I aim to embrace and celebrate those emotions that connect us all while creating space for reflection and dialogue about what it means to be alive.
Your photos are absolutely stunning. From the colors choices in wardrobe to the lighting in the photos, your images are striking. How did you find your photography style?
Thank you so much! My style has evolved over time through experimentation and trust in my intuition. I’ve always believed in letting the emotion of the moment guide me, whether it’s through vivid colors or soft contrasts. Studying other artists I admire and allowing myself the freedom to try and fail has also been key. I think my style found me when I stopped chasing perfection and focused on telling honest, emotional stories.
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be your dream creative project or subject to shoot?
One of my favorite projects was photographing for Dazed Magazine. It felt like a celebration of storytelling, collaboration, and authenticity.
As for a dream project, I’d love to create a photo book that explores the things people often shy away from discussing, emotions, vulnerabilities, and the truths we carry in silence. I also dream of traveling to different parts of the African continent to document the intersections of culture, identity, and memory through my lens.
What’s your creative process like and how do you approach creative collaboration with clients?
My creative process is rooted in listening and intuition. I spend time understanding the story or feeling I want to convey, often drawing inspiration from films, books, and fleeting moments in life. With clients, it’s all about mutual trust. I listen to their vision while staying true to my artistic voice. Collaboration for me is a balance between structure and spontaneity. It’s about finding magic in the in-between moments.
Your portraits have a strong sense of intimacy. How do you make your subjects comfortable in front of the camera? What's your approach to building a connection during a photoshoot?
Connection is everything. I make time to talk to my subjects, learn about their personalities, and create an environment where they can feel relaxed and open. During shoots, I focus on making them feel seen, not as a subject, but as a person with a story worth capturing. I encourage them to be themselves and let the moments unfold naturally. This sense of ease and trust often translates into the intimacy you see in my portraits.
Which project or shoot has left the biggest impression on you, and why was it so meaningful?
Photographing for Google Pixel’s research project in Nigeria had a profound impact on me. The project aimed to improve phone camera technology for darker skin tones, addressing issues like white cast and uneven patches. Being part of something so culturally significant reminded me why I do what I do: to honor and celebrate diverse beauty while contributing to important conversations about representation.
Are there any specific pieces of equipment, such as particular lenses or lighting setups, that you consider essential for your shoots?
I love working with my 35mm and 50mm lenses because they allow me to capture both intimacy and context in my shots.
As for lighting, I prefer continuous lighting over softboxes or reflectors it feels more natural and allows me to work with shadows and highlights in a way that brings the image to life.
What advice would you give to new photographers who are just starting out?
Start with what you have and don’t be afraid to experiment. Borrow equipment, use your phone, make mistakes, and learn as you go. Photography is about storytelling, not perfection. Let your curiosity guide you, stay open to growth, and always remember why you started. Your unique voice is what will set you apart.
What are you currently working on now and what’s up next for you?
Right now, I’m exploring the documentary side of my work. That’s where my journey as a photographer began, and I want to return to it with fresh eyes. I’m also experimenting with mixed media, melding photography with coding and other art forms to create something truly unique. I’m dreaming of turning these explorations into a photobook centered on the unspoken the things we think and feel but rarely say aloud. It’s an exciting, reflective phase, and I’m eager to see where it leads.
