Photography in Africa is fast evolving and becoming multifaceted, reflecting the continent’s rich cultural heritage and history.
Female African photographers are making significant strides in the industry and are contributing their unique perspectives and talents. Historically, the photography field has been male-dominated. This is changing with women photographers breaking barriers and reshaping the narrative with innovative approaches and compelling visual storytelling.
Here are five female photographers contributing greatly to the evolution and globalisation of photography in Africa.
JOANA CHOUMALI (Ivory Coast)
Joana Choumali is a multidisciplinary artist of photography, mixed media, and installation. She incorporates traditional Ivorian culture that blends the past and present to create visually stunning and thought-provoking images that celebrate African heritage.
DELPHINE DIALLO (Senegalese)
Based in Brooklyn, photographer and visual artist Delphine combines visual art with activism. She aims to “push the many possibilities of empowering women, youth and cultural minorities through visual provocations.”
She is skilled in analogue and digital photography, 3D printing, collage and illustration, and virtual reality technologies. Delphine draws her inspiration from anthropology, religion, mythology, science and arts. She actively pursues her visual quest in her home town, Saint Louis, Senegal.
LYRA AOKO (Kenya)
Lyra Aoko is a lifestyle and fashion photographer based in Nairobi, Kenya. She aims to “capture her clients in the best light and create images from the heart to inspire and make her clients beautiful.” She does this using light, effects, angle and perspectives skillfully. Aoko has worked with brands like Nike, Piece and Co and Jack Daniels.
SAPHIR NIAKADIÉ (Ivory Coast)
Saphir is a self-taught photographer and creative director based in Brooklyn, New York. She draws inspiration from her homeland and the diaspora. Her passion lies in capturing the beauty of Africa through portrait, editorial, and conceptual photography. She focuses on celebrating Black bodies.
THANDIWE MURIU (Kenya)
Thandiwe Muriu’s work showcases Africa’s unique mix of vibrant textiles, cultural practices, and beauty ideologies. She uses her work to confront issues surrounding identity and self-perception.
Furthermore, she uses her work to redefine female empowerment through the application of her choice of materials, such as fabric and common household items
These female photographers, among many others, are reshaping the landscape of African fashion photography, bringing fresh perspectives, diverse voices, and authentic storytelling to the forefront. Through their lens, they challenge stereotypes, celebrate cultural heritage, and empower women to embrace their unique identities and narratives. As their influence continues to grow, female fashion photographers in Africa are making an indelible mark on the global fashion industry, inspiring future generations of creatives to follow in their footsteps.
