This simple yet profound quote sheds some light on the reason why photography is one of the most important fields in the world today.

As human beings, we all have a strong connection to our memories; some philosophers even argue that we are nothing without them. Perhaps, this is the reason photography has spread all around the world and has experienced such a massive evolution over the countries.

The art of photography in Nigeria dates back to the colonial times and has since expanded to become the behemoth that it is today due to it’s acceptance as a profitable profession.

“It’s public acceptance as a reputable profession has grown more than 58% among the Nigerian elite population,” says Kola Oshalusi of Insignia Media production limited.

Celebrating National Photos Month, we focus on the photographers, who undoubtedly area part of the custodian of the Nigerian culture. Over the years, they give a glimpse into the lifestyle of the people at that given time and immortalize that moment. Regardless of the perceptions, shortcomings and limitations of the profession, photography has, in it’s own way, made Nigeria what it is today, one image at a time.

The Pioneers

The rich history of photography in Nigeria includes names like Jonathan Adagogo Green, Chief Solomon Osagie Alonge and Peter One.

Jonathan Adagogo Green

Born in Rivers State (Known as Bonny at the time) back in 1873, Jonathan Adagogo Green is regarded as Nigeria’s first indigenous professional photographer. For many years, his body of work was largely unknown to be Nigerian because of his English surname.

After studying photography in Sierra Leone, he established a studio in Bonny and became one of the most accomplished photographers in West Africa at the time . Being located in the Niger Delta environment, his body of work covered materials in that area. This includes portrait images of European merchants, British colonial officers, Chiefs and elites of the society, ironworkers, women making crafts and so on.

Solomon Osagie Alonge

Solomon Osagie Alonge lived in the ancient city of Benin when the British took over the city in the late 19th century, bringing photography with them as one of their many traditions. Alonge became the first indigenous royal court photographer.

Alonge started learning photography in the 1920s and, owing to his grandfather being a chief, he was able to assume the role of court photographer in 1933. With a career that spanned for half a century, Alonge became the keeper of the history of his people. His body of work documented the rituals and proceedings of the royal court while running a portrait studio for taking pictures of the people of Benin. As the years passed, Alonge’s work began to gain recognition. This was partly because of his skill as he became known for his mastery of editing techniques but mostly because, as a native of Benin, he was the only photographer who had the ability to tell story of his people from a personal and detailed perspective.

The Present of Photography

A lot has changed since then, from the prestigious titles photographers held historically to being known by their small boxes in the streets begging for patronage. Kelechi Amadi-Obi, a lawyer who abandoned the noble profession to pursue his interest in photography, was seen as performing an act of foolishness and waste of financial resources and education.

This narrative has changed as the photography industry in Nigeria today boasts major progress and is arguably one of the largest in the creative industry it sits in. A professional photographer is seen as a modern-day magician who knows how to manipulate his fingers. He sees beauty where there is none and directs people towards his light.

This, to an extent, is true. Photography in itself is an art. like every artwork, it takes persuasive effect and skills to capture the essence and to have this knowledge. Unlike what is obtainable in the photosphere, he aims for quality, It then goes that the professional photographer makes the saying true, a photo tells a thousand words.

This, however, comes with a price. His equipment is not easy to purchase. A good camera costs as low as $200 (#300,000) and as much as $500 (7,500,000) for the body alone. Where as a lens can go for as much as $1,899 (2,848,500).

It, therefore goes without saying that such massive investment has impacts on the practitioners and economy, especially if the content produced is properly monetized.

At the recently held business of photography conference, the need to efficiently monetise the art of photography and define it’s future as a major part of the current and future national revenue generation sector was emphasized.

This is imperative because Photographers are part of the larger economic mix, they purchase equipment, some of which are capital intensive, employ labour, pay rents and invest in other areas of the business. Invariably, these economic activities underscore their roles in the economy, especially as advancement in the technologies used by photographers become more sophisticated and expensive.

Moreover, owing and running a studio comes at no easy cost. As a profession, the investment needed in the business of photography is on the high side. A photographer has to worry about his location, advertising cost, stands and heads, flash head. All these are put at #600,000 or more.

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