During the preparation we had a quick photo-shoot session with the celebrity photog Kelechi Amadi Obi at his studio. I can remember Lesedi making a mysterious whistle-like sound with her tongue and lips as Emeka danced the popular ‘’Etighi’’ dance. We also went to few places in Lagos for sight-seeing.

Finally when the D-Day came, we loaded the van (Snow White) and off we went.
Something I would never forget is, that Sunday morning my mum was present and a fly ran into my nasal cavity and down into my throat. It wasn’t funny for me as we journeyed.

(C)Invisible Borders 2012

Announcing… Invisible Borders premieres on The New African Photography with Al Jazeera English 22 April 2013!

Artscape, The New African Photography series, looks at the fast-changing continent of Africa through the eyes of its most acute observers: its photographers. The six-part series profiles the continent’s latest generation of photographers, who are taking back control of their image with a more nuanced portrayal. Invisible Borders features as the first episode, airing 22-29 April 2013.

Watch the promo:

Make Sure you tag along!

(C) Invisible Borders 2013

I was part of a workshop…I mentioned that sometime in February (this year). It was a new and awesome experience for me. I’ld be sharing some of my experiences with you (in later posts).
So happy times are here people, I’m back! Thanks for being there.

Man Sleeping on a Bike Duoala, Cameroon, 2012

From the Series ‘Emergence of a Mega City’

The Nlele Institute – AFRICAN CENTRE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY (TNI.ACP) serves as an enclave for artistic development, learning, creativity and new knowledge development.
As an art developmental platform, we will initiate a rigorous workable structure that will motivate participants in our programs and projects to deviate from familiar artistic terrains and discover new insights. With this structure in place and in operation, our participants will have a direction to build their future and prepare for a successful art career in photography, video art and other lens/time based media. Our emphasis is on creativity, knowledge development and excellence. TNI.ACP will provide a conducive atmosphere for experimentation, research, learning and the necessary resources to help our artists achieve success.

The Course title, “STORY” aims to explore photo essay as a technique in photography and also as a very simple collection of images that are placed in a specific order to tell the progression of events, emotions and concepts.

Photo essay technique is frequently used by world class photographers and photojournalists such as George Osodi, James Nachtway, Andrew Esiebo and Adolphus Opara.
In a theatrical world of stories, we often think we have seen it all. Saturated and wearied by local and foreign news agencies reports on daily global events, our perspective of the world tends to be narrow and fearful. This in turn has created a world of stereotypes and clichés because it is easier to understand the world through a simple lens. Photo essay, however, takes the same story telling techniques as normal essay translated into visual images. The workshop participants will work both collectively (in separate groups) and individually on their own projects, exploring a range of photo essay techniques. Each participant will choose a topic or story (from their community and from any genre) and develop a body of work. They will be guided by a cohort of faculty during the workshop who will give lectures on how to use photo essay as a brilliant way to bring images, which touch on vital societal issues, to life.

I am absolutely optimistic and happy about this. I hope to meet new friends in the field and learn from them as well. It’s gonna be a lot of learning this time around. I also hope to update you more as the days goes by.
Do have a lovely month ahead.

It’s part of the acknowledgement for participating in the World Wide Project. Check out more about the Project HERE. It contains over 1000 pictures all taken in a day with a short note about them. I was glad when I saw it. I am sure Mrs Salome, my feature subject would also be happy when she sees it. Hope to bump into her some days to show her the book.

Feature Image:

Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 15:19. Salome Manuel has worked for 15 years at the Creek Road Market, selling okporoko (stockfish) caught in the creeks and rivers that flow down through southern Nigeria to the Atlantic. The dried fish – red snapper and more – are a popular feature of Nigerian cuisine, prepared by soaking and softening in stew. “She buys large fish in bulk, already dried in the sun and smoked under a charcoal.

Below are some of the pictures I took with the market sellers. There is nothing that inspires me more like this.

Check it out here: http://africasacountry.com/2013/01/28/my-favorite-photographs-n11-jide-odukoya/

• ‘A Day in the World’ Featured on digital galleries in major cities of the world
• ‘The emergence of a Mega City’ Featured at the TEDxEuston Conference in London and Lagos Photo Festival 2012
• ‘Nigerians in Libreville’ Featured at the Benin Biennial 2012 and Addis Foto Fest 2012

Indeed it was a fulfilling year. Although a bit clumsy with so many impromptu activities, I was able to manage it to the best of my abilities. Also being part of Invisible Borders 2012 photography road trip project to Gabon was awesome. I learnt a lot from the other participation artist; I am sure a better photo artist now. IB also gave me a platform to do more serious works under the close supervision of an in house curator. Following this post I would be sharing some of the pictures I made on the trip with their stories.

I have made some little changes here and there to this website; I would be nice if you go through the PORTFOLIO link above to see how I have arranged the site. With two major projects on ground for me this year already and three others I am yet to conclude from last year, I am sure you would always see something to read and learn from on this blog. I will be blogging more this year so ensure you visit here regularly and share my stories of life with your friends and family.
Wishing you a wonder New Year.

Cover Image: Paralle Intersection, Abuja, 2012

The Invisible Borders exhibition which is part of Addis Foto Fest is presented in partnership with the Africa Union commission and and the European Union Delegation to the AU and will be shown outdoors at the Africa Union Center in Addis Ababa.

December 4 at 1:00pm until December 11 at 8:00pm

Watch my clipse here:

TEDxEuston is a TED-like event locally organised in the same spirit of “ideas worth spreading”, devoted to leveraging the powers of ideas to change the world. The events are always cross-disciplinary, focused on sharing ideas and inspiration to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. TED and TEDx cover a range of topics, from Technology, Entertainment to Science, Business and Global Issues.

Previous TED speakers include politicians, scientists, authors, business leaders and individuals with inspiring stories of hope and achievement.
General Information
TEDxEuston 2010 aims to reflect ideas and inspired thinking of a new generation of African leaders, presenting to an audience of mainly Africans committed to engaging and re-engaging in an active and meaningful manner with the continent.

More on TEDxEuston 2012:

*tedxeuston * thesouthafrican *zainabusman *nigerianstalk