Interview with Photographer Rachel Seidu

“I feel like the eyes tell the stories.”

Rachel Seidu is a Nigerian-Ghanaian photographer working out of Benin City, Nigeria. With family and roots in her hometown of Lagos, Seidu has been practicing photography professionally for the past two years and is currently also a student. As a true creative — although photography is currently her main mode of expression — she dabbles in anything and everything. That said, what’s most striking about her photography work is the “up close and personal” capturing of her subjects. Most of her work is developed in black and white and often showcases the usage of double exposure editing. As we spoke on the phone, Seidu’s thoughts on the current and future states of the photography scene in both Benin City and Lagos helped add context to our discussions on her work.

*The following responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Stylistically, how would you describe your “lens?” What is your aesthetic and how do you think it’s unique?

“I’ll describe it as ‘artistic storytelling.’ I think what makes it unique is that when you see my work, you can feel emotions in them. They are not just photographs, they’re alive.”

You describe yourself as a “visual storyteller.” WhaT do you mean by that and what type of stories You do tell? Why are they important?

“I tell stories with my photographs and I let the viewer of the photo tell their own story in whatever way they can relate to the image. I think that is really important because I feel we all see and interpret things in different ways. Tagging a story to an image already makes that image about one thing and that’s that story — but when each viewer sees the image and relates to it in their own ways, that’s it for me.”

A lot of your photography iS black and white — what draws you to thaT?

“I do a lot of black and white because for me, it’s a beautiful way to tell my stories. Colors can be distracting, but with black and white you feel the image, you feel the emotions.”

Johannesburg-based photographer Dudu Dube had similar thoughts on the usage of color vs. black and white photography. See his interview here…

Seidu shared with me that at one point in her career she wasn’t doing color photography at all. She noted many people around her encouraged her to “think about her audience” and incorporate more color into her practice.

“I can’t be convinced that color can tell a story as well as black and white. Black and white is very powerful— the fact that the color is taken out but you can still feel the emotion is very big.”

What is the photography scene like in Benin City, Nigeria?

“It’s not much to be honest but we have lots of photographers here, lots of them. I guess everyone is trying their best to make do.”

Seidu referenced Lagos as being “the L.A. of Nigeria,” going on to say it’s where “people get the money.” She said it’s harder for people like her “who tell stories” and are more editorial based photographers, as often, most of the work goes to “commercial” based photographers. “Not everyone likes my work” she said. “Knowing the right people and those who genuinely love and believe in your art are really important.”

What inspires your photography work?

“My state of mind does. I have discovered that however I’m feeling is how my works come out. My emotions reflect in my work. Also, it’s my urge to tell more stories and getting inspired by the feeds of my favorite photographers. ”

When asked for some of those photographers that inspire her, Seidu mentioned Yagazie Emezi, Akama Paul, Shua Taiwo, Ebuka Mordi, @stuffedbox, and @visualsbyk as some of her favorites.

What does a day of shooting look like for you?

“I recently just got a camera, but before then I used my phone. There’s no set-up with that. I already have a picture of what I want the shoot to look like in my head, sometimes I draft a moodboard. Then I get a location. Usually I always have a location in mind before actually shooting. I always take strolls around my area to see suitable places for shoots. I always work with a few friends that assist me when I need it.”

What do you enjoy most about being a photographer?

“The ability to create, it’s a blessing.”

In an interview you did with African Foto, you Said, “I always knew I'd be a photographer. It's been Two years since I started it professionally. I use my phone though as I don't have a camera yet.”

What other advice would you give to others who want to tell African stories for themselves as mobile photographers?

“I’d say don’t allow the fact that you don’t have big equipment stop you from telling your story. Also, take your time, learn at your own pace. We all have bad pictures. Shoot all the time, be consistent, and surround yourself with like minded folks. And most importantly, it’s not a competition, you’re not competing with other photographers.”

see that interview here…

What do you want people to take away from your work?

“I want everyone that sees my work to feel something, that’s a big deal for me.”

What do you see for yourself in the future in terms of your work and profession?

“I hope to become better at my photography in future, do more documentaries, travel, and be happy.”

Seidu went on to say “photojournalism is really calling me.” She said that while she’s considering going into film later on, she hopes photojournalism will be her next big transition. As we discussed, she feels as though many commercial photographers “get all the jobs.” She doesn’t see a demand for more editorial work being desired anytime soon so at this point she’s “not relying on editorial for much.” She added, “That’s why I want to focus more on my documentaries.”

“I just like telling stories. As long as it’s a story being told, I don’t mind telling it.”

To keep up with Seidu and her work, follow her here…