In the crowded world of photography, one self-taught artist is forging his own unique path. Abdullahi discovered his passion almost by chance, but his journey has been all about authentic self-discovery and growth.
With a perspective shaped by nostalgia for his roots in Abuja, Abdul translates his vision into striking images that go beyond just looking good. His creative process blends technical skill, careful editing, and an innate feel for composition – resulting in photos that are unmistakably stellar.
But for this rising talent, it’s not about accolades or checking boxes. As he puts it, “I just want to experience things that allow me to grow as a person and discover myself…I’ve only scratched the surface.” His drive comes from an appreciation for the present moment and an endless curiosity about his own evolution.
In his conversation with DigiMillennials, the photographer uncovers his journey so far, challenges and a peek into his world.
This piece has been edited for length and clarity.
What will you say sparked your interest in photography?
I just always had an eye for it I guess. I used to like to take photos on my phone. My Instagram page started off as a display for my Iphone pictures, and then I acquired a camera from my friend at the time. I was meant to fix it for him but I held on to this for a while and began taking photos with the camera.
That was how I transitioned from taking pictures on my phone to actual camera photos. My final year of uni I was at a point where I didn’t know what I wanted to do next. So I guess it just found me at the right time. I was able to build something out of it.
So it wasn’t like you saw someone in the photography space that you wanted to emulate?
Nah, it just came to me. I was not following anyone photographer prior, I learnt majority of photography from watching videos on Youtube.
Does that mean that there isn’t any photographer or artist who has influenced your craft so far?
Oh there are, my early days of watching Youtube there was Jamie Winsdor, Vuhlandes as well, he’s a Detroit based photographer and Tercy is based in Nigeria. Those three were my major inspirations. Jamie Windsor taught me the fundamentals of composition, Vuhlandes taught me emotion of feel and Tercy is sort of a role model for me.
Okay, so photography is a very saturated space, what will you say distinguishes your craft from the rest?
I have my own unique perspective. The way I see the world is different from the way other people see theirs. So for me, photography is a way of translating the vision I have into something others can reckon with. Also, editing is very crucial for me, I feel a lot of people do not pay attention to that aspect and just slap on a filter, but I pay attention to my edits, ensuring that everything is put in place properly.
When you combine the editing styles with composition and unique perspective, my photos tend to stand out. Now I do not need a watermark, people recognise my pictures when they see them.
What’s your creative process like?
Speaking of that, I like to go back to Abuja every now and then, because it’s a very scenic area. It also evokes nostalgic feelings that I pour out into the images I capture. Abuja is home for me, and going back helps me recharge and reconnect with my younger self. Then in terms of generally, I take inspiration from works of other photographers, Pinterest, or just being on set and it just clicks. Some days it may be rough, the pictures may not look the way I want them to at first but I just trust the process and it ends well.
Have you had any strange or unusual experience while shooting?
There was a time I went with my friends to shoot at a place and the security threatened to seize my camera. This has happened quite a lot, where I get to a space to shoot and I am not allowed by the security for whatever reasons. In terms of a weird experience, I don’t think anything intense has happened yet that will be strong enough for me to remember.
How do you relax, what do you do in your spare time?
I watch a lot of Youtube to expand my knowledge, play FIFA when I want to relax. I also like to go to the beach because it’s therapeutic for me. For me I’m just a homeboy so I don’t really get up too much if it’s not work. Mostly I am just in my space away from everything going on outside.
If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?
I will travel around the world, I’d love to make photo journals of the different places I visit. Bring my people as well to explore different places with me.
What is something about you most people do not know about?
I sort of have imposter syndrome, where I do not give myself enough gratitude or feel like I am doing enough. It’s hard for me to relax because I am always thinking of what to do next, and when I eventually relax, it’s hard for me to get out of that spot. Asides that, I used to draw when I was much younger and I did a little bit of illustrations.
Interesting, do you plan on venturing back into illustration alongside photography?
I’ve thought of doing mixed media, mixing photography and illustrations, but procrastination has not let me even try and I don’t think it is a necessary path for me.
What will you say is a personal achievement that you are most proud of?
The fact that I quit my job and I was able to survive. It is so amazing that I can’t believe it sometimes. When I go to Abuja and I’m leaving it’s very weird to know that I actually left and could make a decent living out of it. Although it comes with pressure sometimes, it’s really nice that I can make a living out of something I actually love doing.
Any new projects you are currently working on that you’d like to share?
I am working on a photobook, hoping to publish that soon. I feel like it could be a good stepping stone to my travel photo books in the future. I also want to be able to pay homage to my home and places my photography journey started.
What’s your goal for the next five years?
Honestly, I try to live more in the moment and see life as a journey as opposed to a destination. I want to experience things that will allow me to grow as a person and discover myself because I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. In the next five years, I hope to be in tune with myself.
I hope I’m able to hone my craft, create more beautiful images that can inspire people, visit places, and I just want to be happy.
So I don’t necessarily have specific objectives or milestones I’m trying to hit in the next five years, as long as I’m growing. You know, that’s the most important thing and as long as I’m learning everyday. I just want to enjoy the journey and not think of a destination. So that’s what it is for me.