Julie Mapepe, street photographer based in Nairobi, Kenya

How did you first get into photography?

I've always loved photography. As teenagers, my sister and I used to do pop-style photo shoots at home. I had some old film cameras that belonged to my parents, which is how I started. Then, I began hunting for my cameras at the flea market in Paris. I really document everything, all the time.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

I mainly focus on street photography and people. It's often very spontaneous. I work quickly and enjoy capturing raw, fleeting moments just as they are. Over time, my style has become more intuitive and stripped down. I've learned to trust my eye and lean into the imperfections that make an image feel alive.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

I love themes of intimacy, presence, and everyday beauty. Human connection, the poetry of ordinary life, inspires me, as do the quiet details that often go unnoticed. I try to capture moments that feel honest and alive, moments that reflect something universal, even in the most personal scenes.

Through my images, I aim to create a sense of closeness, as if the viewer is right there in the moment with me. I believe photography is a powerful way to break down barriers and foster empathy; it enables people to feel seen and connected, regardless of their background.

What is the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

One of the moments I'm most proud of was my residency at Villa Ndar in Saint-Louis, Senegal. It was supposed to be a short stay, but I ended up immersing myself in the local creative scene for over nine months. That time allowed me to reconnect deeply with my artistic process.

I wasn't just taking photos; I was living them. It helped me merge my love for storytelling, food, and visual arts in a way that felt completely natural and honest. It wasn't just about recognition, it was about finding a rhythm that felt true to me, and building real human connections through my work.

Just before my time in Senegal, I held a small exhibition in Paris after spending three years in Tanzania. It was a mix of personal journal entries, photography, and ink and charcoal drawings, all centred around the theme of women. That project was deeply intimate; it allowed me to reflect on my experiences, the women I had met, and the ways their stories echoed through my own.

It was one of the first times I brought together all my disciplines into a single body of work. It felt raw, emotional, and incredibly empowering, both personally and artistically.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

Lately, one of my biggest challenges has been working primarily with film photography. It's become challenging to find film rolls, and even harder to find reliable labs to develop and scan my images in Africa.

In Dakar, I was fortunate to work with someone amazing, Kevin Aubert, who founded Le Sel Dakar, the only authentic lab in the area. It was perfect. But in Nairobi, unfortunately, there's nothing solid, or it's too experimental, and I haven't yet decided to set up my home lab.

So when I finish a roll, it turns into a whole logistical mission: either I send them to France or back to Dakar, or I have to wait until I travel to get them developed. It's frustrating, and it gets costly.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

I'd love to collaborate with a brand or collective that values slowness, storytelling, and craft. I am interested in projects that create space for reflection and intimacy, where the process matters just as much as the outcome.

I'd also love to work with other multidisciplinary artists, people who blur the lines between visuals, sound, and movement. A dream would be to create an immersive exhibition that brings together photography, handwritten journals, scent, and shared meals, something deeply sensory and grounded in human connection.

Above all, I want to collaborate with people who are honest in their work and generous in spirit. That's where the real magic happens. Some cool dream collabs?: Chloé Kerleroux, Peter Ash Lee, Kanaiza, Viviane Sassen, Tyler The Creator, Jamie Kimani, Bonnie Banane, Mous Lamrabat, Kasbe Films, Iris Van Herpen ... etc etc etc

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I think the 54Ruum community is exciting. It seems like a space that brings together photographers and creatives who are passionate about sharing their work and learning from each other. I love the idea of building a collective of people who don't just focus on the technical side of photography, but also embrace the stories, emotions, and concepts behind each image.

It's exciting to be part of a community that fosters genuine connection, where people can grow, experiment, and exchange ideas without the pressure of perfection. Platforms like 54Ruum are essential because they allow creatives to explore and find their voice, and they support the idea that photography is as much about feeling and perspective as it is about the final image.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

My advice would be to trust your instincts and take your time. Don't get caught up in trends or compare your work to others. Also, experiment without pressure. Let your mistakes be part of the learning process.