Oghenetega Ojovbo: Nigerian photographer finding beauty in scars through emotional black-and-white storytelling

Oghenetega Ojovbo is a Nigerian photographer and visual artist based in Lagos. His practice span portraiture, nude photography, and visual storytelling, drawing from his emotional experiences growing up in Nigeria.

He is interested in creating images that evoke emotion and encourage viewers to look more closely at experiences and details that are often overlooked. His artistic vision centres on creating timeless photographs that remain meaningful long after they are first seen.

Beyond photography, Ojovbo runs a non-profit organisation with friends and recently started TL ATELIER, a clothing brand focused on Adire trousers. He also enjoys travelling, watching documentaries and films, playing video games, following sports, and meeting people.

How did you get started in photography?

I have always had a passion for taking pictures. When I was a child, I would sneak my mother's Nokia phone out of the house, especially when we were in church, and go outside to take pictures of my friends.

At one point, I even went to learn how to repair phones, but the passion was not there. I knew photography was what I wanted to do, so I returned to it.

I started without a camera and had to borrow one from a friend just to shoot. In the early days, I wanted to make enough money to buy my own camera, so I travelled to Ogun State for a job that paid N5,000. At the time, N5,000 meant something to me. The client paid for my transport, and I was mainly focused on building my portfolio so people would know that I was a photographer.

Starting something new was not easy. My friend Victor and his family helped me a lot by giving me opportunities to use their camera when I was starting out.

How would you describe yourself?

I am a creative person who enjoys exploring different interests. I run a non-profit organisation with a few friends, and I recently started TL ATELIER, a clothing brand focused on Adire trousers.

I love food, although I am not a great cook. My favourite foods include jollof rice and amala with ewedu. I also enjoy video games, documentaries, and films. I play football occasionally, although I am quite injury-prone, so I have started focusing more on the coaching side.

I follow sports in general, especially football, MMA, and WWE. I also enjoy travelling and meeting people.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

I use my images to tell stories and create a sense of connection. I want people to feel something when they look at my work, whether that is inspiration, hope or a personal connection to the story within the image.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

Having three of my works exhibited at the second edition of the +234 Art Fair in Lagos was a major milestone for me.

There were days when I prayed for the opportunity to have my work exhibited, and it took five years of working towards that goal before I finally had work shown in a gallery or art fair. Seeing three of my works exhibited was therefore a huge achievement for me.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

Limited funding for personal art projects has been one of my biggest challenges. Building a sustainable income from fine art photography can be difficult, so I take on commercial work such as weddings, events, and birthday shoots to fund my personal projects.

This allows me to continue developing the work I am most interested in while maintaining a sustainable photography practice.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I specialise in portraits, nude photography, and visual storytelling. I wanted to develop a practice that stood apart from the usual focus on events and commercial photography.

I want people to see photography as more than taking fine pictures and posting them on Instagram. I want them to see another side of photography, including the scars, imperfections and experiences that people often overlook, and recognise that there can be beauty in them.

What is your unique technical or visual approach?

Black-and-white photography is a strong part of my visual approach. I feel it allows the story to take centre stage, creating a more emotional, intentional, and timeless feeling.

I like the way black-and-white photography allows every element in the frame to have a purpose. It helps me focus attention on the story and the emotion within the image.

Which global brands, photographers, or industries do you feel your work aligns with most?

Two photographers whose work really stands out to me are Kamzy Nuel, a Nigerian photographer known for his creative approach to nude photography, and Thomas Holm, a photographer based in Denmark.

I admire Kamzy's attention to detail and the way he approaches nude photography creatively. Thomas Holm also inspires me through the way he captures images and builds his photographs.

How's the photography and art space in Nigeria?

It's highly competitive. There is increasing international attention on Nigerian artists and photographers, especially those with a distinctive voice.

I would still like to see more opportunities for photographers to exhibit their work in galleries and at art fairs. More spaces for photographers to present personal and artistic work would help the scene continue to grow.

What is one professional standard you never compromise on?

Quality and professionalism.

No matter the project, I treat every client and every shoot with the same level of respect and dedication. I believe the quality of my work and the way I conduct myself professionally should remain consistent regardless of the size or nature of the project.

What do you think of the 54Ruum platform?

I think it is an amazing platform. I had the chance to go through your page and see the support you give to creatives, and I think it is really important.

Please do not stop. I believe more voices need to be heard and more creatives need opportunities to have their work showcased.