Kunle Laniyan is a talented photographer based in Abuja, where his studio serves as a creative hub for capturing life’s most profound moments. Known for his ability to weave stories through the lens, Kunle’s work transcends ordinary photography, blending artistry with raw emotion. In this interview, he shares his journey, the inspiration behind his craft, and how Abuja’s vibrant culture shapes his visual narrative.
How did you get into photography?
Photography has always been a part of me, right from my early stages of schooling. I can remember my graduation from primary school, my dad got me a camera because he was going to be absent and told me to take pictures of my friends and when he returns, I’ll give him the gist of what happened through the pictures. Also, whenever I go on trips with my dad, I document the trips via pictures and tell stories of my trip to my siblings.
In 2014, I got myself a Canon 550D as my birthday gift and I started shooting events in school like departmental week, BUSA events, and graduating class rally. After graduating in 2015, I was on the quest to gain extensive knowledge on photography so I enrolled in the ‘Follow The Light’ master class with BigH studio, were I gained more knowledge in the technicalities of photography.
In 2016, I got the opportunity to intern with BigH studio as the studio manager and an assistant photographer, and in my years of internship, I gained knowledge in the business aspect of photography.
Who or what inspires your photography?
Inspiration can be gotten from many things, but my major inspirations will be lights, emotions, colours and travelling.
Lights – I love when light is cast on a person – be it natural or artificial light, there’s this shape and beauty it brings to a subject.
Emotions – I am drawn to in-depth emotions while taking pictures, and also the look in someone’s eyes which tells you if someone is truly happy or not.
Colours – I get inspired by earthy colours, for they are natural colours we see every day and they bring beauty to images when incorporated.
Travelling – travelling to different places and witnessing different cultures inspires me a lot, because it refreshes me and gives me a different aspect of life.
What subject do you find yourself most drawn to in your work?
I am most drawn to capturing emotions and telling stories through my lens. Whether it’s the joy of a special moment, the beauty of nature, or the rawness of human experience, I am constantly inspired by the emotions and narratives that unfold in front of me. Being able to freeze those moments in time and evoke feelings in others through my photographs is what drives my passion for photography.
How will you describe your photography style?
I describe my photography style as clean and timeless with earthy tones. My style is simple, elegant yet minimal and a classic feel that transcends trends and remains impactful for years to come. It involves using soft lighting, neutral and earthy colours, and compositions that convey a sense of timelessness and sophistication.
Are there any techniques & tool you prefer to use?
My preferred technique is using natural lighting to capture authentic moments and create a soft, natural look in my photos. I also love utilizing shallow depth of field to create a dreamy, artistic effect. In terms of tools, I prefer to shoot with my mirrorless camera, paired with a prime lens for its sharpness and ability to create beautiful bokeh.
I also love using my Neutral Density (ND) filters to manage exposure in various lighting conditions. The filter reduces the amount of light entering the camera without affecting the colour balance, it also enables the use of wider apertures for shallow depth of field in bright conditions, or for long exposure shots. These tools help me achieve the quality and style I aim for long exposure shots.
What is the most challenging part of photography for you?
I think challenges come in different forms in the photography journey. Challenges, presently will be getting funds to update my photography gears and the ability to convey a message, evoke emotions, and tell a story through a single image. This is a challenge I strive to master.
Can you share an experience when you overcame a creative block?
I can barely count how many times I had a creative block. I think it comes with the pressure of being too creative. In 2022, I had a creative block that ran for two months, I had to take a break from shooting and decided to travel with friends to Kenya.
On the trip, we stayed in the Masai Mara National Reserve, and seeing the wildlife and interacting with their tribe made me remember why I loved photography, which was to document beautiful places, people and emotions. It was a beautiful way to overcome the creative block.
What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer?
The most rewarding part will be having the power to freeze a moment forever and the joy the subject feel when they see the images and they appreciate and love it.
How has your photography evolved over time?
My photography started from taking images of my primary school graduation, trust me you don’t want to see those images, then to creating images for brands promotional content, to weddings and portraits. I think it’s about getting more knowledge and information in the preparation stage that determines your output.
Do you have specific photograph/project that you are most proud of?
Yes! The image is called ‘Time Flies’. The photograph is a double exposure image I created of my wife. We took a trip to Usuma Dam in Bwari to get away from the fast life of the city. We were there for a while and the sun was setting, so we decided to head home, then I spotted this beautiful skyline with the sunset on our way out of the dam. I stopped the car and positioned my wife and took an image of her as a silhouette and in camera double, I took another image of the blue sky; it was beautiful.
How do you hope your photography impact others?
My ultimate goal is to connect with others through my work and evoke emotions that resonate with them. I strive for my photography to leave a lasting impression that prompts reflection and evokes a sense of connection.
Do you feel photography has the power to change perspective or awareness of certain issues?
Absolutely, photography has a profound ability to change perspective and create awareness on various issues. By capturing powerful and compelling images, photographers can convey important messages and shed light on social, environmental and humanitarian issues, just like a project I recently worked on called “THE TALES WE TELL” it was to create awareness about male ballerinas and the stereotype they face in Africa, and it made an impact and sent the appropriate message.
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