Finding Home: The Story of Us Told Through Food

In a world so vast and diverse, have you ever stopped to ponder what it means to truly belong? This photo shoot, driven by an exploration of family roots and inspired by a mentorship program, aimed to seize that very soul. We explored belonging through the beautiful language of food because, let’s face it, food is more than just sustenance; it’s a story. The AMP program challenged us to express our unique take on belonging, sparking this whole adventure. I dove into the recipes of my ancestors, uncovering my heritage bite by bite. In a particularly touching moment, photographing my brother’s hand clutching a Beef Suya stick, we found a powerful blend of personal connection and cultural legacy, savoring our culinary roots.

Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Collaboration

Every great picture starts as a spark of imagination, yet it’s the prep and teamwork that make it shine. Audrey Davis and Olivia Caminiti, my superstar stylists, jumped into the heart of Nigerian culture. Audrey picked out the props and dishes that matched the bright greens and whites of Nigeria’s flag styled by food stylist Olivia Caminiti. The real test, though, was making sure we stayed true to both the rich Nigerian heritage and my own personal ties to it. We leaned into special techniques and gear to capture the lively, natural vibe of Nigerian food and traditions. It’s about crafting something unforgettable by intertwining stories, colors, and flavors. Which I believe my team accomplished beautifully!

The Day of the Shoot: Capturing the Moment

The air crackled with excitement on shoot day, like a gathering storm of creativity and partnership. Plus, having my brother there was truly special. Not just for posing but truly being part of the story brought a realness and warmth that just can’t be faked. Equally important, my brother listened intently as I shared facts I learned about our ancestors. We both marveled at how far our family has come over the years. Who woulda thunks that our family started on a small, humble farm and has now spread into this big, vast tree of creative artists making permanent marks on the world?

Reflections and Learnings: A Tapestry of Teamwork and Heritage

Reflecting on this adventure, it’s clear how teamwork and heritage wove together into something magical. Our group’s shared dedication breathed life into our vision and painted a picture where personal journeys meet cultural legacies. This experience turned into a voyage of finding myself. It anchored a deep pride in my roots and the power of telling stories through the lens. It raised the bar for what I want to do next. This experience spotlighted the importance of staying true and making real connections in my photography. Looking back, it’s not just about the images we captured. It’s about the bonds we forged and the stories we’re now part of. This project, a true labor of love, has taught me that the most impactful work comes from a place of authenticity and collaboration.

Embracing Our Stories Through the Art of Food Photography

As we wrap up this journey, savoring our culinary roots, I’m inviting everyone to see the world through my kaleidoscope. Finally, this adventure was more than snapping pretty plates of food. It was a heartfelt dive into our roots and the stories they whisper. It turned into a festival of diversity, a testament to the sense of belonging and the universal language of food that unites us. Through these snapshots, we’ve glimpsed the vibrant tapestry of cultures that decorate our planet and recognized our own stitches within it. 

Take a look at the final result from AMP’s magazine and contact me today for your next project.