Tomiwa Akande—Honoring Yoruba Culture Through the Lens of Photography
Creativity, for some, is learned. For others, it’s lived. Akande Sylvester Akintomiwa, better known by his brand name Tomiwa Akande Photography, falls into the latter. His journey into photography is a natural evolution of a life steeped in creative expression, cultural pride, and a strong foundation built by the people who believe in him.
Raised in a close-knit family in Ibadan, Nigeria, Akande’s story is deeply rooted in both personal passion and cultural identity. Although he spent his formative academic years in other states attending boarding schools and later the Federal University of Technology, Akure, where he studied Quantity Surveying, the city of Ibadan has always been home — a constant backdrop to his personal and professional growth.
A Creative Spirit Born, Not Made
From the earliest stages of his childhood, Akande knew that his mind worked best through visuals. He began sketching as a child, gradually transitioning into graphic design, and eventually found his rhythm in photography in 2018. While he still occasionally draws and designs, photography has become the primary vehicle through which he tells stories and expresses identity.
Akande’s creative path wasn’t one paved with universal approval at first. Like many young African creatives, he was encouraged to seek a “conventional” career — but his mother became his first believer. She saw his vision when others didn’t and even helped him acquire his first camera: a Nikon D1700 DSLR. That support proved pivotal.
Equally important in shaping his growth was his cousin Ogunyemi Joseph Ariyo of Think-It Photography, who mentored him in both the technical and business sides of photography. Joseph not only trained him but also gifted him his now well-recognized brand name — Tomiwa Akande Photography. More recently, Akande credits his fiancée Ishola Adebola (of Ibadan Slayers) for being his motivation and constant push forward, especially when he struggles to see his own progress.
Yoruba Culture as a Foundation in Photography
For Akande, culture is not a theme — it’s a compass. As a proud Yoruba man, he emphasizes how his heritage informs both his work and the way he engages with people. Yoruba culture places immense value on respect, and that principle is deeply embedded in how he interacts with clients, collaborators, and even in the way he approaches a photoshoot.
It’s not just about the visual; it’s about the energy, tone, and presence that he brings into every frame. His upbringing shaped him to view people not as subjects but as stories — and his photography reflects that level of cultural depth and human consideration.
This culturally rooted approach has led to collaborative projects with several well-known creative brands including Creative Hub Ibadan, Ibadan Slayers, Dazzle Illuminations, Ama Models, Florab Models, Moe Models, and Just Bead. Still, he dreams bigger, aiming to one day collaborate with global giants like Canon Africa, Tenco Nigeria, and even Google.
Adapting and Growing in the Photography Industry
While skill opens the door, Akande believes adaptability keeps you in the room. He recognizes that in today’s fast-moving creative world, being rigid is a recipe for irrelevance. According to him, photographers need to be both technically sound and flexible enough to evolve with the industry.
He continues to develop his skills with an unwavering focus on growth. For Akande, success isn’t a final destination — it’s an ongoing journey. “I’m still growing and I want to keep growing,” he says. “Life is about growth. I’m not yet where I want to be and until I’ve achieved my great feat of success, I think all I can say is ‘We move.'”
Booking and Contact Information
For those interested in experiencing his work or booking a session, Tomiwa Akande Photography can be reached via email at tomiakandephotography@gmail.com. His portfolio stands as a quiet but powerful testimony to the blend of passion, tradition, and vision.