Think street photography is just New York and Paris? Well think again – this incredible collection from Africa will blow you away
This volume of contemporary work from across Africa is a must-buy for any street photography fan, says Amy Davies The post Think street photography is just New York and Paris? Well think again – this incredible collection from Africa will blow you away appeared first on Amateur Photographer .
Many people envision street photography as solely occurring in iconic cities like New York, London, and Paris. However, this remarkable collection from Africa showcases an extensive array of locations, offering a diverse array of captivating street photography. This book encapsulates the essence of the entire continent, featuring some of the most intriguing contemporary photography in recent years.
Africa is undeniably diverse, encompassing countries like Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Africa. Consequently, the photographs in the book serve as a mere glimpse into the continent's vast photographic output. The editors and authors faced a daunting task in selecting 33 photographers to represent the book, with the foreword penned by Nadine Barth and Azu Nwagbogu highlighting their choices based on captivating visual language, unique photographic approaches, or daring perspectives.
The collection is organized into six thematic chapters, allowing readers to dip in and out as they please or seek inspiration on specific subjects. Among these chapters, "Passing By" stands out, capturing fleeting street encounters, while "In Living Colour" impresses with its bold and vibrant color and pattern usage. Salako Adedolapo's Lagos in Motion, Berger, Lagos, Nigeria, 2025, shot with an ILCE-6400 and f/5.6 aperture at 1/250s ISO100, is another standout piece.
Other chapters delve into youth culture and the concept of dancing in the street, with young people, music, social media, sport, and celebrations captured on camera front and center. The final chapter, "Beyond the City," ventures into beaches and rural landscapes, presenting a distinct perspective on the traditional street scene.
What sets this collection apart is the active role the photographers play in shaping our understanding of urban life across the continent. Whether they are within the city or outside of it, the photographers here are not merely observers but integral components of the culture they document. Tsion Haileselassie's Two in One, Beherawi, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021, perfectly encapsulates this sentiment. Lastly, it is remarkable to see photography from Africa created by Africans, for Africans.
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