In this interview, we explore Chris Tilewa’s creative process, his approach to overcoming challenges, and the ways in which staying informed and adaptable have shaped his artistic and personal growth. Join us as Chris shares insights on how this mindset drives his success and impacts his creative contributions to the world.
- COULD YOU GIVE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOURSELF, AND WHAT DRIVES YOU AS A PHOTOGRAPHER?
My name is Chris Tilewa. What motivates me as a photographer is the ability to connect with people and places through my lens, showcasing perspectives that might otherwise go unnoticed. I am also driven by the constant journey of learning and to grow creatively.
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Images by Chris TIlewa Images by Chris Tilewa - HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE, AND WHAT INFLUENCES HAVE SHAPED IT?
Well, I wouldn’t say my artistic style is already fully defined. However, what I attempt to achieve in terms of style in my work, is a fine balance between simplicity and dramatic. Works of art which appear the simplest often prove to be the most profound, and are likely to retain their appeal for a very long time. Also, drama is the element that enhances the human connection to your work. This philosophy to art and my observation of how other brilliant photographers apply this principles has helped shaped my own style.
- HOW DO YOU STAY COMPETITIVE IN THE GROWING PORTRAIT AND FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY?
By doing the best I can with what I know, and continuously keeping up to date. And when I know better, I do better.
- HOW DO YOU BALANCE STORYTELLING AND COMMERCIAL APPEAL IN FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY?
Storytelling, especially in this age of short attention span, is a key element to appealing to a wide range of audience. Storytelling, in whatever form, has the ability to engage the human mind because, in a story, people are constantly looking for where a piece of themselves or experiences are being mirrored. The answer to the question of how to balance storytelling and commercial appeal in fashion photography is in understanding the audience, the context of your work and the purpose. This three consideration largely determines the creative direction of the work.
- WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO POST-PROCESSING, AND HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN AUTHENTICITY IN YOUR IMAGES?
My approach to post-processing is to first plan and conduct my shoot as though there won’t be time or the opportunity to edit or retouch them. This helps make my post-processing seamless and preserves the quality of my images.
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Images by Chris Tilewa 
- ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC PHOTOGRAPHERS OR ARTISTS WHO HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?
Yes. A lot of photographers have influenced my work. Many of whom has been from afar and I have also had the privilege of working with a number of leaders in the business whose names I would prefer not to call.
- HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR WORK REMAINS FRESH AND INNOVATIVE OVER TIME?
First by making sure my next work is better than the last one. Also by being a perpetual student, always keeping my mind and eye open to what is new and adoptable. Sometimes this might mean letting go of methods that no longer serve my work and business.
- HOW DO YOU SEE THE PHOTOGRAPHY INDUSTRY EVOLVING, AND HOW DO YOU STAY ADAPTABLE TO CHANGES IN TECHNOLOGY AND TRENDS?
The evolution of photography, from previous years, has always been driven by technological innovations but what has remained constant throughout history is the relevance of it. So I think a photographer who wants to stay relevant in every season of these technological shifts must learn how to incorporate them into their work, and to do this early enough so that he won’t have to lose productive time playing catch up.
- YOUR IMAGES STOOD OUT AT THE JUST CONCLUDED LAGOS FASHION WEEK FOR ITS ARTISTIC NATURE, WHAT’S THE CONCEPT BEHIND THOSE IMAGES?
First I want to thank Sony Alpha Nigeria and Kola Oshalusi who provided both the gears and opportunity. I wouldn’t say I had a concept in mind while I shot the images. They were all done in spontaneity. In fact, the truth would be that I was more inspired by the many other moving parts that made up the fashion week: the colourful outfits, the elegance in the models’ strides, the big lights and sounds, everything contributed to the way I shot the images.
- WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE NEXT DECADE?
AI will continue to transform photography, from automated editing tools to intelligent composition suggestions and other tools that will enhance workflows. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies might be something photographers are likely to also experiment with. Virtual environments and AR overlays could become and integral part of creative storytelling and interactive photography. I also think that there will be an increased emphasis on ethical photography, greater emphasis on consent, representation, and authenticity in visual storytelling.
- WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS?
Be sure earlier-on what it is you want to do and get a mentor.
To know and see more of work Chris Tilewa check him out on IG @ Tilewa
