In photography, as in life, the journey is just as important as the destination. Some wait for the perfect opportunity, while others create their own path boldly sharing their work, refining their craft, and trusting that their voice will find its place. Onyinye Muobuike belongs to the latter group.
A photographer driven by passion and persistence, Onyinye understands that growth isn’t about waiting, it’s about showing up, experimenting, and pushing past limitations. In her own words:
“Don’t wait for permission or for the ‘right’ moment. Share what matters to you, even if it feels small or unnoticed at first. Consistency is key, keep showing up, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to step outside what’s expected. It won’t always be easy, but your voice matters, and your work will eventually find its place. Keep going.”
The Business of Photography, connected with Onyinye and explore her approach to creativity, the lessons she’s learned, and how she continues to push forward in an ever-evolving industry. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that the path to success is built on persistence and belief in one’s work.
Here’s what she had to say.
- COULD YOU GIVE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOURSELF, AND WHAT DRIVES YOU AS A PHOTOGRAPHER?
My name is Onyinye Muobuike but most people know me as Yin. I’m a portrait and fashion photographer. My work is mostly about people how they exist, how they express themselves, and the stories their faces and bodies tell. I moved from Nigeria to the UK for three years and then back home, and that really shaped the way I see things. Photography, for me, is a way to document those shifts cultural, personal, emotional. I’m drawn to moments that feel honest, even in a controlled setup like fashion or editorial work.
- HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AND CREATIVE PROCESS?
I’d say my style is clean, intentional, and emotional. I love simplicity, but I also love depth. I don’t like forcing things, so I let the subject, light, and environment guide me. My creative process depends on the project, it sometimes starts with a mood board, other times it’s just me reacting to what’s in front of me. But one thing is constant: I always want my images to feel like something.
- YOUR STYLE OFTEN EXPLORE THEMES OF IDENTITY AND CULTURE. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE SUBJECTS OR STORIES YOU WANT TO TELL?
Honestly, I just go with what feels personal to me. A lot of my work is connected to my experience of others and of moving between places, how culture shapes identity and how people express who they are. I’m drawn to faces, to gestures, to moments that say more than words. If something sticks in my mind, I know it’s worth exploring.
- HOW DO YOU BALANCE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE WITH THE EMOTIONAL NARRATIVE IN YOUR WORK?
I think it’s important to know your camera, your lighting, and all the technical stuff, but I never let it take over the moment. There have been times I got too caught up in settings and missed something real happening right in front of me—that stings. But I’ve learned that the best images come when you trust your eye more than the rules. So now, I make sure I have the technical side locked down before I shoot, so when it really matters, I can just see and feel instead of overthinking.
- HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE STORYTELLING INTO YOUR DOCUMENTARY SHOOTS TO MAKE THEM MORE ENGAGING?
I don’t just capture what’s happening, I look for the emotions in between. The small gestures, the quiet moments, the contrast between movement and stillness. I also think in sequences, so the images flow like a visual story rather than just being a collection of random shots.
- HAVE YOU WORKED WITH ANY NIGERIAN AND FOREIGN BRANDS THAT HAVE YOU FEEL ARE RESHAPING THE MARKET? IF YES, HOW DID YOUR COLLABORATION HELP COMMUNICATE THEIR VISION?
I’ve worked with brands that are doing some pretty exciting things in fashion, beauty, and self-expression. For me, it’s less about making everything look flawless and more about capturing the true vibe of the brand. Every brand has its own story, and I want that to come through in the photos in the most authentic way.
- WHO OR WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
Honestly, Life. The way light falls on skin, the textures in everyday spaces, the way people carry themselves, and, of course, personal experiences and stories. When it comes to artists, I’m drawn to the work of Carrie Mae Weems, Seydou Keïta, Tyler Mitchell, Nadine Ijewere, Christina Ebenezer and many others. Music and film also influence my work a lot, they help set the mood for how I shoot and edit.
- AS A NIGERIAN FEMALE PHOTOGRAPHER, HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK CONTRIBUTING TO OR CHALLENGING SOCIETAL NARRATIVES?
Just being in this space as a woman is already a challenge to the system. Photography especially in Nigeria is still very male-dominated, and I want my work to show that women belong here too. Beyond that, I’m intentional about representing Black skin, Black beauty, and the nuances of our culture in a way that feels honest. Representation is everything.
- ARE THERE GENRES OR STYLES OF PHOTOGRAPHY YOU’D LIKE TO EXPLORE IN THE FUTURE?
Definitely. I want to experiment more with motion, cinematic storytelling that blends photography and film. I also want to push my editorial work further, mixing documentary and fashion in a way that feels fresh.
- WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE NEXT DECADE?
I believe AI will probably change a lot, but authenticity will always win. I think there’ll be a shift towards more raw, unfiltered storytelling because people are craving realness. I also think film photography will keep growing because it forces people to slow down and be intentional.
- WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE TO YOUNGER PHOTOGRAPHER AND CREATIVE, THAT IS SHARING THIS SAME GOSPEL OF PUTTING NIGERIA AND AFRICA IN THE GLOBAL SPACE.
My advice is this: start with what feels real to you. Don’t wait for permission or for the “right” moment. Share what matters to you, even if it feels small or unnoticed at first. Consistency is key, keep showing up, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to step outside what’s expected. It won’t always be easy, but your voice matters, and your work will eventually find its place. Keep going.
To know and see more of work Onyinye Muobuike check her out on IG @ Yinville
