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Abubakar Ogaji — Photographer | Filmmaker

@shotbyogaji

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Photographer & filmmaker
Visual story teller.
Weddings | @ogajievents
Building | @sbo.media
📍: Abuja, Nigeria

POSTS STORIES REELS

SOUL SISTERS

A tribute to the friendships that sustain women: bonds built on companionship, community, and love, and strengthened by shared heritage.

Through intimate portraits and honest moments, the SOUL SISTERS project highlights the quiet ways women show up for one another, from shared laughter to steady support, and celebrates the sisterhood that grows when women see themselves reflected in each other’s stories.

Stylist/creative director - @kydahcreates
Talent - @rare.ray_
@_raahiimaa
@hyda.__
Cinematography - @nnanna_prince_
Photography - @shotbyogaji
Shot alongside - @doriskendrisgallery
Hairstylist - @santihairlab
Make up - @aestheticsby__khaffy
Location - @shotbyogaji
Props - @kydahcreates | @shotbyogaji
Behind the scenes - @photobillyon

#Editorial #Sisterhood #Love #Fashion by @shotbyogaji

Alhamdulillah. +1

📸 - @papkapixels by @shotbyogaji

Day 30/30 - In the traditional Hausa kingdoms and modern emirates of Northern Nigeria, a Mai Kirari is the Emir’s master of ceremonies, traditional publicist, and vocal bodyguard.

The term literally translates to “the person who performs praise-epithets.” Far from being a mere entertainer, he holds an indispensable structural role within the royal court.

In this photo, is a mai kirari, singing praises to the Emir of Zazzau.

Zazzau, 2021

#DocumentaryPhotography #Archives #30daysDocumentaryPhotography #Day30 by @shotbyogaji

Day 29/30 - Dambe is a brutal and fast-paced traditional martial art originating from the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria.

Historically associated with butcher guilds, this ancient combat sport has transformed from a village harvest ritual into a structured, globally broadcast phenomenon.

This photo shows two fighters during a Dambe match in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, in 2018.

#DocumentaryPhotography #Archives #30daysDocumentaryPhotography #Day29 by @shotbyogaji

Day 28/30 - Kids gather outside their laundry shop at Rijiyar Zaki, Kano, captured during an assignment.

Kano, 2021

#DocumentaryPhotography #Archives #30daysDocumentaryPhotography #Day28 by @shotbyogaji

Samira—In indigenous Hausa material culture, a samira is an essential household utensil—specifically a deep, wide metal or enamelware basin or covered bowl. It plays a core role in traditional kayan ɗaki (bridal room property), where a bride’s family proudly stockpiles beautiful dishware to establish her new home.

Indigenous families use the samira for communal serving, storing grains, or safely holding large batches of prepared food like tuwo or fura. Its presence in a northern Nigerian home carries a deep sense of domestic pride, cultural heritage, and hospitality, reflecting a woman’s preparation for hosting family and guests with grace.

#Editorials #Arewa by @shotbyogaji

Day 27/30 - I’ve always been fascinated by Behind-The-Scenes photography on film productions. There’s something special about witnessing the magic up close and documenting it as it happens.

This slides shows BTS images from some of the movie sets I’ve had the privilege of working on.

Kaduna & Abuja [2023 & 2024]

#DocumentaryPhotography #Archives #30daysDocumentaryPhotography #Day27 by @shotbyogaji

Day 26/30 - While out on a shoot, I noticed two young boys grazing their cows nearby. They paused to watch the model and me working, completely fascinated, and the joy on their faces was priceless. I asked if I could take their photo, and they happily agreed.

Zaria, 2023

#DocumentaryPhotography #Archives #30daysDocumentaryPhotography
#Day26 by @shotbyogaji

One today’s episode of LET’S YARN—I briefly said a thing or two about why you should not k*ll yourself.

Don’t let the end of year pressure take a toll on you because you didn’t get to achieve what you wanted to achieve. It’s normal.

Take it easy. Finish that project you’re working on. Send that message. Edit those pictures and share. Edit those videos in your draft. Sit down and write that script.

Get to work

#Randoms #Life #2026 by @shotbyogaji

Day - 25/30 - So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me. [Q2 Verse-157]

In this photo, is a palace guard doing azkhar—the rememberance of Allah at the emir’s palace. Captured during an assignment in Zaria, 2021

Zaria, 2021

#DocumentaryPhotography #Archives #30daysDocumentaryPhotography #Day25 by @shotbyogaji

Day 24/30 - Life along the streets of Garun Gabas, a village in Malam Madori LGA, Jigawa State. Photographed on assignment in 2023.

Jigawa, 2023.

#DocumentaryPhotography #Archives #30daysDocumentaryPhotography #Day24 by @shotbyogaji

Day 23/30 - Durbar festivals in northern Nigeria draw a wide mix of groups, from hunters and snake charmers to drummers and dancers. Each one adds its own flavor, which gives the festival its rich variety of activities.

In this photo, is an entourage of hunters at the Hawan Nasarawa in Kano, 2023.

#DocumentaryPhotography #Archives #30daysDocumentaryPhotography #Day23 by @shotbyogaji