Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Femi Alabede. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Femi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Passion is the foundation of any craft, and for me, it all started with a deep love for art and photography. This passion became the driving force behind my learning journey, pushing me to continually seek knowledge and improve my skills—and even after 10 years, I’m still learning.
Unlike some who take the formal route of attending a photography school or interning with a seasoned professional, I took a more self-taught approach. In my early days, I consumed a lot of YouTube tutorials and read numerous online blogs about photography. Occasionally, I assisted photographer friends on set, which offered valuable real-world insights. However, the most significant growth came through consistent practice. With every shoot, I challenged myself to try something new—whether it was experimenting with lighting setups, tweaking camera settings, or changing the scenery. This hands-on approach allowed me to steadily refine my craft.
As a naturally shy and introverted person, reaching out to others for advice didn’t come easily to me. In hindsight, this was a hurdle. I would advise upcoming photographers not to shy away from asking questions or seeking guidance. It can save a lot of time, effort, and even money. I made mistakes, including purchasing gear that didn’t serve me well—all because I hesitated to seek professional input. That said, those mistakes weren’t entirely in vain; they forced me to develop a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of photography and how to navigate challenging situations.
Ultimately, I believe the most essential skills for any photographer are adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks. The obstacles I faced, particularly my reluctance to seek advice, became learning opportunities that contributed to my growth as a photographer.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My creative journey began as a fine artist, drawing and painting portraits. Initially, I bought my first camera simply to take clear pictures of my artwork to share online. However, what started as a practical tool quickly became a passion of its own. I was fascinated by the camera’s ability to capture real-life art, and this curiosity led me down the path to photography.
In my early years, I experimented with nearly every genre—fashion, portraits, events, beauty, nature, food, products, you name it. This phase was instrumental in shaping my versatility as a photographer. However, as I honed my craft over the past 10 years, I found myself drawn to three main areas: people, aesthetics, and fashion. Today, I’m primarily known for my portraits, fashion photography, wedding photography, and my occasional foray into creative set design and scene manipulation. Through these mediums, I aim to combine persona, style, and creativity to produce timeless images.
Beyond the artistic side of photography, I’ve also developed a strong passion for working with brands. Whether it’s headshots, campaigns, or editorials, I enjoy helping businesses tell their stories through compelling visuals. I understand the impact that strong imagery can have on a brand’s identity, and I strive to create visuals that resonate with both the brand and its audience.
While my work often features natural color tones, unconventional lighting, and a thoughtful infusion of set design, I believe my personality is what truly sets me apart. My clients frequently mention how much they appreciate my patience, calm demeanor, professionalism, and ability to create a comfortable environment—even in high-pressure situations. I see every shoot as a collaboration, and I work hard to ensure that everyone involved feels seen, valued, and at ease.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many return not just because they love the images we create but because of the experience they have throughout the process. As I continue my journey, I’m excited to expand my impact by offering training and mentorship, helping aspiring photographers find their own voice and navigate their creative paths.
Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is more than just photography—it’s about connection, storytelling, and creating lasting impressions. Whether I’m capturing a brand’s vision or an individual’s story, my goal is always to blend artistry with authenticity.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation within the market has been built on a foundation of quality, consistency, and genuine connections. Delivering creative and high-quality work has always been my priority, and this commitment reflects in the images I produce. However, it’s not just about the final product—it’s also about the experience I create for my clients. Ensuring they feel valued, comfortable, and confident during every shoot has led to lasting relationships and, importantly, happy clients who are eager to recommend me to others.
Word-of-mouth referrals and glowing testimonials have played a significant role in my growth. There’s no better endorsement than a satisfied client sharing their experience, and I’m grateful for every person who has helped spread the word about my work. Additionally, having had the opportunity to collaborate with a few notable celebrities and public figures has contributed to my visibility. These experiences not only enhanced my portfolio but also helped introduce my work to broader audiences.
Beyond that, I think my genuine passion for the craft and my approachability have helped solidify my reputation. Whether it’s a high-profile shoot or a personal portrait session, I bring the same level of dedication, creativity, and professionalism. Clients often tell me they appreciate my patience and calm demeanor, which I believe contributes to both the quality of the work and the overall experience.
Ultimately, I think it’s a mix of delivering creative excellence, nurturing positive client relationships, and staying true to my authentic style that has helped me build a solid and trusted reputation in the industry.
Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?
Yes, my business has multiple and supplementary revenue streams that allow me to maintain a dynamic and sustainable brand.
I recently moved to Toronto, Canada, but I continue to manage photography and videography bookings back in Nigeria. Before relocating, I took the strategic step of training and equipping a small team of talented photographers and videographers who share my creative vision and uphold the quality and experience my brand is known for. This team enables me to serve clients in Nigeria seamlessly, ensuring that the work delivered meets my standards even in my physical absence. It’s been a rewarding experience to see my team thrive and to maintain a strong presence in the Nigerian market while expanding my opportunities in Toronto.
Additionally, I founded The Portrait Lounge in January 2020—a creative studio rental business based in Lagos, Nigeria. The Portrait Lounge offers a versatile and aesthetically curated space for photographers, videographers, and content creators. With thoughtfully designed sets and backdrops, the studio simplifies the creative process, providing an inspiring environment where creators can bring their visions to life with ease. Over the past five years, the studio has not only been a valuable revenue stream but also a hub for creativity within the local community.
These supplementary streams not only diversify my income but also reinforce my brand’s stability and growth, allowing me to focus on both creative pursuits and business expansion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thealfe.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.alfe
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@femialabede
Image Credits
Photographed by The Alfe.