The Akande’s Family Shoot

Photo Story

The native look is always very formal and doesnt encourage that much goofing around, hence kids are not too pleased when shooting this look.

One of the things i love most when styling a family photoshoot is including a native look in the brief to celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

While growing up, we would take professional family portraits every other year at Uncle Ross studio on Campbell street. My mum, trust her! She would kit herself, my sister and i up in matching lace iro and buba, damask headties and adorn us in traditional coral beads, set in gold. The boys – my dad and brother would wear their own matching agbada’s and fila. Many years down the line, looking at our pictures and the entire ensemble, i realize that such pictures arent taken simply for our viewing pleasure, but for posterity. It also allows me appreciate my origin, and what family stands for.

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For the Akande’s, as mum is the only female in the house, flanked by four handsome men, i decided to put her in an entirely different fabric to contrast the boys white, while at the same time complementing their ensemble. I wanted the Mum to standout being the ‘queen mother’ surrounded by her princes and… the King.

So to satisfy my younger clients, i always encourage the parents to shoot a casual look too. Thats where you see the kids in their element! 😁. You can tell in my next post!