Streetwear has stormed the fashion world, evolving from a subculture to a global phenomenon, and at the heart of this revolution lies the lens of photography. Show me a successful streetwear brand and you’d see a plethora of well thought out imagery behind the brand.

The way streetwear is captured—raw, authentic, and unapologetically bold—has shaped how the world perceives it. Every scroll through Instagram and every swipe on TikTok introduces us to not just the clothes but the attitude and lifestyle that come with them.

To uncover just how deeply photography has impacted the streetwear scene, we reached out to some of the country’s top photographers who have witnessed this movement unfold from behind the lens. Their insights reveal just how inseparable streetwear and photography have become and why the camera might just be the secret weapon behind the rise of so many streetwear brands. All of them, answering the question: “What role do you believe photography has played in the rise of streetwear and streetwear brands?”

Stephen Tayo

“There are so many key roles photography has played and is playing in the rise–and continuous rise–of streetwear. Without photography, there’s no streetwear! The active documentation of street culture has enabled the rise of streetwear.”

Oluwaseun Akinbi (USAD)

“Photography has played a significant role in merging fashion and culture by crafting artistic interpretations that vividly illustrate the deep and enduring impact of cultural influences on Nigerian fashion. These creative works reveal how traditional cultural elements are seamlessly woven into contemporary fashion, showcasing rich history and cultural significance. Photography has also helped increase streetwear brands’ visibility on social media and the internet. Literally putting it in the face of the consumers.”

Victor Edeh

“Photography and streetwear have long shared a mutually beneficial relationship. From serving as the visual medium that captures the essence of streetwear to transforming ordinary clothing into a cultural statement. I remember, as a kid, seeing photos of LL CoolJ rocking Gucci hats and jackets; maybe I didn’t know much about the fashion then, but I remember vividly what he wore, and I understand better now, all thanks to photography.”

Daniel Uwaga

“As a photographer, I’m thrilled to be part of the movement documenting Nigeria’s vibrant streetwear scene. Photography isn’t just capturing looks; it’s fueling the movement. Powerful images tell the story of these streetwear brands, from the energy on the streets to the cultural references woven into the designs. They reach new audiences, spark trends, and build a sense of community around these unique styles. I’m proud to contribute with my lens and help elevate Nigerian streetwear to the global stage.”

Laura Osare

“I read a lot of photography books, and being an active photographer for about 5-4 years now, I’ve noticed that more people have been exposed to streetwear over the decades because of photography and its ability to document the evolving fashion trends within the streetwear scene. Photography has been a powerful tool in shaping the visual language of streetwear, telling the stories centred around this movement, and making it an integral part of how these brands communicate with and expand their audiences that cut across the old and young.”