ADOLPHUS OPARA

Born 1981 in Nigeria, is a freelance documentary photographer based in Lagos.
He studied computer science at Ambrose Alli University and worked for Nimbus Art Centre, Lagos before embarking on his photography career.
Adolphus has covered assignments for both local and international media, with his photographs published in media such as PRIVATE, Bloomberg Times, LAGOS City at Work (A book published by Glendora Books), TIMEOUT Nigeria, 234NEXT Weekly, The Independent, World Press Photo ENTER, Associated Press (AP), WINGS (Arik air’s in-flight Mag.), Klang Sehen, African United (A book published by the World Press Photo), Unifying Africa (a book on soccer published by Uche James Iroha) and many others, the New African Magazine, African Lace (a publication by Museum fur vulkerkunde, Vienna – Austria)
Workshops

• Noor/Nikon Masterclass in Documentary Photography organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, March 2009.
• “Road to TwentyTen and Beyond” A multi-disciplinary workshop organized by World Press Photo, Africa Media Online, Free Voice and Lokal Modiale, 2009 – 2010 (involving selected African Photojournalist with the photography workshop in Ghana, September 2009 and then Zambia, March 2010)

Lectures Given

• Nigerian Institute of Journalism, March 2009
• Nigerian Institute of Journalism, March 2010
• The Silent Majority Project, February 2010 to date.

Exhibitions

• World Press Photo/Nigerian Institute of Journalism Exhibition at NIJ, Ogba – Lagos, December 2007.
• African Artists Foundation/Nigerian Breweries art exhibition in Lagos, March 2008, Abuja April 2008, and Amsterdam June 2008.

• First Photo Africa contest exhibition organized by the CAF Andalusian Centre of Photography and AL TARAB in Spain, April 2008.
• “TIMELESS BENIN” organized by Farafina in Lagos, December 2008.
• “THIS IS LAGOS” art exhibition at the Coningsby Gallery in London, February 2009,
• “A PERSPECTIVE ON CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN PHOTOGRAPHY” An exhibition of contemporary Nigerian photography organized by the Ben Enwonwu Foundation 25th September 2009
• “PAPA Exhibits” Participating Artists Press Agency photo exhibition at the African Artists Foundation, Ikoyi Lagos, 25th September 2009.
• “Lagos 1960 – 2010” an exhibition of old and new images of Lagos state, an exhibition organized by Lagos state government and put together by MYDRIM Gallery in commemoration of Nigeria @ 50.
• “Lagosphoto” A photography exhibition organized by African Artists Foundation featuring 10 Nigerian Photographers, 10 Dutch photographers and 5 photographers from other African countries.
• “African Lace”, an exhibition put together by Museum fur Vulkerkunde, Austria and the National Museum, Nigeria – October 2010 – April 2011 in Vienna and Nigeria.

Awards and Nominations

• The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF)/World Environment Day 2007;
• Winner Life in my City Art competition 2009 organized by French Cultural Centre.
• Winner, African Artists Foundation/Nigerian Breweries and Heineken Art Competition 2008 ➢ First Photo Africa contest, Spain 2008.
• Nominee; Artist of the year, The Future awards 2008 and 2009.
• Nominee; World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass in documentary Photography 2010.
• Nominee; National Geographic All Roads Masterclass 2010.

Strong belief … Chief Aderemu Awogemi Akeke

Orisa Egbe Deity of Destiny (Mrs Osun Yita) from 'Emissaries of an Iconic Religion' (2009)

Untitled 17 (2006) - Sammy Baloji

All images © Adolphus Opara

My Photography…..
I developed a passion for photography as a result of my long term interaction with artists and art critics alike. I started photography in February 2005.
Have photographed around a few states in Nigeria and some West African Countries, including Ghana, Benin Republic, Bukinafaso, Mali and Senegal. I have also undertaken personal religious and economic projects.
As an artist and photographer, I am determined to change the face and acceptance of professional art journalism in the country which hasn’t enjoyed much admiration to date.
In December 2008 I completed an International professional course in photojournalist organized by World Press photo I collaboration with Nigerian Institute of Journalism in which i emerged top amongst the graduants.Fonte
http://www.adolphusopara.com/