Capturing Africa: Canon’s Tribute on World Photography Day 2024

Every year on August 19th, the world comes together to celebrate World Photography Day, a global event dedicated to the art and science of capturing moments.

The theme for World Photography Day 2024 is “AN ENTIRE DAY”, inviting us to explore and document the multifaceted human experience across the globe within a single day.

With nearly 8 billion people sharing one world, this theme challenges us to capture the richness of diverse lives, stories, and perspectives in a unified snapshot of time. 

Canon Central and North Africa is particularly proud to highlight the vibrant and talented African photography community. By featuring the work of African photographers on its social media platforms under the #CelebrateAfrica, our flagship User Generated Content (UGC) campaign has ignited a vibrant photography community across Africa since its inception in 2017.

 By spotlighting the continent’s diverse beauty and culture through the lens of its people, we’ve garnered nearly 4000 submissions every year, transforming our social media platforms into a powerful hub for the creative professionals to connect, share their talent, and gain global recognition.

“Photography is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures. It has the power to inspire, educate, and connect people on a profound level. Canon is proud to support the vibrant African photography community and celebrate their unique perspectives on World Photography Day. We believe that by showcasing the diverse talent on our continent, we can contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world.” said Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central & North Africa.

This World Photography Day, we shine a spotlight on the work of our local African photographers and Canon ambassadors. Discover their inspiring stories and stunning visuals. 

Menna Hossam (Egypt) 

Menna Hossam is a renowned fine art and fashion photographer from Egypt. Her work, inspired by myth, fantasy, and visual storytelling, often explores the boundaries between reality and imagination. Counting Disney, Greek mythology and Shakespeare among her inspirations, the Canon Ambassador has built an enviable reputation for ethereal, whimsical images that could be straight out of a fairytale. 

“If I had to choose one standout shoot in my career, it would be this. Photographing a wild bear in a foreign forest was one of the most challenging and thrilling experiences I’ve ever had. The day was packed with surprises, fear, and unforgettable emotions, all within 24 hours.”  

Yasmin AlBatoul (Algeria) 

Yasmin AlBatoul is a freelance photographer based in Algiers, Algeria. Specialising in food and product imagery, Yasmin’s work captures the essence of her subjects with meticulous detail and creativity. 

“In our daily lives, we experience various routines. We have the routine of waking up and going to work each day, as well as taking care of our bodies through exercise. Some of us engage in different activities throughout the day, such as shopping, cleaning the house, or taking a shower. However, the one routine that all humans share is preparing food. Though people around the world may differ in the number of meals they have in a day, everyone must dedicate some time to preparing and eating food. Thus, capturing the stages of food preparation in images reflects a daily lifestyle, as we often find joy in preparing meals, whether it’s lunch or dinner.” 

 Peter Ndung’u (Kenya) 

Peter Ndung’u is an award-winning travel, documentary, and wildlife photographer from Kenya. Known for his passion for documenting nature, people, and wildlife, Peter is part of Canon’s Generation R, a new generation of storytellers and part of the team that launched Canon’s mirrorless cameras, the EOS R series in Africa.

“In a fast-paced world, we often forget to take care of ourselves. For flamingos, even with their ability to fly wherever they want, in a peaceful moment of self-care, they always take time to groom themselves while delicately balanced on one leg. A great reminder for us humans that we can learn so much from observing nature.” 

Emmanuel Oyeleke (Nigeria) 

Emmanuel Oyeleke is a versatile photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria. His work, influenced by fine art and documentary styles, spans weddings, fashion editorial, and advertising campaigns for international brands. His spectacular images are regularly featured in Nigeria’s most prominent magazines, and he has worked on beauty and lifestyle campaigns for several international brands. 

“In Plateau State, Nigeria, I followed villagers to a man-made lake that serves as their only water source. Seeing them travel miles for water, used for everything from drinking to washing, was striking. This image later inspired some companies to attempt to dig boreholes to improve their water supply. While many efforts were unsuccessful, the photograph highlighted the community’s struggle and the power of photography to drive change.” 

Seibou Traore (Ivory Coast) 

Seibou Traore is a distinguished photographer from the Ivory Coast. His work provides a unique perspective on the cultural and everyday life of his community. Seibou began his photographic journey by capturing images of friends and family, but his lens has since turned to a diverse array of subjects including footballers, presidents, and beauty pageant royalty. His work with notable figures like Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba and Miss World Africa Olivia Yacé reflects his commitment to excellence in portraiture, fashion, and reportage. 

“Every day, people, through their lifestyles, help the Earth breathe a little easier. No action is too small, no gesture is in vain when it comes to giving future generations a chance. The desert dweller knows how to appreciate the tree that the forest dweller destroys!” 

As we celebrate World Photography Day 2024, Canon continues to honour the power of photography to connect people and tell stories. By spotlighting these incredible photographers and their work, Canon reaffirms its dedication to celebrating diverse perspectives and contributing to the global narrative. 

Through this global celebration, Canon invites everyone to reflect on the stories that shape our world and to appreciate the art of capturing those moments that define our shared human experience.