From left to right: Oladotun “Do2dtun”, OAP & Media Entrepreneur; Aisha Augie-Kuta, Director-General at the Centre For Black and African Arts Culture; Kola Oshalusi, Organizer of The Business of Photography Conference; Bayo Omoboriowo, Photojournalist and Documentary Photographer; Harry Kesiena, Head of Arts, British Council Nigeria; and Rex Okiche, Media Executive, captured at the recently concluded Business of Photography Conference 2025.
The Business of Photography Conference (BOP) 2025 wrapped up after an inspiring five-day journey filled with insightful discussions, expert-led workshops, and innovative ideas that reinforced photography’s dual identity as an art form and a thriving business. Centered around the theme “The Art of Enterprise”, the event united prominent figures from photography, fashion, media, wellness, and entrepreneurship, providing creatives with essential tools, knowledge, and connections to excel in the rapidly changing creative landscape.
From left: Favour Elilejo Achebo, OAP; Olufemi Oguntamu, CEO of Penzaarville; Enoshowo Adesuwa Eworo, Creative Director at Captured by Adesuwa Photography; Angel Obasi, Co-founder & Creative Director of Anichel; Felix Crown, Photographer and Creative Strategist, all featured at the Business of Photography Conference 2025.
The conference took place across two distinguished venues in Lagos. Most sessions were hosted at the DAP Experience Centre, while the Landmark Event Centre, home to the Africa Creative Market (ACM), served as the location for the main conference on September 16. The keynote presentations, supported by ACM, featured notable speakers such as Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, Oladipo-Adetayo Babalola from the National Gallery of Art, and Scott C. Eneje, who delivered an international analysis of Nigeria’s photography sector.
From left: Emeka Amafor, Photographer & CEO of Bedge Pictures; Mai Atafo, Founder of Atafo; Bukola Oloyede, Filmmaker & Media Consultant; RyanOniFOTO, Creative Director of RyanOniFOTO Photography; Clarence Peter, Filmmaker and Cinematographer, all participants at the Business of Photography Conference 2025.
Panel discussions on the main day delved into critical topics such as sustainable practices, brand development, and interdisciplinary partnerships. In the session titled “The Creative Hustle: Turning Passion into Profit,” Oladotun “Do2dtun” Kayode, Aisha Augie-Kuta, and Bayo Omoboriowo explored strategies for creatives to establish profitable ventures without compromising their artistic vision. Another session, “From Idea to Impact: Building Businesses That Matter,” featured insights from Solape Akinpelu of Hervest and Nkechi Eze of Aso Ebi Bella, who emphasized the importance of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. The panel “Creative Collaborations: The Future of Shared Genius,” with Clarence Peters, Ryan Onifoto Alabi, Emeka Amafor, and Mai Atafo, highlighted the transformative power of partnerships, while “Legacy Over Hype: Building for the Long Game” saw Dayo Adedayo, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, and Lanre Da Silva advocate for sustainability and enduring impact as cornerstones of creative success.
The conference commenced with an exclusive networking cocktail and a special screening titled “BOP Over the Years,” which offered attendees a reflective look at the event’s evolution and set an anticipatory tone for the days ahead. Throughout the week, BOP 2025 became a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas and fostering collaborations, illustrating how visual storytelling continues to drive innovation across industries such as fashion and media.
From left: Favour Elilejo Achebo, OAP; Vivienne Odofin, Founder of BRV Consulting; Kola Oshalusi, Organizer of The Business of Photography Conference; Solape Akinpelu, Co-Founder of HerVest; Kola Adekola, Visual Consultant & Multidisciplinary Artist; Nkechi Eze, CEO of Asoebibella, all featured at the Business of Photography Conference 2025.
Central to BOP 2025 were thought-provoking discussions and tailored sessions that addressed the challenges of sustaining a creative career. Esteemed speakers such as Emmanuel Manne of Manneshotit Photography, Ayo Makinwa, Olayiwola Oladehinde of Ovaris Global Resources, Olamide Adenuga (Assistant PRO, Lagos State Professional Photographers Association of Nigeria), and Koutchika Lihouenou from Gaspo Studios shared their journeys on mentorship, creative identity, innovation, and community engagement, offering attendees both practical advice and inspiration.
A standout feature of the conference was the Masterclass Series, which provided in-depth training on topics including wellness, brand strategy, digital storytelling, pitching techniques, financial management, and legal frameworks. Industry experts like Oyin Talabi, Nnenna Onyewuchi (known as the Barefoot Strategist), Dayo Adedayo of DAP Experience Centre, Solape Akinpelu (CEO of Hervest), Jokotade Shonowo (Poshclick), Olajumoke Coker, and renowned photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi led sessions that combined actionable strategies with insightful perspectives, empowering participants to enhance both their creative output and business acumen.
The conference culminated in an energetic Speed Pitch event, where nine emerging entrepreneurs showcased innovative business concepts to a panel of investors including Solape Akinpelu, Aderonke Osho of Utica Capital, Fiyin Ogunlesi of Regal Stone Capital, and Collins Gilbert of Ventures Platform. Although no immediate funding was secured, the session provided valuable critiques and highlighted BOP’s role as a catalyst for innovation, inspiring participants to refine their ideas and expand their impact.
In his closing remarks, Convener Kola Oshalusi expressed heartfelt thanks to partners, investors, attendees, and the BOP team for their contributions to the success of the 2025 edition. “BOP is more than just attending sessions; it’s about applying the knowledge gained to shape the future of the industry,” he stated. “We eagerly anticipate BOP 2026, which promises to be even more impactful.”
Deborah Okoloigwe, Business Development and Project Manager for BOP 2025, added, “Our goal was to build a platform that not only inspires but also equips creatives with practical skills, networks, and clarity to grow their enterprises. This year’s conference demonstrated the incredible possibilities when creativity intersects with entrepreneurship.”
With this remarkable edition, BOP 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to preparing photographers and creatives for sustainable success by integrating artistry with strategic business practices, wellness, and innovation. As the event concludes, BOP remains Africa’s premier platform dedicated to empowering creatives to innovate, collaborate, and shape the future of photography.
BellaNaija proudly served as a Media Partner for The Business of Photography Conference (BOP) 2025
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