Tell us a bit about Lucynder Osunde?
I am Lucynder, an artist, model, mobile photographer, and writer. My aim and goal is to bring to life beautiful art through the world of imagination. Whether posing in front of a camera or being behind a camera even having words dance like images in your mind, I strive to create magic. My creative journey has always been about storytelling, whether through words, images, or self-expression. As a model, I’ve learned the beauty of embodying different stories, and as a writer, I’ve honed my ability to shape those stories with depth and meaning. As a self-taught mobile photographer, my aim is to capture and manifest the beauty of imagination through the lens of my smartphone. Everything I create reflects my passion for art, emotion, and connection.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a photographer?
I didn’t set out to become a photographer, it just naturally happened. Back in school, I started capturing beautiful things around me, from everyday moments to self-portraits. Over time, it became more than just a hobby. There was a turning point where I realized I could use photography to express my emotions and tell stories without saying a word. That’s when I knew this was something I wanted to pursue deeply.
The people want to know what tools you use in your photography? from your camera, lighting, editing tools etc.
I keep my photography tools simple and accessible. I primarily use my mobile phone, specifically an iPhone, for capturing my shots. For editing, I rely on apps like Lightroom and Snapseed to bring my vision to life, and I occasionally use Photoshop for more detailed adjustments. It’s proof that you don’t need overly complex equipment to create meaningful and impactful images.
Looking at your photography, there seems to be a consistent and beautiful dark theme. what draws you to this type of imagery?
I’m drawn to dark themes because there’s so much beauty in the depth and mystery of darkness. For me, it’s not just about the shadows, it’s about the way light interacts within them to create emotion and texture. The beauty of dark skin, in particular, is something that captivates me. The richness, the way it absorbs and reflects light, and the stories it tells are endlessly inspiring. It’s like the darkness wraps around and envelopes you, pulling you into a world where beauty is bold, powerful, and unapologetic.
What is your creative process like…from start to finish?
My creative process starts with an idea which I develop into a clear vision. I create mood boards, choose the right subject, and plan the location and styling. During the shoot, I like to stay flexible, allowing room for spontaneous moments. Afterward, I focus on editing to bring out the best in the images while staying true to the concept.
How do you choose the subjects of your portraits? Are there specific things that you look out for to decide a certain subject is photo-worthy?
I choose the subjects of my portraits based on a mix of factors, but it often starts with having a clear image in mind of how I want the final photo to look. Sometimes, I’m drawn to specific features like distinct face structures or unique characteristics that align with the vision I have. Skin tone plays a significant role too, I have a deep appreciation for dark and brown skin and how beautifully it interacts with light and textures in my work. But most of all, it also depends on the theme or concept of project I’m working on at the moment. The subject needs to fit the story I’m trying to tell and aiming to create.
What has your journey as a photographer being like so far?
My journey as a photographer has been a mix of discovery, growth, and passion. I started out just experimenting with a camera, capturing random moments, and over time, it turned into something much bigger than I imagined. There were definitely challenges like learning to stand out in a competitive field and finding my unique style but those moments taught me resilience and creativity.
Lucynder Osunde
Lucynder Osunde is a Nigerian mobile photographer renowned for her distinct artistic vision and ability to capture emotion with unparalleled depth. A self-taught creative, Lucynder began her journey with nothing more than a smartphone, transforming an everyday tool into a powerful medium for storytelling. Inspired by the evocative qualities of dark hue painting and portrait photography, her work transcends conventional imagery, offering a profound exploration of tone, mood, and ambiance.
With a sharp eye for detail and a natural instinct for composition, Lucynder’s portraits reveal the inner essence of her subjects, blending beauty and melancholy in a harmonious dance. Each image invites viewers into a world where creativity knows no bounds, proving that extraordinary artistry can emerge from the simplest tools.
Lucynder’s dedication to expanding the possibilities of mobile photography has earned her recognition on both local and global stages. Her work has been exhibited at the Binary Opportunity Monochrome Exhibition in Lagos and Abuja and was featured in Apple’s International Women’s Day 2023 campaign.
Continuously pushing the limits of her craft, Lucynder Osunde inspires audiences to see the world through a new lens, one that celebrates creativity, emotion, and the limitless potential of mobile photography.