Who is Toby the Photographer?
TobyDphotographer is a storyteller who blends the lines between photography and painting. My work draws from both art forms, using light and composition to create images that feel timeless and atmospheric. I’m also a model, artist, and creative based in Lagos, using my craft to explore themes of culture, history, and human connection.
Are you a collage artist? Photo-manipulator? How would you describe your art?
I wouldn’t call myself a collage artist or a strict photo manipulator. My art is a fusion of photography and painterly techniques. I aim to create images that shows the depth of Renaissance paintings while maintaining the authenticity of a photograph.
What inspires this airy and atmospheric feel in your art?
Light and texture are my greatest inspirations. I’m fascinated by how light interacts with the human form and how textures can evoke emotion. The Renaissance masters, like Rembrandt, influence me deeply. Their use of chiaroscuro, soft shadows, and warm tones is something I try to emulate. I also draw from personal experiences, cultural narratives, and my spiritual beliefs.
There is a consistent look and feel to your art. They almost look like old Renaissance paintings. Did you at any point wish to be a painter while you were coming up?
Absolutely. Growing up, I admired painters and often wondered if I could create with a brush. However, photography felt more natural to me. Over time, I discovered I could still incorporate those painterly qualities into my photos, blending both worlds. In a way, my photography is my version of painting using light as my brush and the camera as my canvas.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept to final shot?
I believe my inspirations come from the almighty God. I usually have a theme or emotion I want to capture, often inspired by culture, scripture, or personal experiences. From there, I conceptualize the look sketching ideas, choosing color palettes, and finding the right props and wardrobe. In the studio, I focus heavily on lighting, using it to sculpt the subject and evoke a specific mood. After the shoot, the editing phase is where the painterly effect truly comes alive. I work on enhancing textures, balancing highlights and shadows, and creating a timeless aesthetic.
How do you define success as a photographer?
For me, success is about impact. If my work resonates with someone, makes them feel something , or sparks a new perspective, then I’ve succeeded. It’s also about growth continuously refining my craft and pushing creative boundaries. Success isn’t just in accolades; it’s in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting.
Omoruyi Eghosa, famously known as Tobydphotographer is a Nigerian-based photographer. Born on June 19, 1997, in Lagos, Nigeria, he earned a higher national diploma in mechanical engineering from the Petroleum Training Institute in Delta State, Nigeria.
Toby’s artistic practice involves modernizing the Renaissance as a self-taught photographer that blurs the line between a photograph and a painting.
Eghosa’s artistic practice involves modernizing the Renaissance as a self-taught photographer that blurs the line between a photograph and a painting. When asked why this modernization was vital, he said, “I want to maintain and appreciate Renaissance ideals while representing the Black body as the focal point of the viewer. For me, it is taking inspiration from idealized old renaissance masters, adding a twist to it, and manipulating my art using modern technology. The Black body in my work can be seen as one that represents emotion, beauty, and royalty.”
Eghosa had his first solo exhibit: “Painterly” on June 19 2022, marking his birthday and double exhibitions in Nigeria and the University of Indianapolis Intercultural Center. He has also exhibited his art in Kenya, Italy, Newyork (USA), United Kingdom, Abuja (Nigeria).