Contributor Spotlight: An Interview with Caleb Ishaya
In this interview, Caleb shares how photography became his gateway to the world and his advice for aspiring photographers.
“I want each of my photographs to be more than just images—they should be testaments of life, process, and hope. Photography started as a hobby during the pandemic, a way to freeze moments in time, but over the years, it has become my way of connecting the dots between the present and the future.”
Caleb’s journey into photography began as a simple hobby during the pandemic, capturing candid moments at home. But over time, it transformed into something much deeper—a way to connect the present to the future, to document life as it unfolds. His passion for storytelling through photography has taken him to places, earned him publications in global platforms, and connected him with photographers who have shaped his perspective.
In this interview, Caleb shares how photography became his gateway to the world and his advice for aspiring photographers.
Tell us about your professional background and your journey so far
I started photography during the pandemic are doing covid-19 pandemic 2020, It started as a hobby in our family house, then Photography was as a means of capturing candid moments, trapping time. Over the past years, I have grown deeper in my understanding and perspective. Right now, I see photography as a means of connecting the dots of the present for the future, knowing that every little detail we see today would be used as a reference and memorial tomorrow. Photography has given me the medium to travel beyond myself; through publications and exhibitions. I have traveled and gone to places, I normally wouldn’t travel to. In my journey of photography, I have met some amazing photographers that have inspired and shaped my life and perspective, photographers like Professor Vanessa Charlot, Abigail Montee, Teresa Meka and not to forget Lacy Austin. I have worked as a research photographer, a curator and a virtual teaching assistant for a photography institute in New York. Over the years, I have had my photographs published in Sunlight press, Watershed Review, The Word’s Faire and other other publishing platforms. I am a fellow of Unpublished; Creative Business Studio and a member of The African Photojournalism Database(APJD).
What fuels your creativity and keeps you passionate about your craft?
My creativity is fueled from the knowledge that the world is always on the move and I need to share the happenings and Stories through my photography. My passion to tell stories through my photography gets better with every breaking of the day.
How did you discover ninthgrid and what inspired you to start contributing to Ninthgrid?
I did not discover ninthgrid rather ninthgrid discovered me. I got a message on Instagram from someone that works with Ninthgrid saying; “they like my work and the stories I tell through my Photographs”. I had to quickly check online to make sure, the person reaching out to me was from Ninthgrid. Only to discover that Ninthgrid is a platform that is a unique Afrocentric stock platform that promotes Africa through the content they share. Knowing that Ninthgrid is a dedicated shock platform that promotes the African identity, I accepted with honour to contribute and be part of a community that showcase Africa/Africans to the world.
What do you hope to achieve or inspire through the content you create and share?
I want each of my photographs to bring you into deeper reflections of life. Each photograph should come with a testament of life, process and hope. I want a generation to see photography beyond the beauty but as the essence of life. Every of my content should bring you back to the realities of the activities happening around you. I want every photograph to connect the dots of the present with the future. Every photograph I share should be a document for historians, galleries and museums.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
To anyone starting out in photography—be it street, documentary, lifestyle, or any other genre—my advice is to give yourself time, go out there, and take Photographs. Develop a systematic approach to your craft and tell your story. Keep your work original and do not let the progress of others pressure you. We each have our own paths, destinies and journeys. So, be true to your journey, remain focused, do not be cut into the web of doing many things, and be consistent in your journey.
If you loved this conversation and would like to know more about Caleb, you can find check out his portfolio here and find him on Instagram here
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You can find Caleb’s portfolio on Ninthgrid here