Jul 215 min read

I AM Taiye Omokore

Updated: Jul 30

Founder of KLAT Magazine.

For the launch of Xcellence magazine online, we had the distinct honor of featuring Taiye Omokore in our I AM series. Taiye Omokore, a fellow creative with an impressive body of work, has consistently demonstrated a profound ability to blend artistry with impactful storytelling. His innovative approach to multimedia projects, whether through photography, videography, or digital art, sets him apart in the creative community.

What are your biggest inspirations and influences in fashion photography, both within and outside the fashion industry?

A significant source of inspiration for me is my Nigerian heritage. My culture and my people profoundly influence my work, especially in my personal projects. In Nigeria, fashion is a way of life. From parties and church gatherings to weddings and other celebrations, fashion is ever-present. Our traditional attires, with their myriad styles and cultural representations, are a true reflection of the beauty back home. It's nearly impossible to grow up in Nigeria and not develop a love for fashion.

Additionally, a photographer who greatly inspires me is Rafael Pavarotti.

Can you walk us through your creative process, from conceptualisation to the final shot? How do you come up with new ideas and themes?

My creative process begins with identifying the story or message I want to convey through the final images. Once I finalize this, it provides a clear vision and simplifies the rest of the work. With the story in place, I move on to sourcing locations that align with the concept.

Next, I build a team, which typically includes makeup artists, models, hairstylists, a producer, and sometimes a videographer—though I occasionally handle the videography myself, depending on the project's scope. I share the storyboard with all team members to ensure everyone understands the expectations.

Once everyone is aligned, we address the logistics and set a shoot date. After the shoot, I review and select the best images, edit them, and coordinate with the team to set a release date once the images are ready.

How do you approach collaborations with designers, models, and other creatives? Can you share a memorable collaboration experience?

When approaching collaborations with designers, models, and other creatives, I start by reaching out with a detailed project overview. This ensures that everyone understands the project's value and their role in it. I apply this approach consistently, whether working with designers, models, or other creatives. What sets me apart as a photographer is always having a clear project description, which makes it easier to engage and attract interest from other creatives.

I have many memorable collaboration experiences, but working with my team at Klat Magazine as the Head Photographer stands out. We shoot covers for the magazine monthly, and I appreciate that my team consistently grasps the project vision. One of my favorite collaborations was the cover shoot with Gabin Kongolo, styled by my friend Chief Kikem, who traveled from Birmingham to Cardiff for the shoot. It was an amazing experience, with everyone on set contributing to a fantastic result.

What camera equipment and editing software do you typically use? How do they contribute to achieving your signature style?

I have two cameras, but my favorite is the Canon EOS R. In addition to that, I have various other equipment, including studio lights and laptops, all well-organized in my studio. For editing, I primarily use Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One. Lightroom and Capture One are especially crucial for my color grading, which is my favorite part of the editing process. I love working with colors, and these programs allow me to experiment extensively until I achieve the desired result.

How do you stay current with the latest trends in fashion photography? Do you prefer to follow trends or set them?

To stay up to date with the latest trends in fashion photography, I attend numerous fashion shows, especially the London Fashion Show. When I can't attend in person, I watch a lot of the shows online including Milan, Paris Fashion week among many others, online. As for my personal style, I prefer wearing what makes me comfortable rather than strictly following fashion trends. However, I do love clothes and enjoy looking good.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a fashion photographer? How do you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I face as a fashion photographer is the limited number of good designers in the Welsh scene. It's much easier to collaborate with local designers than to travel to London or order clothes online for a shoot. Additionally, I often need to go to London, the closest major city to Cardiff, to connect with fashion brands and build a network. The lack of attention to the fashion industry in Wales means there are very few fashion photography jobs in Cardiff. Although the industry is growing, it still has a long way to go.

To overcome these challenges, I frequently source clothes online for my shoots, though this can be difficult sometimes. For work opportunities, I often travel to London to collaborate with brands if necessary.

I do take on commissioned work for wedding and events photogrpahy as a way of compensating for the lack of fashion opportunities.

Can you tell us about a project that you are particularly proud of? What made it special for y

ou?

My project titled "Into the Unknown" holds a special place in my heart as it was the first project I worked on after moving to the UK in 2022. It was later exhibited at the Sony Photography Awards by the World Photography Organisation at Somerset House in London.

What advice would you give to aspiring fashion photographers looking to break into the industry?

My advice to aspiring fashion photographers aiming to enter the industry is to consistently produce a lot of work. Collaborate with friends, style them, and photograph them. The internet has made it possible to reach a global audience, so leverage online platforms to showcase your portfolio. However, focus on creating work that is meaningful and authentic to your vision. Stay true to yourself and be intentional about the projects you undertake.

How has social media impacted your work and the fashion photography industry as a whole?

Right now, I'm working on the next part of my project, "My Story in Red," and I'm really excited about it. It's been a lot of research and teamwork, focusing on aspects of my culture that make it even more interesting. Looking forward, I'm also enthusiastic about Klat's future. We have upcoming projects like the Klat Academy, which will offer training for new photographers in Wales, among other initiatives that we're looking to share soon.