Today we’d like to introduce you to Adeiza Usman.
Hi Adeiza, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started back in Lagos, Nigeria, where I grew up as the oldest of four. After high school in 2018, I found myself drawn to storytelling and creativity — that’s when I picked up a camera and started experimenting with photography.
In 2020, I moved to Georgia, and that transition really shaped me. I had the opportunity to work under my cousin Dele at CMG Studios, where I learned the business and creative sides of photography. I met amazing people who inspired me to keep growing.
At the same time, I developed a deep passion for food and began working as a chef at South City Kitchen in Alpharetta. I’ve been working on incorporating Nigerian flavors into southern cuisine, which has been really meaningful for me.
Along the way, I also started exploring film — I’m currently working on a short cinematic project inspired by my life and the song “25” by Rod Wave.
So overall, my journey has been about embracing creativity, honoring where I come from, and using every opportunity to grow — whether that’s in the kitchen, behind the camera, or in storytelling.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Moving from Nigeria to the U.S. in 2020 was a major adjustment — culturally, emotionally, and financially. I had to start over in a new environment, away from my family and everything I was used to.
There were moments where I doubted myself — times when I was broke, overwhelmed, and unsure of where things were going. I was working long hours just to survive while still trying to chase my creative dreams.
Another big struggle was balancing multiple passions — photography, culinary work, and now filmmaking. At times, it felt like I had to choose one or risk burning out. But over time, I’ve learned how to balance and connect them in a way that makes sense for me.
I’ve also had to deal with toxic relationships that messed with my confidence and focus. But honestly, those moments forced me to look inward, heal, and come back stronger.
All of those challenges have shaped who I am today — more grounded, focused, and hungry for growth.
he biggest creative struggle for me has been finding my voice and staying true to it, especially when I was first starting out. Photography was my first creative outlet, but I didn’t have a clear direction at first. I spent a lot of time comparing myself to others and trying to emulate their style, which slowed me down in discovering what made my work unique.
Another challenge was learning the technical side of photography and filmmaking while trying to stay inspired. It can be hard to juggle the creative side with the business and technical sides — and sometimes, I found myself getting lost in the process, making the work feel more like a chore than something I loved.
I’ve also had to overcome self-doubt. Sometimes, when you’re putting your heart into your art, it’s easy to feel like it’s not good enough, or like you’re not making the impact you want to. I’ve had to push through those feelings of insecurity and remind myself that growth happens over time.
Lastly, balancing multiple creative passions — photography, food, and film — meant I had to learn how to integrate them into a cohesive vision. It wasn’t always easy to see how they could work together, but over time, I’ve figured out how to use each medium to complement and elevate the others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in capturing raw, authentic moments through photography and film, often blending my Nigerian roots with the diverse experiences I’ve had since moving to the U.S. I focus on telling stories that connect people to emotions and memories. Whether it’s through a photo that captures a fleeting moment of joy or a short film that reflects a personal journey, I want my work to be relatable and real.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to integrate my love for food into my photography and filmmaking. Working as a chef has given me a deeper appreciation for the details and textures in both food and life, which has translated into my visual work. I’ve even been able to create a unique fusion between Southern cuisine and Nigerian flavors at South City Kitchen, blending two parts of my identity in a way that speaks to both the heart and the senses.
What sets me apart is how I merge different creative outlets. Many photographers or filmmakers specialize in just one area, but for me, photography, food, and film all play into each other. I find ways to bring all of these passions together, whether it’s through a photo shoot inspired by a dish or a film project that celebrates culture and personal history. The combination of these elements creates something distinct — something that feels both fresh and deeply personal.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the value of patience and trusting the process. When I first started, I was eager to “make it” quickly — I wanted to be successful overnight. But I’ve realized that true growth comes from consistent effort, even when things aren’t moving as fast as you’d like.
I’ve learned to embrace the slow build and not rush my progress. Whether it’s perfecting a shot in photography or developing my culinary style, every step — even the mistakes — is part of the process that shapes me into who I’m becoming. I’ve also learned to trust my instincts more and not compare myself to others. It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, but the real magic comes when you focus on your own path and stay authentic to your vision.
Above all, I’ve learned that creativity thrives in an environment where you allow yourself to fail, learn, and evolve.
Pricing:
- Portrait Sessions: Starting at $250 (includes up to 2 hours, 1 location, and 15 edited photos)
- Event Photography: Starting at $500 (up to 4 hours, 1 photographer, with 50+ edited photos)
- Food Photography: Starting at $300 (includes 2-hour shoot, 30 edited images, styled to highlight the dish)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lightroom.app.link/UOSvPjQTvSb
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_mayormo
