During a recent phone conversation, 26-year-old photographer Temi Adegbayibi was on the go, navigating through London while balancing multiple commitments, including freelance photography, film production, and a role at the Royal Albert Hall. His impressive portfolio features notable figures like Jorja Smith, Basement Jaxx, Fireboy DML, and Ezra Collective, yet, like many creatives, he experiences the contrast between the allure of the spotlight and the practicalities of earning a living. “I’ve always held day jobs,” he shares. “Historically, many photographers pursued their craft out of passion rather than financial gain.”
Hailing from Enfield in north London, Adegbayibi’s journey began when his cousin, TJ Koleoso—bassist for Ezra Collective—asked him to take photos of their church’s worship band. After spending a couple of years capturing moments at the church, he transitioned to photographing local events, building his portfolio by reaching out to emerging artists. “With each shoot, my confidence grew,” Adegbayibi reflects. “Soon, I started receiving inquiries based on my presence on Instagram.”
His collaboration with Ezra Collective has been pivotal in his career. At the Love Supreme jazz festival in 2022, he captured the band during one of their significant headline performances. A striking image of TJ with his bass, along with a group shot that later adorned an album cover, made him realize that photography could evolve into a serious pursuit: “I thought, ‘Wow, I can really do something with this.’”
Since that moment, he has documented Ezra Collective on tour and at increasingly larger venues, culminating in their performance at the Royal Albert Hall in November 2023. This milestone led to a solo exhibition showcasing his work celebrating British jazz, and eventually secured him a position as an in-house photographer at the iconic venue. Adegbayibi’s freelance endeavors primarily revolve around music, taking him to various concerts and festivals across the UK, including Glastonbury and Recessland, which highlights Black music and culture.
Adegbayibi’s photography is characterized by its dynamic sense of motion, intimacy, and joy, particularly in his portrayals of Black musicians. “I’ve always been drawn to photographing Black individuals,” he explains. “There’s an abundance of beautiful smiles and energy.” He seeks to capture those fleeting moments of joy, whether on stage or within the audience. This approach is intentional, as he aims to counter the often negative stereotypes associated with Black individuals and musicians. “My photography presents a narrative of Black joy and the realities of our communities,” he asserts.
His fascination with movement has also led him to experiment with techniques inspired by visual artist Kat Anderson, utilizing slow shutter speeds, light, and layering to create images that “almost feel like painting with light.” His exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall delved into the themes of movement and stillness within jazz, illustrating how vibrant yet serene jazz performances can be as he captures them through his lens.
Adegbayibi acknowledges the competitive landscape of photography in London, where numerous talented photographers vie for attention. However, instead of feeling daunted by this competition, he finds it to be a source of inspiration. “I see it as a motivational force,” he remarks. “Being part of a creative community in London inspires me to push my boundaries.” He was particularly moved by the V&A East’s inaugural exhibition, The Music Is Black, which showcased decades of photographs of Black British musicians and the artists behind the lens. It prompted him to consider the legacy of his own work. “Perhaps one day someone will look at my photographs and think, ‘This is what jazz performances were like back then,’ or ‘This is how Black musicians expressed themselves,’” he expresses with hope.
Ayo Salawu, featured in his Royal Albert Hall exhibition, represents a moment where Adegbayibi sought to encapsulate the energy of a drum solo through still imagery. “We experimented with slow shutter speeds, layering, and double exposures in a blackout studio,” he recalls. “We set up the drums, ordered pizza, and just let the creativity flow.”
In another studio shot featuring David Kayode and Anna Adetiba, Adegbayibi explains, “David is taking the lead on saxophone, while Anna provides support. I asked Anna to move back and forth behind David during his performance. Using a slow shutter speed, I aimed to blur her motion while keeping David in focus, capturing the simultaneous dynamics of their movements.”
He reflects on another image of Jai Amore and Blu, describing them as the energetic forces of the show. “Their role was to maintain the momentum. We had an effect on the screen that mirrored their movements, which created a unique doubling effect in the photograph. It’s one of my favorites because it emerged from being attentive to the surrounding energy.”
Regarding a moment from a Basement Jaxx concert, he notes, “There’s a whirlwind of activity at their shows—dancers, performers in costumes, and DJs. I captured Felix during a solo moment where he reached upward, giving the impression of floating. The bright backdrop was achieved by blowing out LED lights to create an ethereal setting.”
