BEST WAY TO REACH ME:
- For books, I am represented by Jessica Craig at Craig Literary.
- For book-related press, publicity, and interviews for “In Every Mirror She’s Black (IEMSB)“, please email Cristina Arreola at Sourcebooks (US) and Kate Appleton at Head of Zeus (UK).
- For Film/TV rights for IEMSB, please email Mary Pender / UTA
- For commissions, speaking requests, or collaborations, send an email here.
Born in Nigeria. Educated in the United States. Based in Sweden.
My photography and travel writing are often characterized by vibrancy and hope. I graduated with a Masters (MSc) degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland with a minor in Geography.
I specialized in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for 12+ years and my affinity for the geosciences and maps meant I was born to travel.
I was named one of eight 2022 Hasselblad Heroines. Read more here.
I was the 2018 Travel Photographer of the Year Bill Muster Award recipient.
My work has appeared in National Geographic, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, Travel + Leisure, Slate, Travel Channel, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Fodor’s, AFAR, National Geographic Channel, Adventure Magazine, several in-flight magazines, New York Times, amongst others.
Some of my articles and photography have been syndicated on MSNBC, Slate, Yahoo, New York Daily News, Chicago Sun Times, Huffington Post, and Time Warner, and many more.
In addition to contributing to several travel books, I am the author of the following books – 2018 Lowell Thomas Award winner for best travel book, DUE NORTH, & bestselling LAGOM: Swedish Secret of Living Well available in 18 language editions.
My photography is represented by National Geographic Image Collection and Wonderful Machine.
I have been recognized with multiple awards and nominations for my work, including a Pushcart Prize nomination and was honoured with a MIPAD 100 (Most Influential People of African Descent) Award within media and culture in 2018.
Here’s a link to my photography portfolio below.
Cool project spotlight -> I was in South Africa on a photography assignment for National Geographic Channel and was featured in a vignette called “Through The Lens” which airs on Nat Geo channel across the globe.
As a business owner and entrepreneur, I run Stockholm-based travel consultancy, Geotraveler Media, co-founded the travel influencer marketing collective, NordicTB, and co-founded Local Purse, which supports travel guides and local artisans through live video shopping.
As a mentor, I run my own online academy, Geotraveler Media Academy, which is dedicated to visual storytelling and helping the next generation of travel storytellers put the heart back into the craft.
Did you know? -> I am also the cartoonist behind Office Supplies – The Comic © (currently on hiatus) and a former oil painter.
I am based in Stockholm, Sweden and available for assignments around the world.
Great … now that I am in full retirement, I am rekindling my photography and writing skills. Stumbled on your site while looking at other sites my current hosting service listed. You have done a great job and I will be following and learning from you for sure. Participating in a few programs via Great Escape Publishing — good to see the fruits of someone else’s hard work. I will continue searching your site to see if you offer anything I may need. Continued success and thanks for being out there!
Thanks so much for your kind words and glad to hear you’re rekindling your photography and writing skills. Here’s to following your passions in 2018!
Hi Lola! I love your works 🙂
I’m sorry to ask but I really don’t want to mispronounce your name…
How do you pronounce your last name?
Thanks!
Hello Lola!
I have been an ardent follower of your work and the culture you present through your photography. I’ve built a photography method that allows you to capture motion pictures. Would be grateful if you give it a try and capture some amazing travel shots in motion with it. It’s called Movense (http://www.movense.com).
Looking forward to more of your artworks in coming time.
Regards,
Gaurav
Thanks so much Gaurav!
Great blog. grym blogg 🙂
Tusen tack! 🙂
Wow! Lola, I am so awed at your accomplishments. You make us know that we can do it also. I am also aiming to be an accomplished freelance writer and sometimes I feel I need more trainings. God bless you.
Thanks so much and God bless you too!
I found out about your website from a very good friend Wale Ariztos – he speaks highly of you. I am glad I’m finally reading through your website and I am truly inspired by your journey and passion!! I love traveling as well, and I just started my journey, so it is good to see someone who has been through a similar experience and is now living fulfilled. I look forward to more interesting and insightful posts from you.
Thanks so much Moni and great to connect with you! Please feel free to reach out whenever you like and looking forward to following your own journey as well. Best wishes and safe travels!
Thank you Lola.
Great job Lola. Discovered your website via Travel + Escape Magazine. Really inspiring work you have accomplished here. Wish I knew about the 2013 TBEX conference held in Toronto.
Thanks so much Gbola!
Wao! I’m so Proud to know you are a Nigerian. Great works you have Lola! Well done.
Thanks so much Michael! I’m sooo proud to be a Nigerian myself and hope I can do us proud 🙂
Beauty. Period.
Thanks Julia!
Nice website, Lola. You ssssound bussssy!
Thanks Sssscott! We freelancers have to constantly hustle 🙂
@Winifred – Thanks!
@Alero – Thanks for your support and kind words!
@Sonia – Many thanks!
Very impressive website (and career!) Lola. Am pleased to have found you. Love your Blog.
Lola I’m so proud of you. To see you followed your creativity through is an inspiration to me.I remember your short stories in school. Congratulations on all your published works too.
Lola, you are doing great. Its been worthwhile going through your works. Keep it up!
@Everyone – Thanks so much for your kind words!
Hi Lola,
saw that you found our blog and added your own to our Expats in Sweden list. I’m glad you did cause now I found yours as well. Looking forward to reading more.
Hope you remember me still… Good Luck with your dreams !
– Baskar
Howdy
Saw something about Roger Ebert? He writes with an incredibly appealing and tasteful style
I sort of stumbel on your website while researching to do something about a huge social disease that has disturbed me for several years. Recently, i got into the whole groove of ‘Lliving Life like you actually want to’…..a mindset/idea/journey/notion so far fetched to a lot of people, I find it quite unfortunate.
It would seem you live your dreams on a daily basis. Pleas continue to inspire us all, and I pray the blessings received from giving back to the world, will continue to wash you, surround you, and live itself in and around you
Cheers
Manuel
Go for it Lola
Lola, you’re living my dream. Man, those snow pics are so stunning and meditative. I’m looking to start a blog or mag where Naijas in far-flung but interesting places post thoughts, reports or pics. You go, girl!
Congratulations on a job well done thus far girlfriend!
Don’t worry i know you’d make us all proud as usual when you get to the North Pole…
Lol
Awesome…as usual!
@dmdolat & Teenu – Thanks!
@Dr. Slick – Thanks for dropping by and sending mad vibrations back your way. Sincerely! 🙂
Hey lil mama! What a great website! I’m passing it along to my comrades. Sending mad vibrations from the left side Los Angeles, USA
danke–
nice!
I appreciate dis blog so much…
@Patricia – Thanks so much. I was definitely inspired by their will.
just seen your pictures on bbc aboutt eh children that travle to school in canoes.
loved the pictures, and thanks for sharing that small piece of info- those kids are rock stars, come rain come shine…you gotta go to school.
@Ovie – OVIE!!!! how are you? where are you? Sending tons of love your way. Will go stalk you on Facebook now 🙂
Lola!!! That’s all I’ve got 🙂 Art says hello as well. I’m on the facebook, so if you are ever around Dayton let me know. I’ll show you the wife and kids. Art may be getting married, too. Stay well. Ovie
So great to hear from you!! How did I miss this message?! Hope you’re doing wonderful and here’s to an amazing 2018 for you!
@Juliette – Definitely let me know if you travel to Sweden!
@Ade-B – E se gan! Thanks so much for your encouragement!
@Babtope Omoju – Thank you!
@Leeton Hanson – No worries at all. Glad you liked it and God bless you too!
auntie Lola, how far now?
i’m sorry, i came across your website cos i read your article at matador ‘the Beginner’s Guide to Nigerian Pidgin English’. i thought it was brilliant, especially as it had the audio to go with it… such a great help to a caribbean 9ja lover like me. thanks so much for sharing. the LORD bless you
well done, i like your work.
Hi Lola, just came across some of your works and searched for this blog. Just thought I would at least drop a note and congratulate you on your work and encourage you to please continue… 🙂
Hi Lola,
such a pleasure reading your blog and i happened to come by it via @ebertchicago. I hope when i come to visit Sweden sometime i will get a chance to meet you. I love traveling and taking pics a lot 🙂
You can also find me on twitter my id (@LarvK)
Cheers-
@Andreas – Thanks for visiting and I hope you stick around. That’s one of my favorite travel quotes as well. You can check out 49 more here – http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/03/07/50-most-inspiring-travel-quotes-of-all-time/
Lola, great blog, great post, great pictures, its nice to know travelers like u, i was born to travel too. Those who dont travel just read one page of the world.
Lola, don’t know you but followed your link from Adrienne Wilson…….love your blog and your photos are beautiful!!
@Laura – Thanks so much! Hope you come back often.
I love this picture 🙂 Fly, fly, fly away…
@Temitayo – Haha! Thanks
@Chidinma – You’re too kind!
I think I’ve found another new role model!
OOH Lola! It’s sunny in Chicago and I found your blog via Roger Ebert. Love your photos! They are joyful, gorgeous and I thank you. Check out my blog sometime: http://lynnejordan.com/blog
Keep on sista girrrl!!
Lynne
Hi Lynne! Thanks so much for dropping by. Will definitely check out your blog. Sincerely!
Feeling great to connect with you. Keep sharing. Best.
you have made our family proud and we are proud of your heardwork and dedication,keep it up, Congratulation for your wedding.help me to thank you father chief Akinmade a BIG thank you for his love and care………..
Picone – Thanks!
Ayanna – Thanks so much for discovering this blog and your kind words. Will check out your work as well.
Love your blog. Going to link to it. Your subject matter is engaging and in line with my interests. Congratulations on all of your published works. You are an inspiration to me.
Be well,
Ayanna Nahmias
Hey man thanks for the great post. Look forward to reading more!
Thanks so much. I really appreciate it. Just being myself 🙂
lola, good work am proud of u. not many nigerians venture into this field…keep it up…i can feel your passion!!!!
Damilola Mofikoya
Lola, always good to read about you . . . Blessings, Ona Akinmade