My heart is so full of joy and gratitude right now.
I had my first solo exhibition opening called “Chasing Light” here in Stockholm in partnership with Galleri Duerr and Scandinavian Photo which is the leading retailer of photography and video equipment in the Nordics. Once I saw the official press release which was sent out and read those words about my background and career, it felt so surreal.
Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, I knew I was going to explore the world. At the time, I just didn’t know how.
But seeing that dream manifested in this way was nothing short of humbling.
The theme was about capturing those subtle moments of natural light. Not the grand sweeping displays nature gives us (many of which I’ve also captured on camera), but those gentle moments when she kisses blades of grass with light or streams through branches and cracks between buildings to light up the way. So choosing which photos to have in the exhibition was both easy and hard. Hard because I have thousands upon thousands of images (still loading dozens of countries) which I could potentially choose from, but also easy because these were some of the ones I remembered right away and was able to pull out of my archives.
The road has been long and hard especially breaking down barriers and stereotypical perceptions of what a travel photographer should be and I am so grateful to be able to share more work this way. This is just the beginning of many more exhibitions to come and I am so excited for what the future holds in terms of fine art photography.
Close to 60 people (maybe more) showed up at different times, flowing in and out, during the opening, and it was a cross-section of friends, colleagues, and my dear husband – the rock behind this all.
So I wanted to specially thank every single one of you that came out for the show. You touched my heart. I also want to thank Galleri Duerr for curating the show and making sure it ran flawlessly as well as Scandinavian Photo for the gallery space and partnership. I look forward to a collaborative future with them.
And to my darling husband…wow. You epitomize everything true love is about and stands for. Thank you.
Special thanks to fellow Nordic bloggers Peter and Helena of Freedomtravel.se for capturing these moments below from the show.
The show runs until April 24 at Scandinavian Photo on Sveavägen 20 in Stockholm. I will also be having a special artist talk on April 19 as well.
Grattis !!! You are such a talented and wonderful woman you deserve all this. You inspire me a lot. Grattis igen.
Tack så mycket Perlina!
I have seen some pictures of your face but I have to say that you look very, very beautiful in this ones. It must be because you look so confident to present your work! Congrats!
Thanks Isabel! 🙂
Wow Lola! This moment in your career is just so amazing and after all the years of following your work it is wonderful to be apart of this special moment in your life. Congratulations my friend may you continue to reach for the moon and all the stars in between with your dreams. I am so proud and happy for you and to see your photographs that are so much more than just photographs but moments in time frozen forever of people, places and things. Breaking down those stereotypical walls and spreading your wings. What an inspiration you are for all of us and more importantly, your family. Thank you for your continued passion and dedication to your art. :O)
Thank you so much Monica! And it’s been a honor to know you and have you follow my work all these years. Can’t believe it was a while ago from sweden.se 🙂 Amen to all your wonderful words and thanks so much!!
Yes time flies when you have a family to care for and having fun exploring your dreams! I have truly enjoyed this journey with you because that is what it is all about, the journey…not the destination! :O)
Thanks 🙂
Congratulations Lola! I remember back in high school when you wrote short stories. I was amazed at your talent then. So it’s no surprise that you have come this far. I’m proud of you. God will continue to direct your paths to encounter quantum leaps in your career.
Thanks so much Bimbo! I’m still trying to start writing them all over again 🙂 Amen, amen!
You owned it! AND you earned it! So happy this turned out so well. You looked amazing, and your work as usual looks stunning. Continued success..and keep breaking down those walls with the bulldozer! 🙂
Thanks so much Kemkem!! See you in Stockholm in July I hope! 🙂
Wow! Look at you. 🙂 🙂
My heart is just so warm and flowing with happiness for your success. You look so amazing and super professonal. And all of Sweden and possibly the world, agree lol. We haven’t yet met in real life, but I speak for everyone when I say that all the travel industry and professional photographers are proud of your achievements! xxxx
Awww thanks so much Victoria!! Can’t wait to hug you soon!
What a truly fulfilling moment! I am super thrilled for you, Lola. Congratulations!
Thanks so much Lily! Means so much!
This looks amazing! Congratulations. I’ve always admired your photography and this just shows why.
Thank you so much!!
Great work! I wish I could’ve been there but hopefully I’ll get to see the photos before the exhibition ends.
Thanks Helena! It goes on till April 24 and I have another talk om April 19 there! 🙂
Yeah, I read that but unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be in Stockholm until just a few days later on April 29th.
No worries! See you another time.
Nice work Lola. I’m so very happy for you!
Thanks Kerwin!
Awesome, Lola! HUGE congratulations on this momentous and well-deserved event and recognition! You look absolutely stunning in your photos, too! 😀 Love what you said about the light kissing a blade of grass and how there are some photos that you just remember best. Looks like a lovely showing. Brava!
Thanks so much Shelly! I really appreciate it. Thanks so much for your support 🙂