My name is Ekieti Abia, and I’m Nigerian. I’m a passionate lover of beauty, especially the kind that hides in the most unexpected places.
Chilis: This image showcases Nigerians’ deep love for pepper and their pride in embracing its fiery heat, symbolizing their bold and resilient spirit.
Whether it’s the beauty of grapes, the texture of sliced tomatoes or the heap of sand in a construction site that looks like a pyramid, I find joy in capturing life’s quiet elegance through photography.
I’m also a wife and proud mother to two amazing boys who inspire me daily.
My family and I moved to Canada in June 2018, and, exactly five years later in June 2023, we made Airdrie our home. Since then, Airdrie has nurtured my creativity in incredible ways. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer and be involved in community events like Airdrie Culture Fest and the Mayor’s Night of the Arts. I was also honoured to display my photography at the Airdrie Public Library, a milestone that allowed me to share my work with the wider community.
I began photographing food in July 2019 quite unexpectedly. At the time, I had enrolled in a marketing masterclass for a perfume business I was running. The class covered many aspects of product marketing, but what captured my attention was a segment on how to take professional-looking product photos using just a phone. We were introduced to editing apps like Snapseed, and I was fascinated by how simple techniques could completely transform an image.
Puff Puff Delight: A rich, deep-fried Nigerian treat captured in warm, inviting tones, puff puff delight is served a lot in Nigerian parties and is a great delight for both children and adults.
There was just one challenge: I didn’t have perfume inventory on hand to practise what I’d learned. That’s when it hit me: I cook every day, and food could be my subject. So, I turned my phone camera toward my kitchen creations and, just like that, a new passion was born.
When the [COVID-19] pandemic began shortly after, the slower pace of life gave me more room to experiment, learn and fall deeper in love with food photography. What started as a workaround became a creative outlet and, eventually, a powerful way for me to tell stories, one picture at a time.
Through the lens, I’ve learned to pause and appreciate the details others might overlook.
To me, cooking is an art, a science and a skill. It’s art in its presentation, science in the discovery of new flavours and how ingredients react with each other, and a skill honed over time.
Enjoying food is a full sensory experience; the rich flavors, the inviting aromas and the beautiful memories tied to meals shared with loved ones. Food has a way of satisfying the soul and stirring up pure joy.
Grapes: This image highlights more than just a fruit. It captures the timeless symbol of prosperity, luxury and life’s little pleasures. I was especially drawn to the unique colour of these grapes, and I couldn’t resist showcasing their beauty through my lens.
Tea: This picture is a reminder to wake up each day, but don’t just rush into the noise. Smell the tea, be present, be inspired and bloom into everything you were created to be.
