Markets are a heartbeat of culture, full of life, movement, trade, and community. I recently visited a local market here in Nigeria and decided to document moments that often go unnoticed. Through black and white.
Before the bargaining, before the scents of spices and the rhythm of voices, there is the journey. This first photo is of my own foot, my step into the vibrant pulse of the market. I loved how the texture of the ground popped in monochrome, and how the lighting created a subtle spotlight around the shoe, as if inviting me into the story ahead.
Faces of the Market
This woman was kind enough to let me capture this shot. Her stall was a delightful mix of beans, flour, spices, and palm oil, all the rich staples that make up many Nigerian homes. Her expression held a quiet pride, a kind of everyday strength that black-and-white helps highlight without distraction. Behind her, the sacks and signage add to the scene’s layered storytelling.
Tomatoes in Volume
Crates of ripe tomatoes lined a corner of the market. In color, they would’ve been bright red, but in black and white, the shapes and repetitions become more vivid than ever. The grainy texture adds a vintage charm to what is a very modern supply of fresh produce.
Ogbono: The Soup Essential
These are ogbono seeds, one of the essentials for making a delicious Nigerian soup. Ogbono thickens soups and gives them a distinctive taste. The seeds are dry, cracked, and often sold in bulk. In monochrome, they take on a kind of quiet mystery, an earthy, rugged texture that speaks of tradition and generations of meals.
Black and white photography reminds us to see beyond color, to notice light, lines, texture, and story. I hope these snapshots of my market visit show just how rich ordinary life can be when we slow down enough to notice it.
Shot On: My phone camera
Edited with: photo editor
Thanks to @monochromes and @brumest for curating the Monomad Challenge.
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