Meet Adeiza Usman | Creative director, photographer & Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adeiza Usman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adeiza, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, as the oldest of four. With three younger sisters, I took on a lot of responsibility early, which taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of setting an example. Lagos is a city full of energy, color, and culture, and being surrounded by such diversity from a young age inspired my curiosity and love for storytelling. Photography became my way of capturing that vibrancy, but it wasn’t until 2018, right after high school, that I started pursuing it more seriously. I was 16 at the time, and it felt like a natural way to express my perspective and document the world around me.

When I moved to Georgia in 2020, it was a huge adjustment—not just to a new country but to a completely different cultural landscape. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to find my place. I was lucky to have my cousin Dele here. Dele isn’t just family; he’s a mentor who has played a huge role in my journey. Through him, I got to work at Metezy Studio, where I learned the technical side of photography and developed my skills in a professional setting. Working there taught me not only the mechanics of the camera but also the art of translating a story into an image.

Dele’s guidance helped me see photography not just as a hobby but as a craft that could tell powerful stories and impact people. Having someone who believed in me and encouraged me to push my limits made a huge difference. Being a part of Metezy Studio also exposed me to a network of creatives and taught me the importance of collaboration, discipline, and constantly learning.

Each stage of this journey—from growing up in Lagos to finding my voice in Georgia with the support of Dele and Metezy Studio—has shaped who I am. I see myself as a bridge between two cultures, and my background gives me a unique lens through which I view the world. Today, I approach photography with a sense of responsibility, aiming to capture moments and perspectives that resonate and inspire. The journey has been transformative, and it’s a story I carry with me in every project I take on

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
About my art: My art is shaped by my experiences and the journey I’ve taken from Lagos, Nigeria, to where I am today. What sets me apart is the unique blend of influences I carry with me—a mix of the vibrant culture of Lagos and the fresh perspectives I’ve gained since moving to the U.S. in 2020. Photography, for me, is a way to bridge those worlds and bring stories to life that connect people across different backgrounds.

what you are most proud of or excited about: one thing I’m proud of is working with big celebrities and companies I never thought I was going to meet talkless of work with. and I’m excited to be working toward my first exhibition next year with the help of my support system and of course Dele.

How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges: Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Moving from Nigeria into a totally new environment was a huge shift—one that required adapting to a different culture and learning new ways of seeing things. I’m proud to say that, with the support of my cousin Dele and other mentors, I’ve pushed past those challenges. Dele has guided me professionally and creatively and I will always be grateful to him. I also credit my progress to the encouragement I’ve received from my mom, who always believed in me, Tamilore and little sisters, and the motivation I get from watching other photographers succeed. Seeing others reach great heights inspires me to dream even bigger.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way: Along the way, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. One of the biggest is that there’s no such thing as a ‘bad photo.’ Every shot has something to teach you, so I’ve kept snapping, editing, and working hard, trusting that persistence pays off. And never let anyone tell you your dreams are too big or too little, Don’t let them tell you you’re too proud or your dreams are too big You should humble yourself, humble your dreams Remember everything you see today at some point in time started from a wild dream.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? At the end of the day, my work is about resilience and passion. I want my story to show that no matter where you start, dedication and a strong support system can take you places you never imagined. I want my art to inspire others and show that with hard work and a willingness to keep creating, anything is possible. I want to show young photographers like me back home in Lagos, Nigeria that if you follow your dreams and not give up you would make it big.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a best friend were visiting for a week, I’d definitely take them to some great spots around Alpharetta, starting with Avalon. It’s a perfect blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment, so there’s something for every mood and vibe.
Start with brunch at South City Kitchen for some Southern-inspired dishes. The fried chicken and pimento cheese appetizers are must-tries.
Walk around Avalon, check out the boutiques, and grab some coffee at Cafe Intermezzo. It has a European vibe, and their espresso drinks and cakes are excellent.
and of course get ice cream from Jenny’s ice cream
We’d spend the day in Atlanta, hitting up spots like Ponce City Market, the High Museum of Art, and Piedmont Park. For food, we’d try out some Atlanta classics—maybe Mary Mac’s Tea Room for Southern soul food or The Varsity for a quick taste of history. Museum of illusion too.
Visit Downtown Alpharetta’s arts district to explore local galleries and maybe catch some live street music.
Another round of rooftop drinks at Barleygarden, soaking up the lively Avalon vibe. And we definitely going to some African spots too because I am Nigerian gotta get jollof rice from Ike’s cafe and grill or get hot amala from fufu catering.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve had along the way, and if I had to give a shoutout, it would first go to my mom. Back in 2018, she was the one who encouraged me to pursue photography seriously. Her belief in my potential, even when I was just starting out, gave me the courage to dive in and explore this passion. Also Mrs Agbede, high impact media, for guiding me and showing me the ropes when I was new into photography.

My cousin Dele has also played a huge role in my journey. He welcomed me into his world at CMG Studios and introduced me to an incredible network of creatives who shaped my perspective on photography and professionalism. Working alongside the talented people at his studio gave me a foundation I still build on today. He also taught me not just photography and also the business around it. I love you cuzzo.

And of course, I couldn’t leave out Tamilore, Josephine, Metezy, Devon aka Deeboogiebrown and my close friends who have been by my side through every challenge and success. Their friendship, support, and constant feedback have been invaluable. Each of these people has contributed to my story in unique ways, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/deizstudios

Other: Lightroom: https://lightroom.app.link/YNgjEyVEqOb

Image Credits
Beatrice, dunni, youn jonn