A Study of Photography as a Documentary and Artistic Practice Among Young Photographers in Enugu State

Photography in Nigeria has evolved from a commercial portrait service to a diverse practice encompassing documentary journalism, fine art expression, and social media content creation, and understanding this range of practices among young practitioners in South East Nigeria provides useful data for creative arts education and industry development. This study examined photography as a documentary and artistic practice among young photographers aged 18 to 30 in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive survey was adopted, with structured questionnaires and portfolio interviews administered to 60 young photographers recruited through the Enugu Photographers Association and social media photography communities. The survey assessed genre specialisation, training background, equipment access, revenue streams, and professional aspiration. Portfolio interviews assessed technical quality, conceptual framing, and cultural content in respondents' work. Results showed that documentary photography of social issues (46.7 percent), portraiture (43.3 percent), and fashion photography (36.7 percent) were the most practiced genres. Self-taught practitioners represented 61.7 percent of the sample, with formal photography education available to only 38.3 percent. Equipment access inequity was identified as the primary barrier to professional advancement, with 48.3 percent unable to afford full-frame camera systems. Social media monetisation through Instagram and Pixa had become a significant secondary income source for 55 percent. The study recommends equipment grant schemes, photography education integration in creative arts polytechnic curricula, and organised exhibition platforms for documentary photography in Enugu State.

Keywords: photography, documentary practice, young artists, Enugu State, photographic art