Nadine Ijewere
Nadine Ijewere, a groundbreaking photographer from Southeast London, has carved a significant niche in the realms of fashion and portrait photography, acclaimed for her vibrant and insightful explorations of identity and diversity. Drawing inspiration from her rich Nigerian and Jamaican heritage, Ijewere’s photography has illuminated the pages of prestigious publications such as i-D, The Wall Street Journal, and Vogue, where she made history as the first woman of color to shoot a cover for the iconic magazine.
Despite her rigorous academic pursuits in physics, chemistry, biology, and maths during her A-levels, Ijewere’s passion for photography led her to the London College of Fashion, part of the University of the Arts London (UAL), where she honed her craft. Post-graduation, while working for an interior design company, she continued to develop her photographic style, leveraging social media to connect with early collaborators and discover models, including working with stylist Ibrahim Kamara.
Ijewere’s decision to bypass the traditional route of becoming a photographer’s assistant, a choice she discussed with British Vogue in 2018, allowed her to maintain her passion for photography unblemished by industry challenges. This approach has paid off, with her work featured in various editions of i-D, Garage, WSJ. Magazine, Allure, and British Vogue. Her historic Vogue cover story, featuring Dua Lipa, Binx Walton, and Letitia Wright, broke new ground in the magazine’s 125-year history.
Her art has transcended the boundaries of photography, with exhibitions at The Tate Britain Generation in 2016, Unseen Amsterdam, and Lagos Photo Festival in 2017, showcasing her unique vision. Ijewere’s foray into film and advertising has seen her create compelling campaigns for Stella McCartney, Valentino, Selfridges, and The Gap, further establishing her as a versatile and influential figure in contemporary photography. Represented by CLM Agency, Ijewere continues to be a powerful voice for change and representation within the industry.
