How Abdoul Kader Adjagbe Captures The Intricacies Of Paris Fashion Week Through His Lens

The photographer opens up about what the next 8 days will be like for him, how he knew photography was his calling, and why he isn’t scared of AI

It’s Paris Fashion Week and photographer Abdoul Kader Adjagbe is armed with cameras and all his equipment to capture key moments of the spring-summer 2024 season. The city of lights is a concoction of hustle as both the fashion and non-fashion worlds mesh into one another, with fashion enthusiasts and models running to and from the next show, while Parisians run to-and-fro in the busy business of the city, unaware of it being fashion week.

An up and coming photographer, Adjagbe’s story is like many creatives in fashion. Born into an immigrant family, his career pivoted and he’s doing a job he didn’t go to school for, but one he’s passionate about. “Fashion Week is a high-energy and fast-paced experience that immerses me in the dynamic world of fashion. It begins early as I navigate the streets of Paris, rushing to attend a series of fashion shows for which I have accreditation. These shows are spread throughout the city, and my schedule requires me to move swiftly between venues. At each show, I’m focused on capturing the latest collections and the artistic beauty on display.

In between shows, I take advantage of networking opportunities. I connect with industry professionals, models, and fellow photographers, often leading to valuable collaborations and relationships that contribute to my growth in the fashion industry,” he says in an interview.

Continuing he notes, “as the day transitions into evening, the pace continues unabated. I attend after-parties hosted by fashion brands and designers, which serve as celebrations and networking events.” Giving an example of how fashion week serves as a platform for getting the next job, Adjagbe states “Once, when I had my camera at an after-party hosted by Kilian Hennessy, the French perfumer, I had the pleasure of meeting Maria Borges, a prominent model. Our conversation and shared passion for fashion photography led to a collaboration that has become a significant highlight of my career.”

“Throughout Fashion Week, my camera is an extension of myself, always ready to capture the unexpected moments, candid smiles, and artistic beauty that define this extraordinary event. It’s a demanding but creatively inspiring period, offering me a front-row seat to the magic of the fashion world,” says Adjagbe.

This fashion week Adjagbe is busy with photography projects with Lancôme and Say Who. When he’s not busy with Fashion Week, he can be found in Cannes, capturing fashion’s involvement with film. “My work during Fashion Week and the Cannes Film Festival both demand intensity but differ in context and focus. Fashion Week spans multiple locations and includes capturing runway shows and backstage moments. In contrast, the Cannes Film Festival centers on a single iconic street, La Croisette. It involves documenting celebrities during their preparation, including makeup, hairstyle, styling sessions, and final looks before the Red Carpet. Each event presents unique challenges and opportunities in the world of photography,” he states.

One topic he opens up about is artificial intelligence (AI) and his views on it. Many in fashion, or just many in the creative fields are worried that AI will push them out of work. There’s nothing anyone can do about AI’s rise. It has been here for a while and it’s only going to continue to stay and grow stronger. “I don’t view AI as a threat in photography, instead it is a valuable tool that can enhance my creative process,” says Adjagbe. “Photography is about the connections and emotions I capture and AI can assist in editing, and making the process more efficient. It can also spark creativity and offer new directions. While AI handles technical aspects, the essence of photography, the human perspective and connection remain irreplaceable.” While Adjagbe is confident in this, other fashion photographers like Antoine Verglas are not so hopeful.

Breakthrough

His breakthrough moment came on, as Adjagbe calls it, an ordinary day. “As I pedaled through the streets, I glanced at a billboard, and what I saw left me utterly stunned. In the heart of Paris was one of my photographs, proudly displayed as part of a fashion campaign. My eyes welled up with tears of disbelief and joy. It was a surreal moment like a dream come true. Seeing my work displayed on the streets of Paris, a city renowned for its fashion and artistry, was a validation of my talent and a recognition of the dedication and passion I had poured into my craft,” he says.

Since that day he has built up an incredible rap sheet photographing Naomi Campbell, Ikram Abdi, Didi Stone, and Maria Borges- and working for top brands from Lancôme, Boucheron, Michael Kors Nina Ricci, and Buccelati. Fashion is competitive, it can be cut throat, and opportunities though aplenty are slim to come by. So strategically positioning yourself whether you’re a photographer, in media, a model, a brand, a makeup artist, a hair stylist, nail technician, or stylist is key. “My approach to strategically positioning myself to work with the clientele I aspire to is rooted in authenticity and genuine human connection. While one can employ various strategies and tactics, being true to oneself and fostering positive relationships is the most effective approach,” says Adjagbe.

Photography calling

Born and raised in Ivory Coast, a country on Africa’s Western border that’s filled with seaside resorts and rainforests, Adjagbe sought to leave that world behind and join his parents in France and pursue a career in electronics and hardware design engineering. It was also what was expected, to get a good job so that he could support himself and contribute to his family’s well-being- all the things that immigrant children hope to do. He dedicated himself to that path but carried a camera with him wherever he went capturing styles, the works of fashion designers, and artistry.

“Growing up in Ivory Coast, photography was a rarity, reserved for significant occasions where everyone adorned their most glamorous attire. These events introduced me to the power of photography and the world of fashion, which would become a central focus of my work,” he says. “As a child, I was struck by the transformation when the camera came out. People would dress in their finest garments, exuding confidence and happiness. During these moments, I first began to understand the intimate relationship between fashion and photography. The camera had the power to elevate the visual aesthetics and the emotions and stories behind each photograph.”

Capturing life’s special moments became a passion and way of life for Adjagbe. So, he bought his first camera. “As I ventured into capturing random moments, I was profoundly impacted by the realization of photography’s unique power. It was more than freezing an image in time, it was preserving a moment that would forever bear witness to the raw, unfiltered emotions and connections shared by each participant during that experience.”

“In these moments, witnessing the smiles, laughter, and warmth of shared memories through my photographs, I knew photography was not merely a hobby but my calling. It was a way to tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect with people profoundly. The camera became my passport to fashion photography, where I could blend my love for fashion and the art of capturing moments.”

For Adjagbe and for any photographer, it’s not just a profession but rather a lifelong storytelling journey, where he describes it as a preservation of beautiful heartfelt moments that define life. So, for those struggling to find their calling his advice is clear: follow your gut. “My grandmother always says to dream bigger than yourself because it’s the only thing that belongs to you, really, and believe in yourself. After all, our biggest supporter will only be ourselves.”

While he’s not working in engineering, he says there are things from that world that he applies to what he’s doing now. “I’ve found the perfect blend of my engineering discipline and my love for the artistry of fashion and photography. It’s a testament to the power of pursuing one’s true calling and following one’s heart, even when the practicalities of life may suggest otherwise.”

Adjagbe is committed to storytelling through photography. He recognizes that embracing a dream though it takes hard work, connects people across time and distance, and it is where he is meant to be. “In the world of fashion photography, where relationships and reputation play a significant role, I believe that being true to myself, fostering positive connections, and creating joyful experiences are the keys to attracting the type of clientele I want to work with,” he says.