AFRICAN CREATIVE SERIES
What is your name and in which country do you live?
My name is Badara Preira and I am a Senegalese photographer based between Senegal and France.
2-How did you start photography and how long have you been doing it?
I’ve always loved photography, but it was a gift that changed everything. My Senegalese-Swedish cousin, on vacation in Dakar, noticed my enthusiasm for his camera and gave it to me. From then on, I began teaching myself, out of curiosity and a desire to understand. In 2015, after my Master’s degree, I decided to fully embrace photography. I’ve been living this professional adventure for ten years now, fueled by the same passion I had on the first day.
3-You document a lot of moments around Africans, especially in the religious domain — what influences your choice?
What deeply motivates me to document African life, particularly that of Senegal, is the desire to show things as they are. My approach is resolutely documentary: I seek to capture what everyone sees, but few truly take the time to observe. These are often everyday scenes, seemingly ordinary, but imbued with meaning and beauty.
My interest in religious moments stems from my personal history. I come from a practicing Muslim family, and these spaces of faith are places where I feel both spiritually and artistically connected. I find an energy, a sincerity, a humanity there that I need to translate into images. These are moments where the visible and the invisible intersect, and where photography takes on its full meaning, in my eyes.
4-What has been your best moment since the beginning of your career?
I’ve experienced many beautiful moments in my career, but there is one that I cherish in my memory. It was during my exhibition in Morocco, during the 1-54 Art Fair. I was presenting some of my photographs there, and during the visits, an elderly woman stopped for a long time in front of one of my works. She remained there, silent, contemplating it for a good ten minutes. Intrigued, I approached to tell her the story behind this image. She then looked at me very gently and said: “You know, I’m almost 70 years old, I’ve traveled a lot, seen so many things… but I think I just experienced one of the most beautiful moments of my life, here, in front of you and your work.”
It’s the kind of moment that gives meaning to what I do.
5-What is your favorite project so far, and why do you like it?
As a freelance photographer, I choose to work on projects that speak deeply to me. One of the most memorable projects is my collaboration with the 2022 Olympic Games. Working with the Olympics had been a long-time dream, and this project exceeded all my expectations. The team trusted me by giving me carte blanche, which is rare and precious—they were already familiar with my work and wanted me to be able to express myself freely. This creative freedom, in such a prestigious setting, remains an unforgettable experience.
Another project that is particularly close to my heart is an artistic series I titled Singularity. It’s a very personal project, in which I fully identify. It addresses the question of difference—our own, that of others—and invites reflection on self-acceptance and individuality. Through this series, I seek to raise awareness of how we view things that deviate from the norm, and to celebrate the uniqueness of each individual.
6-What are you looking forward to doing as a photojournalist?
As a photojournalist, what drives me above all is the curiosity that each subject can arouse. I would love to experience being the personal photographer of the president or the presidency, to offer a different perspective—my own—on the corridors of power.
7-Who would you like to collaborate or work with one day?
I would like to collaborate one day with renowned media outlets like Getty Images, The New York Times, or Reuters to take my photographic vision beyond borders and tell the world through a personal and engaged prism.
8-What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into photography but doesn’t know how to go about it?
To someone who wants to get into photography but doesn’t know where to start, I would first say: put aside any doubts. If you have the means, a school can give you a good foundation, but you can also learn a lot through online tutorials. Finding a mentor is a real plus, but the most important thing is to start. Take your camera, explore, make mistakes, start again. Don’t be afraid to fail, and above all, avoid comparing yourself to others: everyone progresses at their own pace, on their own path.
9-Describe your journey so far in three words.
Reconversion – Passion – Freedom
