Street Salone Gallery, with support from the Aurora Foundation, has concluded a two-day Advanced Street and Documentary Photography Workshop aimed at strengthening the technical skills, creativity and storytelling abilities of emerging photographers, journalists and visual communication professionals in Sierra Leone.
The training, held from 19 to 20 October 2026 at Aurora House in Freetown, brought together aspiring and practising photographers seeking to improve their understanding of documentary photography and its importance in preserving history, documenting society and communicating human experiences.
The workshop combined theoretical discussions with practical exercises, exposing participants to photographic techniques, visual storytelling, composition, camera settings and ethical considerations when documenting individuals and communities.
Opening the programme, Co-founder of Street Salone Gallery and Lead Facilitator, James Tamba-Martha, explored the history and evolution of photography, including its introduction to Africa and development as an important medium of communication.
He emphasised that photography extends beyond capturing attractive images, explaining that meaningful documentary work requires patience, observation, creativity and a clear understanding of the stories behind photographs.
“Photography is not simply about pressing the shutter; it is about seeing, understanding and communicating a story through images,” he told participants.
James Tamba-Martha further stressed the importance of professional ethics, particularly obtaining consent before photographing individuals, while encouraging participants to respect the dignity and privacy of their subjects.
The workshop also featured Tolu Jethro Bade, popularly known as TJ, Creative Director of Envizage Concept, who shared professional insights into creative photography, visual communication and the importance of developing a distinctive photographic identity.
Another facilitator, Sierra Leonean visual artist, filmmaker and medical professional Hickmatu Leigh, highlighted photography’s ability to document social realities, preserve cultural experiences and communicate powerful narratives beyond geographical boundaries.
Participants described the training as an enriching experience that broadened their understanding of photography as both an artistic discipline and a professional communication tool.
Princess Kargbo said the sessions inspired her to become more intentional about her photographic work, emphasising that talent must be supported by determination, investment, sacrifice and continuous personal development.
Emmanuel Aiah Mbowa, a multimedia journalist with Truth Media, described the workshop as particularly beneficial to his journalism career.
He explained that the practical sessions improved his understanding of camera settings, including aperture and ISO, while strengthening his ability to communicate stories through photographs.
Similarly, media and communication professional Abigail Conteh said the programme deepened her appreciation of documentary photography and its capacity to capture real-life experiences.
“A photo should tell a story and communicate something to the person looking at it,” she stated.
She also commended the practical street photography exercises, particularly the emphasis on ethical responsibility when documenting people and communities.
The initiative forms part of Street Salone Gallery’s continuing efforts to nurture photographic talent and promote visual storytelling across Sierra Leone.
Through the Aurora Foundation’s support, the workshop provided participants with valuable professional exposure and practical experience, reinforcing photography’s growing contribution to journalism, cultural preservation and the documentation of Sierra Leone’s evolving social landscape.
