Behind the lens
Iklima Babangida — Visual storytelling rooted in heritage.
Iklima Babangida is a visual storyteller whose work explores themes of identity, memory, tradition, womanhood, and personal freedom. Drawing from her Hausa-Fulani heritage in northern Nigeria, she blends documentary and creative storytelling to capture human experiences through a cultural lens.
Influenced by her late grandmother’s passion for photography, Iklima’s work preserves cultural narratives while challenging stereotypes and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Her photography has appeared in the 9th edition of Abuja Photo Festival (2025), the +234 Art Exhibition in Lagos (2025), the Alára Now Exhibition (2024), and Mindscapes of the North (Arts & Vibes × British Council, Lagos, 2024). She has also been published in Ake Review ’24 (Embracing Identity).
Iklima is a proud member of Black Women Photographers.
Let’s Create TogetherPreferred Gear
Fujifilm X-T Series Body
The camera body keeps that classic SLR silhouette with a centered viewfinder hump and dials begging to be turned. Manual shutter speed and ISO wheels live on the top plate, alongside tactile switches that invite intentional exposure decisions. Whether it’s the X-T5, X-T4, or an older sibling, the Fujifilm X-T family delivers the hybrid ergonomics and timeless styling I love.
Fujinon XF Prime
A compact Fujinon XF prime stays glued to the mount—usually the weather-sealed XF 35mm f/2 R WR or its 23mm sibling. The lens renders crisp detail with smooth falloff, perfect for the cinematic storytelling I chase in every frame.