We have been communicating via message, but my first impression of meeting her for the first time was “She is such a woman filled with physical energy, it is contagious.” I was in awe. If that’s the age she is and she’s like this, then what have I been worried for?

From wardrobe raid to find what we need for her photography session with Maigaskiya, to me waving bye, as I head out to leave after session, this woman has been a wonder to work with.

For her first-ever studio solo session, she wasn’t sure what she wanted, but she knew she wanted something simple, so I and the studio of Maigaskiya, conjured a classy theme for her based on her personality. Nothing so overwhelming. It was easy to pick out what she wanted as she had most things at hand.

Uchenna Lilian has such an array of outfits and accessories as i found at the wardrobe raid, and it felt like it was a playground, and she did let me play.

After several outfits were picked out, finally I went for a tailored outfit for look 1. Maroon colored, for contrast against her lovely glowy dark skin and contagious white pearly smile (you’ll understand soon). The Gele (head) was something I needed to complete the ceremonial fit for her birthday, and It turned out perfect, thanks to Duchess Mami.

I like to use pearls on the scene. I believe pearls are embodiment of class just like I do for cowries. The outfit was already showing itself, so less jewelry in this case was needed to balance the tone. A simple pearl necklace here, light accessories there, and a sprinkle of the clutch bag (used as a prop) gave a complete look for the session.

Maigaskiya put on the Versace 2022 runway playlist and just did a thing with his camera. Angles, colors, and set setting were aligned with the theme we were trying out. As you can see, the overall pictures of the style on her. Simple yet, Glam. Just as she wanted.

Note: The use of props in photography is prior. Lamps or lanterns, clocks, teapot set, kaskon turaren wuta (incense burner) are examples of simple but elegant props.

To Maigaskiya, Uche and Duchess Mami, it was lovely being on the same team.