From the exhibition Adama Jalloh: Process by Adama Jalloh, staged at the Royal Albert Hall in collaboration with the RPS
Whether shooting for clients including Alexander McQueen and Nike or exploring community and home for personal projects, her identity as a Black British woman shapes the work of Adama Jalloh.
The London-based portrait and documentary photographer – whose solo exhibition Adama Jalloh: Process in collaboration with the RPS is at the Royal Albert Hall – forges a connection with her subjects to explore different aspects of Black cultural identity.
“Being Black, British, African and a woman have all shaped how I see and interpret the world – how I connect with my subjects, how I navigate my photographic practice in all its forms and how I gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of ‘home’,” she explains.
Adama Jalloh: Process, curated by the Society's exhibitions manager Billy-Jay Stoneman ARPS, features work shot over seven years. Whether photographing footballer Marcus Rashford for Burberry or exploring ceremonial gatherings and parties for documentary projects, the photographer’s work explores race, identity and culture.
Jalloh began by photographing those she knew and trusted, almost inadvertently documenting a strong portrait of London community and identity. She explains that same bond of trust still informs her work.
“It will always be something that will play a pivotal role in my practice,” she says. “I gravitate towards there being a feeling of care and vulnerability with how I approach photography. That was learnt through those I knew, or built connections with, along the way.”
So how does she approach making portraits of grassroots London life as opposed to stars such as FKA Twigs and Little Simz?
“I try to approach them in a similar way where it’s possible,” says Jalloh. “With making portraits of London life I’ve had to be quite observant but also quick on my feet at times. That’s lent itself in situations with known names when there were time constraints.”
Jalloh, who is enjoying experimenting with moving images, is now working on a short film with a collective of women she has been spending time with. She explains that giving herself time to develop personal projects means balancing them carefully with her commercial work.
“Attempting to balance the two has its ups and downs,” she says. “Right now I want there to be more focus on personal work because for a while commissions took over. Over the years when things have felt ‘balanced’ it was likely down to being selective with what I say yes to and how I spend my time.”
Here, the photographer shares ten images from the exhibition Adama Jalloh: Process.
All images from the exhibition Adama Jalloh: Process
Adama Jalloh: Process is at the Royal Albert Hall, London, in collaboration with the RPS, 12-28 November 2025. Jalloh will talk about her work during the exhibition open day, 10am-4.30pm, 22 November. Entry is free.
The RPS Journal is available exclusively to members. Join the RPS to receive our award-winning magazine and read more inspiring features. Explore full member benefits here.