The Photographer Redefining Childhood through Advocacy and Photography

Social advocacy is a cause that often goes overlooked in today’s world. Amidst the apparent absence of voices clamoring for change, individuals like Esther Seriki shine as beacons of hope in this darkness of neglect. Esther, a passionate photographer, has dedicated her life to capturing the precious moments that shape young lives while simultaneously advocating for their rights and well-being. With a unique focus on child photography, she intertwines her love for art and children, creating timeless memories that families will cherish forever.

Inspired by her experiences volunteering at orphanages and her deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful impact, she has carved out a niche that transcends mere photography—transforming it into a mission to champion the rights of the boy child and address critical social issues.

For over seven years, Esther has honed her craft, developing techniques that not only capture genuine smiles but also create a safe space for children to express themselves. Through her lens, she aims to spark conversations and inspire change, proving that photography can be a powerful tool for social impact.

In this exclusive interview with The Moveee, Esther discusses how her passion for child photography intersects with her commitment to social advocacy, highlighting the unique challenges she faces and the transformative initiatives she champions for boys in need.

You are into a unique photography niche. What inspired you to venture into this niche?

I have always loved children and art, and photography has allowed me to combine both passions. Growing up, I dreamed of a career in the medical field, specifically pediatrics. Today, I find myself capturing and preserving the special milestones in children’s lives. Memories that will shape their futures.

My experience volunteering at orphanages and participating in outreach programs inspired me to pursue photography. I realized that this single path could bring together my love for children, creativity, and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

How long have you been involved in child photography?

About 7 years now.

How do you approach a photography session with children, especially those who may be shy, nervous or have disabilities?

Before any session, I do a thorough consultation with parents or guardians to determine what I need to have in place for each child’s photo session (like toys, a particular sound, music, cartoon, color or candy).

When photographing children, especially those who are shy, nervous, or have disabilities, I focus on creating a safe, relaxed environment. I begin by connecting with them at eye level, talking about their interests or introducing a small prop to build trust. Keeping the setting calm and inviting, I use soft lighting and encourage parents to stay nearby if that helps the child feel secure.

Instead of directing poses, I start with candid shots as they play or interact, letting them warm up to the camera naturally. Playful prompts or games, like pretending to be a superhero, make the session fun and help them express themselves. I also adapt my approach for children with disabilities, celebrating each child’s uniqueness.

By following their lead, taking breaks when needed, and offering encouragement, I aim to capture genuine moments and ensure they feel comfortable and confident throughout the session.

What techniques do you use to capture genuine moments with your clients?

To capture genuine moments with clients, I focus on creating a relaxed environment. I begin by building trust, taking time to chat and learn about their personalities. Instead of strict poses, I guide them into simple, natural actions like walking together or sharing a laugh which evoke authentic expressions. I also use playful prompts, such as “whisper a funny secret” or “look away and smile,” to bring out natural reactions. Staying alert to spontaneous moments, I often capture the most genuine expressions in between posed shots, resulting in photos that truly reflect the client’s personality and connection.

Can you share your journey into photography and how it connects to your social impact interventions? 

My journey into photography is deeply connected to my passion for social impact, especially in advocating for children’s rights and well-being. Photography enables me to capture children’s unique moments, while my love for children drives me to work towards ensuring they have access to education and support. I regularly organize small projects in my community, sharing books or covering educational costs to help local children access learning resources and opportunities.

A key focus of my advocacy is raising awareness about #TheBoyChild and the rights of #EveryChild. I actively participate in events, speak on panels, and celebrate the importance of supporting boys’ development. Our society often overlooks the Boy Child, yet creating a balanced approach to empowering all children is essential to shaping a future of responsible, respectful men. By championing these causes, I hope to inspire positive change and bring awareness to the importance of supporting every child’s growth and rights.

What led to your social interventions, and how did you kickstart it?

My journey into social intervention began when I noticed that almost every empowerment program focused primarily on the girl child. While empowering girls is essential, I believe balance is equally important for a sustainable community and future. This realization led me to start celebrating the International Day of the Boy Child each year, much like we honor the girl child and children in general. I began using my photography skills to create timeless images that celebrate the Boy Child’s uniqueness and potential, highlighting their dreams and contributions to society.

This initiative quickly gained support from friends and family who embraced the vision, sharing stories of boys in our community in need of empowerment and support. Through partnerships with platforms advocating for boys, we began connecting with those who required intervention. Although resources were limited, we proudly helped two boys secure educational opportunities, using the Sustainable Development Goal of quality education as our guiding principle. This journey has reinforced my commitment to promoting balance and uplifting the Boy Child, inspiring future generations to be responsible, respectful men.

The boy child has been through a lot in today’s society and not much has been done to help his plight. What made you pick a specific interest in this challenging area?

My interest in advocating for the Boy Child stems from a growing concern about the imbalance in support systems directed toward children in today’s society. While there has been significant focus on empowering girls, which is crucial and admirable. I have observed that the Boy Child is often left without the same level of guidance, mentorship, and support. Boys face unique challenges, from societal expectations around masculinity to limited emotional support, yet they are frequently expected to “figure things out” on their own. This gap in attention can leave boys vulnerable, lacking the tools to grow into responsible, balanced adults.

I became passionate about this cause because I believe that empowering boys and girls equally is essential for building a more inclusive, respectful society. My goal is to help boys recognize their worth, build confidence, and make positive choices. Through my photography, I celebrate their individuality and potential, offering a platform where their stories and dreams are acknowledged. Additionally, I work with communities to raise awareness around issues affecting boys and to provide resources for their development. Supporting the Boy Child isn’t just about creating better individuals, it’s about fostering a future where men and women contribute meaningfully and harmoniously to society.

What types of interventions have you conducted for the boy child and what motivated these initiatives?

Some of the significant interventions I have undertaken to support the Boy Child include the interventions for Busayo and Daniel.

Busayo was a boy of over 10 years old with a hearing impairment. When I heard about his plight, I assisted in securing financial support from the Ekiti State Government, enabling him to enroll in a special school in Ikoro-Ekiti. I also supported Daniel, a 6-year-old boy, in overcoming financial barriers to education, ensuring he could return to school with all his basic educational needs met.

What motivated these initiatives was the pressing need to create equitable opportunities for boys facing unique challenges, particularly those with disabilities or from underserved backgrounds. I realized that by addressing the specific struggles these boys face, I could help set them on a path toward independence, confidence, and a hopeful future. Witnessing their progress has reinforced my belief that every child deserves a fair chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

How do you see your interventions influencing the lives of the boys you help?

I believe my interventions have a lasting impact on the lives of the boys I help by providing them with crucial support, resources, and opportunities they might not otherwise have access to. When boys like Busayo and Daniel receive help tailored to their specific needs—such as financial support for education or enrollment in specialized programs—they not only gain access to learning but also develop a renewed sense of self-worth. These boys learn that their challenges do not define them, and that there are people who believe in their potential.

My interventions also aim to address the broader issue of underrepresentation and lack of mentorship for boys in society. By offering these boys practical assistance and emotional encouragement, I hope they are empowered to embrace their unique strengths and pursue their goals with confidence. This support provides a foundation for them to grow into responsible, self-assured individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to their communities.

Moreover, I hope these interventions inspire a ripple effect, encouraging others in the community to recognize and address the needs of boys. By raising awareness and taking action, I believe we can cultivate a generation of compassionate, resilient men who understand the value of empathy and support.

What challenges have you faced in your work, and how have you overcome them?

One of the main challenges I’ve faced in my work is limited resources, which restricts the number of boys I can support, especially in terms of educational costs and specialized programs. To overcome this, I’ve built partnerships with local organizations and government bodies to secure funding. Another challenge is raising awareness about the unique needs of boys, which often go overlooked. I address this by advocating for the Boy Child through events and discussions. Additionally, working with children with disabilities involves navigating complex bureaucratic processes, but perseverance and collaboration have helped me ensure they receive the support they need.

How do you balance your photography career with your social impact initiatives?

Balancing my photography career with my social impact initiatives requires careful time management, passion, and a strong sense of purpose. Photography is not just a career for me; it’s also a tool I use to amplify the causes I care about. I structure my schedule to allocate dedicated time for both my professional shoots and my community work. On days when I’m not booked for photography sessions, I focus on planning and executing social impact projects, such as raising awareness for the Boy Child or providing educational support for children in need.

My passion for both areas fuels my commitment, as they are deeply interconnected. Photography allows me to share powerful visual stories, while my social initiatives give my work meaning and purpose. Often, my social impact work and photography overlap—like when I document the lives of the children I help, using my photography to capture their progress and highlight their stories.

I also rely on a strong support system of family, friends, and collaborators who understand and help me manage the balance. With clear goals, flexibility, and dedication, I’m able to pursue both my photography career and my social impact initiatives effectively.

Can you share a memorable story from your interventions that highlights the impact of your work?

After successfully enrolling Daniel in a new school and ensuring he had all the necessary learning materials, I witnessed a moment that truly embodied the impact of my work. Seeing his beautiful smile warms my heart as it reflects his newfound sense of hope and excitement.

What made this experience even more rewarding was the profound gratitude expressed by his mother. She shared how overwhelmed she felt with joy and relief, knowing her son now had access to education and opportunities that had previously seemed out of reach. 

This moment not only reaffirmed my commitment to advocating for children but also highlighted the transformative power of education in shaping their futures. Seeing Daniel thrive in his new environment was a powerful reminder of why I do what I do, inspiring me to continue my mission of making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need

How do you collaborate with other organizations or individuals in your interventions?

Collaboration plays a crucial role in my interventions, as it allows me to expand the reach and impact of my work. I actively partner with local organizations, community leaders, and other individuals who share similar values and goals, particularly those focused on children’s education and empowerment.

For example, when supporting boys like Busayo and Daniel, I collaborate with government bodies, educational institutions, and nonprofits to secure resources, funding, and educational support. These partnerships help address the broader needs of the boys, such as specialized schooling or financial assistance, which would be difficult to manage alone.

I also work closely with individuals in the community, such as teachers, social workers, and family members, to ensure that my interventions are practical and aligned with the boys’ specific needs. These collaborators often offer valuable insights into how best to support the children in their educational journey and personal development.

Through these collaborations, I’m able to amplify the impact of my efforts, access more resources, and ensure that the boys I help receive comprehensive, well-rounded support. By working together with others, I can create more sustainable and meaningful change.

What future projects or initiatives do you hope to pursue?

In the future, I hope to expand my efforts in supporting the Boy Child and create long-term, sustainable programs that address their unique challenges. One key initiative I plan to pursue is launching mentorship programs, where boys can connect with role models in various fields, helping them build self-esteem and providing guidance on navigating life’s challenges.

I also aim to develop educational support networks that go beyond just financial assistance, incorporating skill-building workshops, emotional intelligence training, and career guidance. These programs would help boys gain the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.

Additionally, I want to expand my reach by collaborating with more organizations and community leaders to create awareness around the importance of investing in boys’ mental and emotional well-being. I envision a future where the Boy Child receives as much attention and advocacy as other marginalized groups, ensuring a balanced, equitable society.

Finally, I plan to document and share the stories of these boys through my photography, showcasing their progress and the impact of these initiatives to inspire others to take action. Through these projects, I hope to make a lasting, positive impact on future generations.

How can others support your efforts to help boys in need?

There are several meaningful ways others can support my efforts to help boys in need, each contributing to building a stronger foundation for their future. Some of these include: donating resources, funding, volunteering time  or expertise, raising awareness, offering mentorship and partnering with local organizations.

Together, these actions can create a supportive network that ensures boys receive the opportunities, encouragement, and resources they need to thrive and become responsible, empowered individuals.