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A couple poses together in coordinated outfits with tan and black colors against a leafy backdrop.

One of the first things Toba and Tabeeka connected over in medical school wasn't medicine. It was photography.


Before moving to the United States, Toba had already spent years working as a professional photographer in Nigeria.


Tabeeka loved photography too, but from a different perspective.

She enjoyed documenting people, places, and everyday moments, but rarely enjoyed being in front of the camera herself. Like many people, she never felt particularly comfortable being photographed. Most photos felt awkward, overly posed, or simply didn't feel like her.


Over time, she found herself doing what many people do: stepping behind the camera instead.


Years later, she realized there was a downside to that.


She had very few photos of herself from some important seasons of life. Not because nobody cared enough to take them. She simply wasn't stepping into the frame.


As Toba photographed her over the years, that slowly started to change.



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Tabeeka James & Oluwatoba Olayinka, Co-founders of Photos by Toba at a Breast Cancer Fundraising event hosted by American Cancer Society.

Through patience, guidance, and a knack for making people feel comfortable, he helped her see that being photographed didn't have to feel awkward or intimidating.


Friends and family who stepped in front of his camera often said the same thing afterward: "That was a lot easier than I expected."



The photos felt natural.

They felt relaxed.

Most importantly, they felt like themselves.

That experience became the foundation of Photos by Toba.


Today, we work with people who want photographs they love but don't necessarily love being photographed.


People who aren't sure how to pose.

People who feel a little nervous stepping in front of a camera.

People who want genuine photos without feeling like they have to perform for them.


Whether we're documenting a graduation, proposal, intimate wedding, personal milestone, or branding session, our goal is simple: to create a comfortable experience and photographs that feel true to you.


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Our approach is simple


We take the time to get to know you, prepare you for the session, and guide you every step of the way.


That means less worrying about what to do and more space to be present in the moment.

The result is photographs that feel like you.


At Photos by Toba, the focus is always you.



Your story.

Your milestones.

Your reasons for wanting these photographs in the first place.


You don't need to be a model, an influencer, or someone who's naturally comfortable in front of a camera.


You just need to show up as yourself.


We'll help with the rest.


We know what it feels like to wonder if you're photogenic, feel nervous about being photographed, or worry that you'll look awkward in pictures. Many of our clients arrive feeling the exact same way.


That's why we spend time preparing, guiding, and supporting you throughout the experience.


And somewhere along the way, most people realize they don't have to work nearly as hard as they thought.


They relax.


They gain confidence.


They stop worrying about the camera.


By the end of the session, they're simply enjoying the moment.


And when they receive their gallery, they see photographs that feel like them.

Person walking on modern plaza with grid pattern windows in the background.

We don’t just take photos , we document stories. The little details, the in-between moments, and the emotions you’ll want to relive years from now.



DOCUMENTARY

Two people relaxing on a black couch while enjoying a moment together.

Every session begins with listening. We create space for you to feel comfortable, so real connections and true presence can shine through.



HUMAN

CONNECTION

A group of people wearing pink outfits sit casually together on a white floor in a studio setting.

It’s not about stiff poses or forced smiles. It’s about how you felt in the moment , the laughter, the energy, the comfort of being yourself.



EXPERIENCE OVER PERFECTION

Professional wearing a stylish teal blue business suit poses confidently against a textured wall background.

We capture images that reflect who you are, with depth and sincerity. Photos that go beyond surface beauty and hold real value.



HONEST + MEANINGFUL

A group of people enjoying conversation and drinks at a long dining table in a restaurant setting.

We love beautiful photographs, but what matters most is that they bring you back to how the moment felt.


The laughter, the excitement, the people who showed up, and the moments you didn't realize you'd want to remember.


That's what we hope you'll see every time you look back at your photos.



EMOTIONAL + ENGAGING

Dynamic poses in pink dress against white studio background.

The best moments are often the unplanned ones. We lean into spontaneity, letting your personality guide the session so your story comes alive.



UNSCRIPTED + PLAYFUL

Every story begins with listening, and we'd love to hear yours.

Our clients are entrepreneurs, couples, families, graduates, and everyday people celebrating meaningful moments in their lives.


No two people walk into a session with the same story, personality, or comfort level in front of the camera.


That's why we take the time to get to know you before we ever pick up the camera.

What feels natural to you?

What are you excited about?

What are you nervous about?


The more we understand you, the better we can guide you through the experience in a way that feels comfortable and true to who you are.


With thoughtful preparation, clear guidance, and a relaxed approach, we'll help you feel confident in front of the camera without feeling like you have to perform.



Our goal is simple: to create photographs that feel like you.

Our promise is simple.

We'll take the time to get to know you, guide you through the process, and create an experience that feels comfortable from start to finish.


We believe great photographs come from feeling prepared, relaxed, and able to be yourself in front of the camera.


The images we create aren't just for sharing today. They're for remembering this season of life years from now, the people who were there, what mattered to you, and the moments you never want to forget.


When you work with Photos by Toba, you're not just hiring someone to show up with a camera.


You're working with a team that cares about the experience just as much as the final photographs.

The planning.

The details.

The little moments in between.

Because those things matter too.

From creative direction to styling support.


Studio photography session with coordinated casual outfits.
Group wearing matching white shirts and ripped jeans in studio setting.