Seibou Traoré

"What I love most about photography is the ability to freeze time on things that are important in my eyes, so that I can share them with as many people as possible, either to bring about a positive change or to celebrate triumphs," enthuses portrait photographer Seibou Traoré.

The Canon Ambassador started out photographing his friends and now shoots a wide range of people – from footballers and presidents, to beauty pageant royalty. "Many people, at the end of my sessions tell me, 'You made me feel so much better than when I came in', and I really believe that photography offers a form of therapy; it provides such a positive sense of well-being," says Seibou.

Seibou continued shooting for the Red Cross, but the significant film and developing costs soon encouraged him to make the move to digital, and he bought a Canon EOS 350D. "Thus began a new page in my life," he recalls. "I was able to cover more and more weddings." It was during one of these ceremonies that fate would open a door – renowned Ivorian hairdresser Alain Chapo was styling a bride and wanted to use Seibou's shots in Afrique Fashion, an emerging fashion magazine. "As soon as the editor received the images, she asked to meet because she wanted me to shoot more projects for the magazine," says Seibou, who is entirely self-taught. Not only did this mark his entry into fashion photography, but he also received an invitation to cover the Bastille Day celebrations on 14 July at the French Embassy in Abidjan. This led to Seibou becoming the official photographer for the President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, a position he held for more than a decade.

Garnering acclaim both nationally and internationally, more doors soon opened for Seibou, leading to him working with iconic figures such as footballer Didier Drogba and Miss World Africa, Olivia Yacé.

Beyond his artistic endeavours, Seibou's legacy is also assured thanks to his influence on young photographers in West Africa, many of whom regard him as a mentor and an inspiration. "My greatest pride is the impact I've had on the lives of many young photographers," he says. "When they tell me, 'Big brother, I became a photographer thanks to you,' that is the greatest achievement. True success is measured by the positive change we bring to the lives of others."