Lagos Heat & Hustle: A Photographer's Slightly Sweaty Take

okay, so lagos. it’s…a lot. i landed a few days ago, chasing light and stories, and honestly, i’m still processing. the air hits you like a *wall when you step off the plane - thick, humid, and buzzing with energy. i just checked and it’s basically a sauna out there right now, which is…a choice.

i’m a freelance photographer, mostly shooting street stuff, and this place is a goldmine. absolute chaos, but beautiful chaos. i’ve been wandering around Balogun Market, trying not to get completely swallowed by the crowds, and the colors…forget about it. it’s sensory overload in the best way.

i’ve been staying in a little guesthouse in Yaba. the owner, aunty ifeoma, is an absolute legend. she makes the best jollof rice i’ve ever tasted (and i’ve tasted a lot of jollof rice). she keeps warning me about pickpockets, though. “shine your eyes, my dear,” she says. “these lagos boys, they are clever.” which, fair enough.

someone told me that the traffic on Third Mainland Bridge is legendary, and they weren’t kidding. i spent a good hour stuck there yesterday, just people-watching. it’s like a moving party. i overheard a guy on a motorbike telling his friend that the best suya in town is at a stall near Ojuelegba - apparently, it’s worth battling the traffic for. i’m planning to investigate. you can find more about Lagos on TripAdvisor.

the weather data i’ve been getting is…intense. 30.31 degrees celsius, feels like 29.21. humidity at 32%. basically, you’re constantly glistening. i’ve been chugging water like it’s going out of style. i’ve also discovered the joy of cold malt drinks. seriously, life saver.

i was talking to a local artist near Freedom Park yesterday, and he said that the best time to photograph the city is during the golden hour, when the light softens and the dust motes dance in the air. he also warned me about the agberos (area boys) - apparently, they can be a bit…persistent. i’ve been trying to be respectful and blend in, but it’s hard when you’re obviously a foreigner with a camera. you can find more information about local events on Yelp.

i heard that the nightlife around Victoria Island is pretty wild, but i haven’t ventured out there yet. i’m more of a daytime explorer, honestly. i’m also trying to learn a few basic yoruba phrases. “Ẹ kú àárọ̀” (good morning) gets me a lot of smiles.

if you get bored, Ibadan and Abeokuta* are just a short drive away. aunty ifeoma says they’re worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in history and culture. i’m thinking of taking a day trip next week. i’ve been reading up on the city’s history on Wikipedia.

honestly, lagos is exhausting, exhilarating, and completely addictive. it’s a city that gets under your skin and stays there. i’m not sure how long i’ll stay, but i know i’ll never forget it. i've also found this local forum helpful: Nairaland.