The Nigerian photographer aimed to capture the power of femininity with his part-planned, part-spontaneous image – while leaving plenty open to interpretation

The photographer Mayowa Lawal has lived in Lagos, Nigeria, most of his life. It’s a place he describes as highly influential on his creativity, but he wonders whether his environment has placed some limitations on what, or more specifically who, he captures.

“I’ve always found it difficult to have women in front of my lens, which I strongly desired. My home is a male-dominated space, and I tend to feel awkward in social settings where that could be a possibility,” he says.