Working in both film and digital, Houston-based photographer Tola Olawale inhabits the crossroads of documentary, editorial and portrait photography, picking the best elements of each and infusing them into her own polystylistic approach. “With every shot, my goal is to capture genuine moments that feel real and authentic while infusing them with the visual storytelling look often seen in editorial spreads,” she says. She notes that she purposefully avoids overintellectualizing the work to ground her practice in realism and authenticity. “For me, a good photo isn’t solely about technical prowess or theory; sometimes, it’s about capturing a moment that brings joy and was simply fun to create,” Olawale says. “Drawing from my Nigerian-American roots and the broader Black experience, my photography is deeply influenced by the diverse cultures and narratives that shape my identity and everyday life for me.” Having grown up inspired to enter the world of photography through her father’s collection of cameras and documenting family moments, Olawale has since found inspiration from photographers Rosie Matheson for her use of film, from Renell Medrano and Gabriel Moses for the way they infuse emotion into their work, from Kwame Brathwaite and Deana Lawson for their explorations into representation, and from Seydou Keïta and Hassan Haijaj’s celebrations of cultural diversity. “I hope to bring more inclusivity to the forefront,” she says. “By showcasing different perspectives and experiences, I aim to break stereotypes and foster empathy.”