Building a pan-African photography community: Inside RareMagic Academy’s 15,000-strong network

In a rapidly evolving digital age, photography has become an essential tool for preserving culture, documenting change, and telling stories. Nowhere is this more evident than in Africa, where a new generation of photographers is using their craft to reshape how the continent is viewed globally. At the forefront of this transformation is RareMagic Academy, a photography training academy that has emerged as a powerhouse in building a Pan-African community of over 15,000 photographers.

Founded on the vision of empowering African photographers to tell their stories through the lens, RareMagic Academy has become a beacon for aspiring photographers across the continent. What began as a small initiative has now blossomed into one of Africa’s leading photography institutions, offering not just education but a sense of belonging to a creative, growing community. With a focus on practical, hands-on training, the academy covers everything from foundational skills to advanced techniques in photography and business development.

RareMagic Academy was born out of a need for accessible, high-quality photography training tailored specifically to the African market. Its founder, Oluseyi Adegeye (a.k.a Oluseyi Magic), realised early on that African photographers needed not only technical skills but also mentorship, business guidance, and a platform to showcase their work. The academy has since worked tirelessly to fill this gap by providing both novice and professional photographers with the tools they need to succeed in the industry.

“Photography is about storytelling, and no one can tell African stories better than Africans themselves,” Oluseyi Magic says. “We wanted to create a space where photographers could learn, connect, and contribute to shaping Africa’s visual narrative.”

What sets RareMagic Academy apart is its thriving community of more than 15,000 photographers from across Africa, USA, UK, Canada, Bahamas. This vibrant network spans multiple countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and beyond. It serves as a melting pot of creativity, where photographers of all skill levels come together to share knowledge, learn new techniques, and support each other’s growth.

The academy’s online community, including forums, social media groups, and webinar series, have become central hubs for African photographers to connect. Toluwanimi, one of RareMagic Academy’s students described the community as “a family of creatives who are as passionate about telling Africa’s stories as they are about perfecting their craft.” For many, RareMagic Academy is more than just a photography school; it’s a supportive network that nurtures talent and fosters growth.

In addition to honing technical photography skills, RareMagic Academy places a strong emphasis on the business side of photography. The academy offers courses and masterclasses that focus on branding, client management, and marketing strategies — tools necessary for photographers looking to turn their passion into a sustainable career.

By equipping photographers with the necessary skills and knowledge, RareMagic Academy is fostering a generation of storytellers who can authentically depict Africa’s diversity, beauty, and complexity. This is particularly important at a time when African photographers are gaining increased recognition on the global stage.

In 2023, RareMagic Academy hosted its inaugural Launch24 Conference, a photography event aimed at providing practical insights and networking opportunities for photographers across Africa. With over 200 photographers in attendance, the event was a resounding success, featuring industry-leading photographers, hands-on workshops, and inspiring keynote addresses.

The conference provided attendees with real-world strategies for thriving in the highly competitive photography industry. Moreover, it served as a platform for showcasing the talents of African photographers and fostering connections within the RareMagic community.

Following the success of the first edition, plans are already underway for the second tagged: Launch25 Conference, where even more photographers will gather to learn, share, and inspire one another.

As RareMagic Academy continues to grow, its mission remains focused on building a Pan-African photography community that empowers photographers to elevate their craft while contributing to the continent’s visual storytelling. With over 15,000 members and counting, RareMagic is on its way to becoming the go-to photography academy in Africa.