My Canon Story
Seibou Traoré is a talented portrait photographer from Côte d'Ivoire whose passion for photography has grown from humble beginnings into an impressive career that spans various high-profile subjects, including footballers, presidents, and beauty pageant royalty. His journey began in childhood, fueled by a fascination with animal photography. At just 10 years old, his mother nurtured his passion by gifting him his first film camera, which he used to capture images of his pet dog and the world around him.
As Seibou's skills developed, his focus shifted from animals to documenting everyday events in his life, including his involvement in school sports, theatre, and the Red Cross youth section. In 2002, political unrest in Côte d'Ivoire brought financial difficulties to his family, prompting a teenage Seibou to turn his hobby into a source of income. He began selling photos to his friends, which enabled him to upgrade his camera equipment and expand his services beyond his high school community. By the time he was shooting weddings every weekend, it became clear that photography would be more than just a passion for Seibou—it would become his life's work.
Now a Canon Ambassador, Seibou is renowned for his ability to connect with his subjects, creating an atmosphere that allows them to feel comfortable and empowered. His clients often tell him, "You made me feel so much better than when I came in," a sentiment that speaks to the therapeutic effect of his work. Seibou believes that photography has the power to promote well-being, offering a unique form of therapy by making people feel seen and celebrated. His work continues to freeze moments in time, not just to preserve memories, but to bring about positive change and celebrate life's triumphs.
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