Who is Abinet?

Whichever part of the world you are from, you may have had the chance to run into one of Abinet Teshome’s works either at Addis Foto Fest [2016 & 2018], Lens Culture’s “Daily Street Photography Inspiration From Around The World” or his exhibitions in Kenya, Italy, Mali, India, Germany and Belgium, Eritrea, Rome, Paris, and Oslo.

“What makes his works memorable?” Well, Abinet doesn’t stop at capturing moments, he goes as far as capturing the air surrounding the moment in time. Throughout the years he dedicated to learning all about the craft, he has mastered the true nature of photography. Going beyond waiting behind a lens and clicking, just in time, when something interesting happens, to; observing, understanding, and storytelling. Through the various forms of photography Abinet explores, there is always an authentic story you can read and a muse you can find yourself within. Story, truth, and personal touch on the craft remain to be the cornerstones of his artistic values.

Artist Statement

“The whole of anything is greater than its parts”. For me, the parts are just as important as the whole. This is why in every picture I take, I put just as much attention to the intention as the environment I set up. If you see my new initiative; a new way of seeing Ethiopia, I wish to change the narrative that has been poorly written about the lands that are aesthetically rich in nature and community. As there are virtues that need to be magnified, heroes that ought to be glorified, truths that should be seen.”

When I set out to the streets with my iPhone and Fuji x100t, I look beyond the walking subjects roaming the city. I look to have a conversation with my subjects; a value I have learned from my long-time mentor, photographer Aida Muluneh. I carry this artistic conversation by the use of natural light, calm and soothing colouring, and a balanced composition. Impressionistic and aesthetic; a play with the natural light enhancing the details in the photos to evoke instant emotions towards the scenery.

I believe understanding the subject in depth remains to be the key to capturing the life and soul of a moment more than just capturing a scenery.

Articles

  • AFAR

    24 Hours in the World’s Greatest Cities

    Click Here

  • Nocroni Art Project x Abinet

    Nocroni Art Project x Abinet

    Read

  • Baku Magazine

    Five of the best Instagram accounts in Ethiopia to Follow

    Read

  • The Bright Continent

    Gallery contributor

    Read

  • QUARTZ AFRICA

    Capturing moment of change

    Read

  • Eye shot street photography

    Surreal

    Read

Awards & Recognitions

  • 2019

    Lens Culture

  • Second place in the National Geography & AFF portfolio review award.

    2018

Testimonials

  • Not only is Abinet a skilled photographer with a sharp eye for the subject and the context, but he went out of his way to make sure I had everything I needed during my weeklong, solo trip to Addis for my book. I’m looking forward to a long term professional and friendly relationship with him and his team.

    Nasozi kakembo

    xN Studio

  • Abinet is a true professional in his field. He was able to put what clients envisioned and put it into action. He is very detail-oriented having a great eye for the best shots!

    Meron Bailey - Communication officer

    Swiss Church Aid Ethiopia

  • Abinet is one of the best and most talented photographers Unilever has worked with. We are satisfied with the service that was rendered to us by his esteemed company. His professionalism in his communication, time management, and his fine attainment to details is what makes him the best in his field of work. It is not hard to say that this level of dedication will take him to the highest achievements he is destined too. We would always recommend him to any projects and stakeholders who are in need of professional expertise.

    Tsion Berhane ,Assistant Brand Manager

    Unilever Manufacturing Ethiopia

  • I recently had the pleasure of working with Abinet for a photo shoot for my jewelry company, Yedesh Essentials. It was wonderful working with him. I appreciate his professionalism, responsiveness, attention to detail and creative approach to bring my ideas to life. The pictures turned out great and just how I wanted them. I would greatly recommend him for anyone in the city and beyond looking for a photographer!

    Kalkidan Temesgen

    Owner, YEDESH ESSENTIALS

  • Abinet is truly an outstanding photographer who is able to capture the true nature of people. He and his team were extremely professional and creative during our sessions. Abinet is incredibly talented and his photos go beyond expectations.

    Love-Leigh Trimiew