Sam Obadero | Owner

Sam credits his mother for awakening his imagination and dedication to his craft. 

As a child in Lagos Nigeria, he would fight sleepiness as he listened to his mother during her 4.00 a.m. evangelical rounds in the neighbourhood. She couldn’t see her audience, but she spoke to them with heart, guided them with love, and welcomed them into the day with songs and encouragement. Her blend of vulnerability, courage, and performance shaped Sam’s creative worldview.

Sam moved to Calgary in 2018 and soon opened his own photography studio.

Winner of the prestigious, Legacy Award as New Canadian of the Year, 

he is a sought-after and gifted public speaker. 

Sam holds a B.Sc. Computer Science degree, a Business Diploma from the Haskayne School of Business, and a Diploma in Digital Photography. He is a Certified Fitness and Indoor Cycling Coach. 

Sam is charismatic, empathic, curious and visionary. He is currently launching “Yellow Cap Convo,” a podcast devoted to giving voice to marginalized groups.

He is a huge fitness buff, writes poetry as an alternative way to tell stories, and is active in the local arts community and business circles. 

Not everyone gets the chance to see the world from a photographer’s perspective, the ability to document moments filled with genuine emotion, and turn them into memories that last.

Life is a series of unposed, imperfect, meaningful interactions which we often overlook, yet these are the moments we treasure forever. Being present as life unfolds and capturing those fleeting exchanges is inspirational. 

Each person, each session, each story is unique; and each one fuels our passion for modern, documentary-style, candid photography.  

As a community-focused photography service, our work is rooted in social advocacy and the belief that art can strengthen and uplift the spaces we share.

We are committed to building programs that amplify overlooked voices and enrich our cultural landscape.

Motif Photography is guided by connection, allegiance, and a dedication to telling authentic stories that reflect the heart of our communities.