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 neighborhood. 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, which now thrives in his Calgary photography studio. 

Since moving to Calgary in 2018, he has made a name for himself in documentary-style photography, focusing on capturing the essence of his subjects through his lens. 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. in Computer Science, a Business Diploma from the Haskayne School of Business, and a Diploma in Digital Photography. He is also a Certified Fitness and Indoor Cycling Coach. 

Charismatic, empathic, curious, and visionary, Sam is currently launching “Yellow Cap Convo,” a podcast devoted to giving voice to marginalized groups. In addition to his portrait photography work, he is a huge fitness buff, writes poetry as an alternative way to tell stories, and remains active in the local arts community and business circles.

Not everyone gets the chance to see the world through the lens of Calgary photography, where the ability to document moments filled with genuine emotion transforms them into lasting memories. 

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

Each person, each session, and each story is unique; and every one of them fuels our passion for modern portrait photography that embraces candid moments.

As a community-focused Calgary photography service, our work is rooted in social advocacy and the belief that art can strengthen and uplift the spaces we share. We specialize in documentary-style photography that captures the essence of our communities. 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 through portrait photography that reflect the heart of our communities.