Seeing life through a different lens
It’s not often you meet a photographer who is as intriguing as his photos. But then again, Chi Modu’s unusual background is probably responsible for the unique way he sees and captures the world around him.
Born in Nigeria and raised in New Jersey, Chi had to decide at a young age whether to return with his parents to Nigeria or stay behind at boarding school. He chose boarding school, and found himself at Lawrenceville, the prestigious prep school attended by the likes of Michael Eisner and Malcolm Forbes. With his parents on the other side of the world, Chi developed a strong independent streak, which later would manifest itself in his work.
Documenting the defining years of hip hop
Chi first picked up a camera while a student at Rutgers. After honing his skills at the International Center of Photography, he landed a job at The Source, which was the definitive magazine of hip-hop culture. It was here that Chi developed relationships with the biggest icons of the hip-hop movement, including Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and L-L Cool J, most of who were not yet famous. In addition to shooting over 30 cover photos for The Source as their Director of Photography, Chi was able to capture the musicians in candid, unexpected moments, due to his disarming manner and unique perspective. So he not only chronicled the most important phase of the hip hop movement, now a global force, he also was able to show the artists as real people, rather than one-dimensional celebrities.
Chi Modu’s timeless, unique photographs are often requested for commercials, films and music documentaries along with being held in private collections. His images have also been licensed by Sony, Paramount, Viacom, The New York Times and The London Times. Even Rolling Stone realized its epic new book, “The ‘90s: The Inside Stories from the Decade That Rocked,” would not have been complete without Chi’s iconic photo of Tupac.
From Tupac to Lombok
In addition to his impressive collection of hip hop photos, Chi has amassed a wealth of travel, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle images. Despite the differences in his subject matter, Chi’s work has a singular focus – it all reflects Chi’s refreshing take on the world. Whether it’s kids at a church in Nigeria, a group of fishermen cleaning their catch in Morocco, a musician playing for money near Prague Castle, or Tupac himself caught in an unexpected moment, the perspective is always as unique and disarming as the photographer himself.
Chi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental and business economics from Rutgers University and is a graduate of the International Center of Photography in New York City.
He is the founder of ephotos.com, diverseimages.com, visualiq.org.
and thephototeacher.com
It’s not often you meet a photographer who is as intriguing as his photos. But then again, Chi Modu’s unusual background is probably responsible for the unique way he sees and captures the world around him.
Born in Nigeria and raised in New Jersey, Chi had to decide at a young age whether to return with his parents to Nigeria or stay behind at boarding school. He chose boarding school, and found himself at Lawrenceville, the prestigious prep school attended by the likes of Michael Eisner and Malcolm Forbes. With his parents on the other side of the world, Chi developed a strong independent streak, which later would manifest itself in his work.
Documenting the defining years of hip hop
Chi first picked up a camera while a student at Rutgers. After honing his skills at the International Center of Photography, he landed a job at The Source, which was the definitive magazine of hip-hop culture. It was here that Chi developed relationships with the biggest icons of the hip-hop movement, including Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and L-L Cool J, most of who were not yet famous. In addition to shooting over 30 cover photos for The Source as their Director of Photography, Chi was able to capture the musicians in candid, unexpected moments, due to his disarming manner and unique perspective. So he not only chronicled the most important phase of the hip hop movement, now a global force, he also was able to show the artists as real people, rather than one-dimensional celebrities.
Chi Modu’s timeless, unique photographs are often requested for commercials, films and music documentaries along with being held in private collections. His images have also been licensed by Sony, Paramount, Viacom, The New York Times and The London Times. Even Rolling Stone realized its epic new book, “The ‘90s: The Inside Stories from the Decade That Rocked,” would not have been complete without Chi’s iconic photo of Tupac.
From Tupac to Lombok
In addition to his impressive collection of hip hop photos, Chi has amassed a wealth of travel, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle images. Despite the differences in his subject matter, Chi’s work has a singular focus – it all reflects Chi’s refreshing take on the world. Whether it’s kids at a church in Nigeria, a group of fishermen cleaning their catch in Morocco, a musician playing for money near Prague Castle, or Tupac himself caught in an unexpected moment, the perspective is always as unique and disarming as the photographer himself.
Chi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental and business economics from Rutgers University and is a graduate of the International Center of Photography in New York City.
He is the founder of ephotos.com, diverseimages.com, visualiq.org.
and thephototeacher.com