Saliu Ayomide, professionally known as SA, is a Lagos-based cinematographer, director, and director of photography recognized for his visually rich, story-driven approach to filmmaking. With a strong command of mood, composition, and cultural expression, SA creates cinematic visuals that balance authenticity with elevated storytelling across film, commercials, and digital media.
SA consciously chose to prioritize hands-on experience and skill development, investing heavily in self-education through workshops, online courses, mentorship, and real production environments. A major part of his creative and technical growth came from working as a staff member at Nextought Production, one of Nigeria’s leading production companies, where he refined his craft within high-level, real-world productions.
His journey into visual storytelling began early, influenced by his older sister, a photographer. Assisting her from a young age introduced him to the fundamentals of visuals, composition, and storytelling. Over time, his curiosity evolved beyond photography into cinematography and directing, where he discovered a deeper passion for creating layered, dynamic narratives through motion and sound.
SA began by shooting small-scale projects such as events, school parties, and weddings, sharpening his skills through consistent practice. A turning point in his career came when he was introduced to a professional production environment, exposing him to structured workflows, larger crews, and the broader scope of filmmaking. These experiences helped shape his understanding of cinematography, direction, and execution at a professional level.
Professionally, SA has contributed to a range of projects including TV commercials, Netflix productions, and independent films. He has worked in technical roles such as 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC), building a strong foundation in camera systems, on-set discipline, and production workflow. These experiences continue to inform his work as a cinematographer and director.
His visual style is driven by emotion, mood, and storytelling, with a strong emphasis on intentional framing and atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from real life, music, and human behavior, SA uses composition, lighting, and camera movement, particularly handheld techniques, to enhance narrative depth. He is also deeply intentional in post-production, paying close attention to detail, especially in color and visual consistency.
Throughout his journey, SA has navigated challenges common to emerging creatives, including limited resources and the need to prove himself in a competitive industry. He overcame these challenges through careful planning, consistency, adaptability, and a strong commitment to process. Surrounding himself with creatives who pushed his growth played a key role in refining both his work ethic and creative voice.
A significant milestone in his career was working with Director Pink, an experience that marked a period of growth and validation. Being part of larger-scale productions reinforced his belief in the power of persistence and collaboration, strengthening his passion for filmmaking and long-term creative development.
Looking forward, SA aims to expand the scale and impact of his work, collaborating with diverse creatives and contributing to high-level productions both locally and internationally. He is passionate about exploring different formats, from films and commercials to music videos, while continuously evolving creatively and staying true to his voice.
SA remains committed to continuous learning by studying film and music visuals, engaging in masterclasses, and staying hands-on with emerging tools and techniques. For him, staying updated is less about trends and more about how new approaches can better serve story, emotion, and meaning.
He believes deeply in trusting the process, collaboration, and growth, approaching every project as an opportunity to learn, refine, and create meaningful visual stories.