Teddy Tavan

Artist Profile

Teddy Tavan
Photographer from Kenya
Teddy Tavan, a 22-year-old photographer from Kilgoris, Kenya, has built a stunning portfolio despite limited resources. With no studios or modeling agencies in his rural town, Tavan uses everyday props—often borrowed from his mother’s closet—and simple backdrops like bed sheets or the sky. His photography, which started with a phone and Photoshop edits, tells powerful stories of his community, blending bold, colorful portraits with deeper messages about identity, fashion, and social issues. Tavan’s work challenges misconceptions about rural Kenya, emphasizing resilience and self-expression despite limited resources. His creative process involves careful planning, including mood boards, color manipulation, and storytelling that reflects the changing dynamics of his Maasai heritage and the struggles faced by his community. Through his art, he aims to inspire confidence and change, particularly for women in his culture.