Adama Jalloh on how colour and energy can still shine in black and white photographs

Approaching strangers on the street is nothing short of terrifying, and despite the fact that she’s somewhat of a seasoned pro, Adama Jalloh still finds it so.

After graduating, she told us, Adama looked to the far-flung corners of the world for inspiration, but as she started walking around – and photographing – her local area of Peckham, south London, she started to build an appreciation for what’s on her doorstep. That revelation has led to a portfolio bustling with the vivacity of the area, documenting everything from hair salons and families on their way to school, to more journalistic series weighing in on the disproportionate numbers of young men of colour who are stopped and searched by the police (You Fit the Description).

With each of these series captured in Adama’s signature black and white, it’s a style she’s chosen as a testament to the area and its people, as their energy and colour shine through even so.