“Women from the Septentrion” is a portrait-photography journey that shines a light on the elegance, dignity, and cultural depth of women from Cameroon’s North and Far North Regions.

Through carefully crafted images of participants dressed in their ceremonial attire, the project weaves a visual tapestry that honours personal identity while celebrating a shared heritage.

Each portrait is an invitation to see northern Cameroonian women not only as guardians of tradition, but as vibrant voices shaping today’s Cameroon. By pairing authentic storytelling with uplifting visuals, the series sparks dialogue on representation, self-image, and the timeless beauty found in regional customs.

Ultimately, “Women of the Septentrion” seeks to preserve cultural memory and inspire viewers to recognise the strength and grace woven into each woman’s story.

Each confirmed participant will receive 5 000 FCFA in cash on the day of the shoot, plus a high-resolution digital file and an A4-size print-ready version of her chosen portrait for personal use. Beyond the immediate payment and keepsake, every photograph will be considered for inclusion in future exhibitions and online features, giving participants meaningful visibility and a lasting tribute to the cultural elegance of Cameroon’s Septentrion.

We will choose 50 women to ensure a balanced portrait of every generation. Candidates are grouped into four brackets: 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 and 51+ and selected at random within each bracket to guarantee fair representation.

To be considered, applicants must:

• Be 21 years or older.
• Both parents come from Cameroon’s Greater North (Adamawa, North or Far North Regions).
• WhatsApp the following to +237653735180: full name, true age, telephone number and a recent photo wearing traditional clothing.
• Arrive on shoot day in full traditional attire.

1. Apply (now – 15 August 2025)
Send a recent portrait of yourself in traditional North or Far North ceremonial dress, along with your full name and a WhatsApp number, to +237653735180. Fifty participants will be chosen at random once the application window closes.

2. Confirmation (after 15 August 2025, before 31 August 2025)
If selected, you’ll receive a message confirming your time slot, exact location in Garoua, and simple wardrobe guidelines. We also share a brief on what to expect and how to reach the venue.

3. Get Ready (5 – 6 September 2025)
Come dressed in your ceremonial outfit and bring any meaningful accessories you’d like included in the portrait. Plan for about 30 minutes on site (welcome, paperwork, and photography).

4. Portrait Day (5 – 6 September 2025)
Meet the team, enjoy a short chat to build trust, and review and sign the standard model-release form. Then follow Florian’s guidance through a relaxed 10- to 15-minute shoot that mixes posed and candid frames.

5. Compensation
Before you leave, you’ll receive 5 000 FCFA in cash as a thank-you for your time.

6. Post-Production
Every image is professionally colour-graded to preserve authentic tones and textures while staying true to the project’s aesthetic.

• One high-resolution, print-ready digital portrait.
• A web-optimised version for social media.

8. Beyond the Shoot
Selected images may feature in future exhibitions and online showcases that celebrate northern Cameroonian culture. Anonymity is available on request, and participants may withdraw at any stage.