J. A. Green (photographer) facts for kids

Jonathan Adagogo Green (around 1900)

Ovonramwen, the Oba of Benin, photographed by Green in 1897. The Oba was on his way to exile.

Jonathan Adagogo Green (born 1873, died 1905) was a very important photographer from what is now Nigeria. Many people believe he was the first professional photographer in that area who had local ethnic origins. He is known for being a pioneer, meaning he was one of the first to do something important. Green took many pictures that showed both the local culture and the British colonial power at the time. He especially focused on his own community, the Ibani Ijo people.

Early Life and Training

Jonathan Adagogo Green was born in a place called Bonny. Today, this area is part of Rivers State in Nigeria. He traveled to Sierra Leone to study photography. After learning his skills, he came back and opened his own photography studio in Bonny.

Life in a Protectorate

The area where Green lived changed a lot during his lifetime. In 1884, it became part of the British Oil Rivers Protectorate. A "protectorate" was an area controlled and protected by a stronger country, in this case, Britain. Later, in 1893, this area was renamed the Niger Coast Protectorate. For the last few years of Green's life, starting in 1900, it was known as the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.

A Short but Important Career

Jonathan Adagogo Green lived a short life, passing away at the age of 32. However, he was very busy and skilled during his time as a photographer. He managed to work well with two very different groups of people.

Working with Different Communities

Green's photography was valued by both the local people and the British officials who were in charge of the area. He was very clever in how he ran his business. For example, he used only his initials on his business cards. This helped him work smoothly with the British officials of the colonial era. His ability to serve both local and foreign clients made him a unique and successful photographer.