On 12 February 2026, we hosted the AYKO x Getty Images Masterclass in Lagos, welcoming over 120 visual creatives; Photographers, filmmakers, and visual storytellers, committed not only to attending, but to understanding what it truly takes to operate within the global creative ecosystem. This was not another creative gathering where we talked about passion and aesthetics alone. The focus was structure, standards and commercial positioning, the part of the industry many talented creatives rarely get access to.
In a room filled with emerging photographers alongside more experienced professionals, what stood out was not just the range of skill levels but the seriousness in the room. The questions were sharp, engagement was thoughtful and there was a clear desire to move beyond local visibility into international relevance.
In collaboration with Getty Images and Business of Photography Networks (BOP), we unpacked how licensing frameworks operate, exploring what global editors look for and addressed the level of quality required for work to sit confidently within the global marketplace.
For many in the room this was the missing piece not just how to shoot but how to position.
All participants received the official content brief and submission guidelines outlining the next step after which selected attendees will move into an internship pathway with Getty Images, giving them deeper exposure and practical immersion within the ecosystem.
At AYKO Agency, we believe talent alone is not enough. Access matters. Clarity matters. Structure matters. Preparation matters. If African visual storytelling is going to compete at scale it must be creatively strong and commercially intelligent. This masterclass was one deliberate step in building that future and the work has only just begun.
For more updates, visit: www.aykoagency.com/gettyimages
