Bio

Born in Kibera, Nairobi, Gordwin’s work centers on reparative visual stories of urban life and marginal communities. He is still refining his voice, with a growing focus on dignity, memory, and visual repair.

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Professional Profile

Gordwin Odhiambo is available for photography assignments, editorial collaborations, and visual storytelling projects.

  • NOOR IMAGES

    2021

    In late 2021, Gordwin joined a collaborative climate storytelling program with Tanzanian and Kenyan photojournalists and Kadir van Lohuizen.

  • DW AKADEMIE JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIP

    2021

    This fellowship brought together journalists and visual storytellers from across Africa and the Middle East to explore constructive reporting during the pandemic.

  • VII ACADEMY RISING FAST WORKSHOP NAIROBI

    2018

    The VII Academy workshop in Nairobi focused on how rapidly changing urban spaces shape everyday life and visual storytelling.

  • NYTIMES PORTFOLIO REVIEWS

    2024

    This annual review event connected emerging photographers with leading editors, publishers, and curators from major global outlets.

  • VII PHOTO MENTOR PROGRAM

    2022

    The mentor program offered one-on-one guidance to help emerging photographers sharpen their practice and career direction.

  • Nikon-NOOR Advanced Storytelling Workshop

    2023

    This advanced workshop brought together a small group of practitioners for portfolio review, editing support, and storytelling mentorship.

  • DW AKADEMIE JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIP

    October 4, 2021

    This fellowship supported photographers and journalists working toward more constructive, solutions-focused storytelling.

  • MAGNUM FOUNDATION GRANTEE

    Photo Reportage

    The project was supported through a Magnum Foundation grant and focused on stories shaping the future of shared communities.

  • GETTY IMAGES BURSARY GRANT

    8 May 2025

    The Getty Images bursary supported emerging visual creators with funding, mentorship, and promotion opportunities.

  • East African Photography Awards

    FIRST PLACE - 2020

    Award details and the official announcement are available through the East African Photography Awards website.

  • EAPA Second Prize (2022)

    2022

    He was recognized for a project documenting changing urban landscapes and the pressures of gentrification in Nairobi.

  • Fashion Slum Photographer of the Year

    2017

    He won the top prize for work capturing the everyday culture and spirit of Kibera.

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