TNE: What led you into photography?
The journey into Photography started as a hubby before it blossomed into a full-fledged business. It is passion turned into profession I would say.
TNE: Why Photography?
Photography is one of the very important aspects of our existence that is neglected. This is particularly more so for the Documentary aspect of it in this our part of the world. The need to use pictures to showcase the wonderful aspects of our environment has played a major role too. Do not also overlook the fact that with Photography, we can bring out aspects of our society that require intervention.
You will recall that the song “We are the world” by the song group United Support of Africa, (USA for Africa) was done to raise money for the famine ravaged Ethiopia. The benefit to Ethiopia from that singular act can never be overemphasized. Now ask yourself how the artistes would have been aware of the adverse situations in Ethiopia without the power of Photography. So we intend to help our environment with our Photography.
I have also always desired to be a professional. I failed ICAN foundation and also failed CIS examinations. But then, I also wanted something that will have a global reach. Remember that even if I had become ICAN certified, if I happened to go to America or the UK to practice I will still be required to take and pass their respective Board Exams. Even medical doctors after practicing medicine here for many years are still subjected to these Exams. Whereas I also wanted to do something very challenging, I wasn’t ready to be writing one exam after another all my life as I desire to tap into the global village. With Photography, I will practice my trade anywhere as long as I have my camera. Make no mistakes about it, for you to be a good professional Photographer, you require the same level of diligence, continuous study and hard work as the medical doctor, accountant, among other professionals..
Photography will also give me the vehicle to immortality. We are still reading Chinua Achebe, Shakespeare and others, years after their demise. I believe I should be able to produce works that will outlive me. If I am able to produce any work that will be used on a national object like our currency, postage stamp, I will be ecstatic, more than ecstatic.
READ ALSO: SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Every Domestic Violence case is a potential murder case – Vivour-Adeniyi
Again, I have gotten to the age where I need to start giving back to society. Some day soon I will establish an Academy where I will teach people especially indigent boys and girls how to be good photographers. I believe this will help our society and humanity in general.
Finally, I have bills to pay and I am very positive Photography will pay my bills.
TNE: Did you have any formal training in photography or you just picked a camera and went at it?
When I decided to turn my passion into a business, I had to go for some training. I have a Diploma ( Distinction) in Photography and another Diploma in Videography from The Shaw Academy, Ireland.
TNE: How has the experience be like for you?
So far, so good. It hasn’t been easy but we have a clear idea of what we are doing and we know everything will fall into proper place sooner than later.
TNE: What are some of the challenges of your trade?
Challenges are enormous ranging from very high cost of equipment through convincing people to appreciate arts and also pay the right price for the works. The high exchange rate is the reason for high equipment cost because almost everything is imported, while lack of knowledge, if you like, lack of exposure is responsible for low value placed on works. The hard times obviously is responsible for people’s inability to pay well for our work done.
TNE: What would be your advice to somebody who wants to go into photography?
I will encourage more people to go into photography but they should be clear on the aspect of photography they want to play in. It is a diverse profession and requires a lot of passion so you must be clear where your passion is. Then again you must study to be abreast of best practices. The internet is a huge resource for the diligent though.
TNE: Where does your own passion lie?
I am very keen on the documentary aspect of photography. Right now, I do everything but eventually, I know that I will settle for documentary.
