What are your educational qualifications?
I had my elementary education at Foresight School, Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State. Afterwards, I proceeded to Posit College, Arulogun, also in Ibadan, for my junior secondary education. For my senior secondary education, I went to Holy Mountain College.
I went on to study Agricultural Economics at the University of Ibadan.
Why did you decide to go into photography?
I started learning photography as a means to an end. I had always wanted to have my own farm, and I still have that intention. I will love to have a plantain farm sometime in the future. However, I knew that it would require a huge amount of money to start up, so I decided to learn photography while in my first year in the university.
I started photography officially in July 2017.
Together with some friends— Obaloluwa Akinniyi-Tayo, Ayoade Aderinto, Femi Amuwo, and Doyin Olumo-Deji— we rented a studio in the heart of Bodija, Ibadan.
What is the farthest you have travelled for a photography job?
I have had jobs across most of the states in the south-western part of the country, and I cannot wait to work in other parts of the country and beyond.
After the camera, what is your most important work tool?
Aside from the camera, my next most important tool is my laptop. Just like it is important to take the pictures, it is also important to edit and deliver good pictures to one’s clients. As a matter of fact, when I started photography, I was not editing pictures on a laptop; I was using phone apps. I did not start editing with a laptop until like six months into the business.
It is not in doubt that photography tools are very expensive. How were you able to get the necessary equipment to start the business?
I started small. I also thank God for my mum who supported me at the beginning of this journey. She bought me my first camera, a Nikon D60, which cost N85,000 at that time. With blessings from God and a good saving culture, I have been able to put more things together since then.
How many workers do you have?
I currently have four interns and trainees who help with the production process.
How have you been able to leverage on the Internet, especially social media, to gain wider reach and visibility for your business?
Being in the online space is one of my least favourite things about being an entrepreneur. In my business, I am the producer, director, financial manager, social media manager and many more, so my online presence fluctuates. However, it is something I am continuously working on and getting better at.
What are the major challenges you have faced in the business so far?
One of my major challenges is the high cost of work tools and materials. I did not know photography was this capital intensive.
When people take photographs, they are usually particular about how they want it to look. How do you keep your clients satisfied?
I pride myself in being able to listen to my clients and see things from their perspectives. I try to listen more than I talk when relating with clients. I believe as our faces are different, so do our preferences differ. I always make sure I put the client into consideration. My aim is always to make them happy and satisfied.
How do you deal with difficult clients?
I rarely have difficult clients. There is none that I can remember at the moment.
It is known that some top brands offer up-and-coming photographers ‘exposure’ as pay. Have you had such experience?
Yes, I have had such experiences but as an economist, I weigh the costs and benefits before making decisions. I believe everyone should do what works for them. If you feel that a brand that is offering you exposure that you need is not up to the task, then don’t accept the offer. Someone once called me, offering me exposure in exchange for my work. He almost fought me over the phone because I turned down his proposal.
Some photographers don’t keep to time when they are invited for jobs. What is your opinion on that?
I have never had such experience. Rather, it is clients that barely keep to time.
What is the biggest loss you have incurred in the course of running your business?
I have not experienced any loss yet.
How do you stay up to date with new photography props and equipment?
When it comes to photography, staying up to date is an endless journey.
On the average, how long does it take you to edit a picture?
It takes me between 20 and 30 minutes to edit a picture. It is my least favourite part of the job.
Where do you see your brand in the next 10 years?
By that time, I may no longer be doing photography actively. However, I see my brand having branches in different parts of the country.
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