A customer once told me my gadgets were too cheap to cover his wedding —Illussionz Photography

Photography has become a big industry in Nigeria and the world at large. How true is this?

It is true. Photography has moved from just being an hobby to a multimillion naira industry just like the entertainment industry (Music and Movies). It has moved from a common handy work to a major profession that people actually resign from white collar jobs to learn and major in it.

What piqued your interest in photography?

For me, photography is a passion and that has kept me going all these while. I started learning full-time in 2013 during my youth service year, as at that time I just wanted to learn to know it and not major in it but as I got more and more knowledge about it, it became a part of me.

Seeing that photography has become an art form with varied forms of expression, would you say passion is enough?

So far, it has not been easy but passion is the fuel that keeps it going. Photography is a skill/profession that needs constant update both on gadget and learning processes and this is at a very big cost; financial, dedication and time. In photography, learning never stops .

What joys do you then have as a professional photographer?

I am happy training people as well as learning from my fellow photographers. Nobody knows it all and it has really helped me a lot .

What future and evolution do you see ahead?

This is an industry that keeps growing day in, day out with new gadgets and skills being introduced. Every day, new photographers are making waves and masterpieces. The future is bright and one has to work hard to keep up with the updates, and the best way is by getting yourself a mentor, attending and organising workshops/expos both local and international. Also, ask questions and practice constantly.

What would you advise new and aspiring photographers?

For new or potential photographers, the industry is large already but luckily, as far as it is competitive, most photographers are happy to carry one another along become it is not a one man job. So, my advice is that if you want to start, do so immediately and get yourself a mentor.

Beginning photography was a big challenge Even when I learnt the ropes, I couldn’t find the courage to start up because I was shy, with the feeling that the gadget I could afford to start with were a little too low but as I was encouraged to start when people were applauding the work. I even got nominations and an award in my first six months.

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What did your parents think about your choice of profession, especially after seeing you through university?

My parents were happy and impressed because they never expected it from me and they have supported me all the way, even till now.

Your favourite gadget?

I am a Nikon shooter and my favorite light source is Godox.

Most embarrassing moment…

My most embarrassing moment was my early years when I was recommended for a wedding job and the groom said my gadgets were too low to be used for his wedding.

Background

I studied mass communication and media technology and if I was not into photography, I would have been a radio presenter /reporter. I am into talent management, so maybe I would have faced that.

What makes a good picture?

There are different aspects of photography; from shooting to editing/retouching and production (Photo frames, hard copies and photobooks). All these are step by step processes to creating an amazing masterpiece. It is not only about handling the camera.

How important is professionalism in photography? 

Professionalism is very important in photography as it  makes you stand out amongst numerous photographers out there and it also corrects people opinion about photographers generally that it is not just an hobby but a profession on its own.