Interest in the human condition inspires my photography – Akande
Abayomi Benjunior Akande goes by the name Fotovangelist because of his zeal to change the world one image at a time. The photographer, who was once a creative director at Pretty Ugly Things Studio in Abuja and had a stint in the hospitality business, talk
Perhaps the starting point would be your name, fotovangelist. How did you come about that name and what do you want to project with it?
The name came about from my love for imagery and trying to make a change with this skill of mine as an actual evangelist would, preaching and converting lost souls one image at a time.
When did photography start for you? What was the defining moment that made you say this is what I want to do with my life?
I have always been a fan of wonderful imagery and one day I made the decision to go ahead with photography, this was after exploring and tuning up my skills for a while. I have been doing this for five years now and the lessons keep coming.
You tend to focus on street, fashion and product photography. What led you in that direction?
Seeing things differently has always been a trait about me, these genres of photography give me a wide range of possibilities in terms of telling my story.
Once you made up your mind about your career choice, did you subject yourself to some formal training or did you just ride on your passion?
Mostly self-taught, I aligned myself with people and situations that helped me tune up my craft, I am still learning everyday. You can say the passion drives me to learn more.
Is there a philosophy or dominant idea that informs the choice of work you do or how you present your works?
My interest in the human condition drives a majority of my body of work, the way people react to things, the way they light up when the camera points at them, it’s all very interesting studying people.
What has been the most challenging project you have worked on?
An ongoing project I am working on right now titled ‘Street Economy’. The Nigerian population is made up of a majority of citizens conscious of what images taken of them would be used for.
Getting people to open to me sometimes can be a hassle.
Can you describe the sense of fulfillment you derive from photography, and what would elicit this feeling in you?
It’s quite hard for me to explain. Especially when clients order large prints of my photos to decorate their homes, it gives me joy and satisfaction that a lot of people love my work and would love to see them everyday in their various homes and places of work. My interest in the human condition drives a majority of my body of work, the way people react to things, the way they light up when the camera points at them, it’s all very interesting studying people
As a photographer, you have to be quite adventurous in trying to get unique angles on things. Have you ever got in trouble in the course of your work?
Not really. I pick my locations after thorough research and make sure I get the right permits or necessary permission needed to carry out the projects I have to handle.
Some photographers are superstitious about their equipment. Is there a ritual or routine you perform before starting work?
I just love my equipment; making sure they work just right is all the ritual I need.
What is your preferred camera for work?
Its not about the camera but the way you use it. I currently use a Canon 1ds Mark2 and a Canon EOS 7D.
Of all the photos you have taken, if you are to single out your favorite, which would it be?
I love all my photos like I would love my kids.
What is the greatest thing you have accomplished as a photographer?
Knowing that I have made a difference with my body of work is my greatest accomplishment that has of course led to me working with a lot of the kind of people I am proud to be associated with.