NYSC members tasked on creativity
What is Avotography all about and what was the motivation behind starting it?
Avotography is the umbrella under which I put all my creative endeavours. The motivation was simple: I have a very particular set of skills. So I thought. Why not charge for it?
Where did you get your training?
YouTube. It all started there. I’d spend hours copying what looked good to me. I was very conscious of the fact that I didn’t want to the same stuff I saw the pros make. I just wanted to learn their techniques and make my own style. although I read International Relations and Journalism at Monash University, South Africa.
There’s so much information on YouTube. How do you figure out what is useful?
That is a skill on its own. Tutorials on YouTube come in different formats, lengths and styles. Finding the best teachers can be hit and miss but the way YouTube works, the longer you spend looking for a certain type of video, it eventually suggests the best ones. As you get more skilled at exploring YouTube, you start to know which videos are not worth your while just by looking at the thumbnail or the video title.
What would you say is your style and what differentiates you from other photographers?
For most photographers, pressing the shutter button is the end. For me, it’s the beginning. I try to create something I would want to hang on my wall. I like my work to be closer to art. I’m blessed with a unique set of eyes in that, whenever I see a picture, I always think to myself how can I take it to another level.
As a young entrepreneur what is your definition of success?
Success is, first and foremost, achieving or surpassing the very specific goals I set for myself. If in the process of achieving my goals, other people succeed as well, that’s a welcome bonus. I’m very pragmatic in my thinking.
What do you think is the place of business such as yours in Nigeria?
The Creative industry in Nigeria -- which consists of photography, marketing, advertising music and movies is yet to reach its potential because there is not enough focus on truly remarkable work. This will not always be the case, though. A revolution is currently underway. It won’t be long.
What are some of the experiences that left you bewildered on the job?
A common occurrence – and probably the most frustrating – is when the client requests that you create something similar to another artist’s.
No profession or venture is without its’ challenges and gains. What are the gains and challenges of being a young entrepreneur?
Being young, the gains and the challenges are one and the same. When you’re young, it’s in your best interest to make mistakes and make them fast. If you’re self-aware, you will learn just as fast. By the time you get to your 30s you have enough experience to really go for gold. It’s like training a muscle. If you see challenges and gains in the same light, you have a leg up whatever you do.
What are the skills, set and equipment required to be successful in the business?
A thick skin and elastic heart. Photography and business in general require you to deal with people more often than you’d like. Having a thick skin so you don’t let the disappointment, drama and uncertainty get to you. An elastic heart to not give up when the setbacks eventually do get to you.
Advise to young persons who want to follow your footsteps
Don’t follow mine. Follow yours. Find what’s important to you and adjust to fit your circumstances. Looking back, the series of events that have led me to where I am and will lead me to where I want to be, are extremely unique to me. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to the game. Corp-members deployed to Anambra state for their one-year national service have been challenged to be creative by breaking new grounds in order to surpass the achievements of their predecessors.
The state governor, Chief Willie Obiano who gave the advice during the swearingin ceremony of the 2016 Batch ‘B’ stream II corpers at the Orientation camp, Umunya, also urged them to participate actively in the development efforts of their host communities through the careful integration with the people.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, the governor enjoined them to take advantage of the three week training to equip themselves for self-employment after service.
“You must know that the success of every service year depends on the foundation laid during the orientation exercise and is crucial in providing the requisite platform for your physical, mental, emotional as well as psychological preparation for the challenge ahead” he stated.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of the scheme, Olawale Olusegun said a total of 2,207 corps members were registered in the camp, comprising of 866 males and 1341 females.