MOMENT WITH AYO
My guest was one of my students back when I taught English in Julewubi Foundation College in 2012. He was and still is the cutest among them. Their set was an unusual breed. In all my years of teaching, I have never met any group of students like theirs. They are both responsive and responsible when they became prefects. I recall my guest especially, in his green uniform, a hat and a cane in hand to restore order in the junior classes before the teachers make their entrance. So, it is with great pleasure that I bring to you, Ayorinde Ogundele.
How many years ago has it been? I mean since Julewubi?
Eight I believe.
How time flies!
So, let's begin from here. Who is Ayorinde Ogundele? Let's pretend I have never met you before.
I'm a 25 year old male, Born in Lagos, Nigeria. I'm currently a documentary photographer.
Give us a trip to your educational background.
I attended Julewubi Foundation Primary School before I proceeded to Julewubi Foundation College for my secondary education. I'm currently a final year student at the University of Lagos studying Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Good. Now, photography and Civil and Environmental Engineering. How do they marry?
Civil Engineering is more or less like, to describe it, as my first love. Back in my secondary school days, I was good at subjects like Introductory Technology (Intro tech) and Technical Drawing coupled with the affinity I had to build and create things. So at that point, I decided that Civil Engineering was that part to follow. But along the line, curiosity led me to discover photography. I was inquisitive about how people wanted their stories to be told and how events and life situations should be documented, leading me to become a documentary photographer.
Good. How has the journey been? Smooth, easy, rough?
The journey has been full of ups and downs, disappointments, relief, joy and excitement. But overall, it has been fair.
So, what was the feeling like when your work(tell us the title) was accepted and awarded a prize?
I've gotten some local and international recognition for my works.. I recently got published internationally in a photo book called The Year Time Stopped which is a collage of everything that occurred in the year 2020.
Find your niche. Photography is broad and it's very important to find the aspect of photography you want to pursue before you begin to diversify into the others.
You have to be able to tell stories with your photography even if it's mundane. Allowing your photos to invoke the emotions in people and at the same time let room for suspense.
Shoot what it feels like, not what it looks like. If everyone could easily replicate what you can do the value in you depreciates. An added effort is worth it even if it looks futile.
Now that you mentioned the broad nature of photography. Into what groups is photography categorized. Is it fixed or limitless?
I'll say limitless because a new style of shooting could become a norm. Thus, creating a new niche. But for now, I only know about documentary, wildlife, portrait, landscape, food, event, contemporary, product, wedding, children, film, street, lifestyle, architectural, to mention but a few.
Okay. Do you have any role models you look up to?
Not really. But I do have a lot of photographers that I look at their works for inspiration. I try to be eclectic in my approach to things rather than being without sufficient ideas.
I like that! Did you at any time attend a photography workshop before coming to the limelight? If there was, was it paid or free?
I attended a few that were free, But if I came across the ones that are worth my penny or had knowledge I needed to acquire I would readily sign up. I also learnt some of the stuff I know through watching YouTube videos.
Do you plan to have a school where photography would be taught?
I think for that to occur, I believe I have to be satisfied in what I have achieved and every to me is still a process or more or less a journey bringing a party onboard can either be detrimental or a blessing. But I know I will when I'm certain that I am ready.
Okay. Is every camera good for photography?
Yes. It's not the camera, it's the photographer. But in some cases, the quality of gear matters in achieving a preferred shot. Like for me, I started with my phone.
What qualities should a photographer have?
Resilience! You should always be ready to turn up and practice in order to perfect your craft. Also, communication. The photographer should be able to communicate his/her demands or displeasure in an astute manner while being assertive.
Great. Finally, where do you see yourself in the next decade?
I see myself becoming a globally recognized and accomplished photographer, highly sought after and also publishing my own photo book containing a body of works that I have done over the years.
And so shall it be in Jesus name. Thank you very much for your time. I really appreciate it.
You're welcome sir. It is nice to once again hear from you. Enjoy the rest of your day sir.
And so, we have come to the last bus stop of this exciting interview. You can catch up with my guest through the following channels:
Instagram : @the photograbber
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ayorindephotography?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Website: https://www.thephotograbber.net/
