Morgan Otagburuagu known as Ginstar is an amazing premium art and fashion photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria. The Computer Science graduate’s, photography style is based on storytelling and love for African women, especially dark skin. Morgan’s storytelling revolves around positioning black skin as the ultimate definition of beauty.
- KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF?
I’m Morgan Otagburuagu, 24-year-old Lagos based photographer
- WHAT WAS GROWING UP LIKE FOR YOU?
As someone born in the late 90s, growing up was really gobsmacking as it was the time technology advancement took off. Need as I say more? It was the best time to be born haha. But I really had a memorable time with different gadgets coming up at the time.
- WHAT’S YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?
I studied Computer Science but ended up as a photographer.
- WHAT GENRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY ARE YOU INTO?
I would say I am an artist but in general, a fashion photographer with bias for art.
- HOW WILL YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
My photography is based off on my storytelling and love for African women, especially dark skin. As my storytelling revolves around positioning black skin as the ultimate definition of beauty.
- WHAT DOES PHOTOGRAPHY MEAN TO YOU?
Photography is a way of life for me. An attitude that clearly informs every one of my projects.
- HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?
I have loved photography from an early stage as I was introduced to it by a family gift I received as an 8yr old. A keystone compact camera which I used for all my school occasions like graduations etc. Guess when I wanted to sojourn into art, Photography was an easy pick.
- WHERE/WHO DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
Mostly from black women. My daily life experiences dealing with women especially younger women. How they’ve been projected in the society and I wanted to change some narratives.
- WHAT MAKES A GOOD PICTURE STAND OUT FROM THE AVERAGE?
A good story always wins. So for me, it is more about the story behind the image rather than the image itself.
- WHOSE WORK HAS INFLUENCED YOU MOST?
My mentor HAKEEM SALAAM whose work has really helped to shape my direction and also some renowned photographers like Irvin Penn, Avedon, Albert Watson just to name a few.
- WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER TO YOU?
For me as someone who does a lot of exhibitions, seeing my work in prints and handing it out for people
to appreciate.
- AS A PHOTOGRAPHER WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNGER PHOTOGRAPHERS CONSIDERING A CAREER IN PORTRAIT OR ANY GENRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
You have to be prepared to learn the ropes, be patient then be open to experimenting with different ideas till you arrive at your own destination which takes a lifetime. As an aspiring photographer, you need to realize photography is the hardest medium to have a vision with but the easiest medium to express yourself with.
- WHERE DO YOU SEE PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE IMAGING INDUSTRY IN THE COMING YEARS?
Photography isn’t going anywhere but with the advances in gadgets and mediums like social media, visual media, in general, is positioning itself to be readily available to everyone. So the image industry will go through evolution just like every other one. Yes, it could be a good or bad thing for our profession. Finally, I think image-makers will continue to make a difference.
To know and check more of Morgan Otagburuagu works follow him on Instagram @Ginstar Photography (@theginstarp)
