Otome Onoge is an amazing fashion photographer. She is the lead photographer at Yard 33, Calabar. In this interview with Femi Akeusola, the law graduate revealed her journey into photography, the challenges involved among other topics.
Kindly introduce yourself
My name is Otome Onoge, I am the Creative Director for Yard 33, a photography studio/creative workspace in Calabar. I am from Warri, Delta State and a mother of two.
How was growing up like?
I grew up in Jos for the most part. My childhood involved a lot of travelling, books and adventure. I had to grow up quickly when I lost my parents. These experiences very quickly redefined my reality.
Educational Background?
I have an LL.B, B.L in Law as well as a masters degree in International Affairs and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
HOW DID YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH PHOTOGRAPHY?
I grew up in a highly artistic environment. My Dad was an art collector of sorts. Our home was like a mini art gallery. From paintings, masks, wooden carvings to animal skin…everything really. So I already had a strong inclination towards creative art and design. In 2007, my brother sent me a used Nikon DSLR. I remember when after seeing how alive and vivid my first images looked I knew I could finally create some form of art with my camera as a paintbrush.
When did you decide to take it from being an hobby to a profession?
The summary of the story is I got fed up with the drudgery of my banking job. So I resigned in 2007 and just started taking photos.
What type of photography do you do?
I am drawn to fashion photography.
Why that type of Photography?
I love all the work and chaos that comes with shooting a fashion editorial, from the rough idea to creating story boards, to scouting locations, models, clothes, hair, makeup …etc. and then seeing how all the pieces come together in the final image… fantastic.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I love bright colors; reds, yellows, blues…the way they come together. All that colour especially in the market. From the reds of the tomatoes, to the deep greens of vegetables and bright yellow oranges. Its exciting…I try to tell my story with colours.
Any photographer you look up to?
A lot of photographers. I recently discovered and fell in love with the audacity of Osborne Machariaʼs work. I love Sue Bryceʼs ability to connect with her subjects, Kelechi Amadi Obiʼs play with multiple light sources in studio photography, Lindsay Adlerʼs high key fashion photography, Keyamoʼs signature vintage vibe, TY Belloʼs soft and delicate portraiture, etc. I mean there are tons of super creative photographers out there right now…so much inspiration.
So far what has been your highest point as a photographer and how is the business of photography like?
The business of photography is quite challenging. Photography and art appreciation in Nigeria especially in the smaller cities is not as it should be. Its hard to get paid your worth despite the quality of your work. I think the absence of organised structures for the business of photography in Nigeria is partly responsible.
What challenges do you think female photographers face in Nigeria?
Mostly the issue of acceptance. In my experience, you have to prove yourself a little more than your male counterparts in this field. There is already that stereotype that you are not good enough or you belong in a
safer or a more societally acceptable career path for women. TY BELLO has definitely helped in changing the narrative for us women in photography in Nigeria. Apart from breaking the glass ceiling in photography in Nigeria with her exceptional work, she is a wife and a mother so there are no more excuses for us women.
click @i_am_oti to see other amazing images by this photographer
