With a body of work that documents Nature, Landscape, People and Travel, Renni is creating a path for herself, taking photographs that not only matter to her but are also transcendent; be it on Jos, sunsets, joy, animals e.t.c
In her conversation with B.O.P, she grants us a window view into her work and we are more than glad to share our view with you.
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Becky Awo, I am a photographer base in Jos, Plateau. I love travel and music.
What genre of photography do you practice?
I am into photojournalism, documentary, events and nature. Sometimes I love to try out new areas of photography.
What was your entry into photography?
I developed the love for photography in 2016 after seeing a female photographer. I never liked pictures but in 2019, I enrolled in basic camera operation and that was how I became a photographer. 5 years in this creative industry and it has been a great one.
How would you describe your journey so far?
Well, I would say the journey has been great, challenging and rewarding. I have been to places I would never have thought. I would as a teacher I was before venturing into photography. I have traveled a little and build great relationship with people (great networking).
What are the challenges you have faced in your career?
Hmmmm!! Challenges are plenty lol. Gear matters, I mean gadgets are expensive to us Nigeria creatives but also getting clients to work with. So far, I am grateful to God for the ones I have.
You’re based in Jos, a historical playmaker that has contributed greatly to the creative and cultural wealth of Nigeria, Do you try to reflect that history in your work or is it self-evident?
Growing up in Jos plateau state has been a great journey for me. Seeing things change and some don’t but I try to involve the history of the state in my work. Jos is a personal project for me, I try to tell the Jos story in a beautiful way.
What do you intend to achieve with your work?
I intend to bring out the good side of every story of places and people I get to photograph. I would love to impact people positively with my work.
Who has been your influence(s) so far in your career?
Lots of them. Tolani Ali, Taiwo Aina, Vurzie Kim, Sheffy Bello, Joey, Ameer, Nicholas Aboki and lots of others.
Recently, your work has leaned more towards documentation; case in point, the tragedy currently unravelling in Plateau. How has that been for you, bearing witness to the carnage through your photos?
Honestly it has not been easy, going to these places and seeing everything, the people and leaving them without getting any help. But I hope my work reach the right people, so that these victims will get all the help they need.
Do you have any advice for upcoming photographers?
Be honest, do every work well, have integrity and be open to learning.
Any photographers doing great work you want to highlight?
Tolani Ali, Taiwo Aina, Vurzie Kim, Adesegun, Drew,Joey,Ameer, Nicholas
Aboki and lots more.
Where can we find more of Renni?
Instagram @renni_stories, renniphotograph,
Twitter @Renniphotograph,
Tiktok @Renniphotography
LinkedIn @Renniphotography