From Camon to Fuji, Vurzie has been consistently creating the most with the least. Today, she shares with the BOP Team her experience, challenges and how she found photography.
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Please introduce yourself.
My name is Vurzie Kim. I am a photographer, and I grew up and live in Kaduna state, which is pretty much home to me now, but I am originally from Adamawa state, Nigeria.
What genre of photography are you into?
This question makes me think a lot because I honestly just love taking pictures of everything and anything I find interesting. I mean, I have been blessed with good eyes, I thank God for that. I’m more into documentary and portrait photography for now.
How did you get into photography?
I have always had the camera with me growing up, and even though I had no idea what I was doing, I loved clicking the shutter button. My dad had a point-and-shoot camera which he used to take pictures of us every Sunday or whenever we went out. He’ll print the pictures and put them in an album. The camera was always there. I’d pick it up and take pictures of everything. I remember covering my secondary school graduation with that same camera (I lost all the photos though). Fast forward to 2018, I started taking pictures again but with my smartphone. It was a Tecno Camon X if I remember correctly. I’ll take random and unaware pictures of my coursemates and every time I showed them, they loved it, and that encouraged me to keep going. My friend, Peace, was the one who pushed and encouraged me to take it seriously. I opened an IG account in December 2018, and the rest is history.
How has the journey been so far?
It’s been good. I’m not where I want to be but I won’t lie that it’s not been an amazing journey so far. I learn and meet new people in the space oftentimes, it makes me feel glad that I chose this part. I’m still growing, I’m still evolving, I’m still exploring and it’s quite exciting!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I love how well and how far I’ve come. I might have shied away from some opportunities when I started, but now I embrace them as they come, as long as they align with my values. I’m genuinely grateful for the gift of photography. It has impacted my life in so many positive and beautiful ways. I create with intentionality and I do not intend to stop doing that no matter what. I do not have a particular highlight because there have been many. The best one is yet to come, so watch out, hehe.
What challenges have you faced so far and how do you conquer them?
I’d say not finding my target audience for the kind of photography I do. I love to document people and places, or maybe I’m not looking in the right direction, I don’t get a lot of gigs in that area. In the last 2 years though, I have gotten opportunities from people who were interested in working with me, so we are getting there gradually. Another challenge for me is constantly putting myself out there. It’s easier to say I’d do this and that, but when it comes to executing it or doing it, it gets really difficult for me. I think I have overcome that a little now though, and I’m going to be more intentional about it, God helping me. Lastly, I know we always argue about this, but gear matters, for real. The exchange in Nigeria right now is not even helping so much, upgrading my gear appears to be more difficult because of that.
What is your take on the creative community especially in your state, Kaduna?
As an introvert, I started alone and I wasn’t confident enough to move around pointing my camera at people’s faces, or talking to people about collaborations and whatnot. I went on my first photo walk with the only photographers I knew back then in Kaduna. It felt great, to be honest. I liked that we could share ideas and create together. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with other photographers and creatives and it’s been an amazing experience. I think the creative space in Kaduna is evolving, and I must mention that we have quite the talent here, too in Croccity.
Any brands or companies you would love to work with?
Yes, I have always wanted to work with NGOs and Nonprofits. There are also others I’d love to work with such as Cultural and Heritage organizations, Travel and Tourism companies, Editorial and News outlets, or an Environmental organization.
Any photographers doing great work you want to highlight?
A few amazing photographers I want to highlight are Iklima Babangida, Kahli Brown, Almajiri, Stuffedbox, Ogaji, Kanu Visuals, Aleruchi Kinika, Rachel Seidu, Adaeze Okaro, Kwubei, Aisha Aibdi, and a lot of other amazing photographers in the space doing great work.
Who are your influences?
My friends. They are all so creative and badass in different fields, ranging from photography, writing, music, painting, designing, etc. All the forms of art you can think of, I have friends there. I like that they have a substantial amount of influence on me and they always push me to be better.
You have come so far and amazingly so, what is your vision for your career?
I want to be able to change lives and I’m going to. That’s it.
Where can we find more of your work?
You can find them on, Instagram – @thevurzie_slide, Twitter- @Vurzie_Kim
Pexels and Behance – Vurzie Kim.
