A couple of years ago, while studying for my first degree I met Bern Ushie, then a smartphone photographer and boy was he good. We became friends and explored photography together and while he’s graduated into the wedding scene, he’s still kept his flair for artistic images whilst documenting various weddings. We caught up on his journey so far and what it means to succeed in photography… Enjoy
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Kindly Introduce Yourself
My name is Bernard Ushie. I’m a Wedding and Fashion Photographer based in Abuja, Nigeria, and the Lead Photographer at the Love Phactory studios.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was so many things, to be honest. For a lack of better words, I’d say it was very Nigerian. I wouldn’t want to be a bore so I’ll simply say it was fun and challenging at the same time, It still is.
How did you start Photography?
It’s quite funny actually. I have always loved taking pictures right from childhood, it’s been a passion of mine. I walked into a random wedding reception, (yes I know what you’re thinking, I wasn’t invited; I crashed someone’s wedding) I hardly even knew anyone there, somehow I managed to get past security and I started taking pictures. I took a lot of photos that day and posted the pictures on my Instagram stories. After a series of reposts, the images reached the bride who asides posting reached out to say she loved the images and would recommend me to friends of hers that were getting married. Fast forward a couple weeks later, a bridal company saw the pictures and reached out to me, expressing how much they would love to work with me and the rest they say is history.
Was it just a hobby or did you from the onset want to take it as a career?
It was a hobby at first, a passionate one to be precise, till I realized one can make a living from their passion as well.
What type of Photography do you do?
Well, I’m a wedding and fashion photographer. But I also extend creativity into the portrait, fine art, and food photography genres.
Where/Who do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from everywhere. I believe we are surrounded by inspiration, all we have to do is look closely. I’m inspired by a lot of people, but if I’m to be particular on this, there is O’Neal Emmanuel who is a fine art photographer, Ufana Ishoyor who is a boudoir and fashion photographer, and Uche Nelson who is a documentary photographer and cinematographer.
So far what has been your highest point as a photographer and how is the Business of Photography like?
I recently had a work of my mine published by a fashion magazine named “Moevir” based in Paris, France, I made the front cover and via this exposure, my works have been published in other magazines such as Avessa.
The business of photography is tough, especially starting out, but it does get easier as you keep going.
What challenges do you face and what steps do you take in overcoming these challenges?
There are a lot of challenges, but I think the biggest for me and many other photographers starting out was self-doubt. My confidence level was as low as gravity could pull it because I was the shy type growing up as a child. But I realized that to succeed not just in photography, but in life, one must make him/herself heard. So I worked on my confidence and improved over time. That chutzpah has done a lot for me in my career.
In the Coming Years, where do you see the photography in Nigeria?
I think Nigerians are beginning to realize that photography isn’t a thing of Minutia. Photography is coming to the era of its peak, and its investors and consumers will have nothing to regret.
Any last words?
I learned a hard lesson- to succeed in art, you must succeed in business.
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Bern Ushie is an Artist at heart. with a B.Sc in Mass Communication, he currently leads the team at the Love Phactory and documents weddings with a certain artistic grace. You can follow him on Instagram here and follow the Love Phactory here.
