- Kindly Introduce Yourself
I’m Victor Eyo, known by some as Veedeyo, and I’m a photographer based in Calabar, Nigeria.
- What was growing up like?
I’d say growing up was fun. I had an amazing childhood.
- What’s your educational background?
Currently, I’m a student of Mass Communication at Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State.
- How did you start Photography?
To be honest, I’d say I started out of boredom. It started with me just taking random pictures of cars on the street and then evolved gradually into me taking note of the beauty of nature around me and moments that I just wanted to cherish forever. It gave me an avenue to express myself, and then others began to see my work and commend me for it, boosting my interest to go further with it and it has been amazing since then.
- Was it just a hobby or did you from the onset want to take it as a career?
I started it as a hobby and I’d still classify it as one, although I get paid to execute projects at various times which to me is just totally amazing.
- What type of Photography do you do?
Mostly landscape photography, but I like to try my hands at street, portrait, and event photography every now and then.
- Where/Who do you draw your inspiration from
Honestly, I draw my inspiration from everything around me. I believe there’s beauty in everything and I’ve learnt to see things from that perspective.
- So far what has been your highest point as a photographer and how is the Business of Photography like?
I can’t exactly point to one moment as my highest point but I get really happy each time someone shows interest in, or compliments my work.
- What challenges do you face and what steps do you take in overcoming these challenges?
Two major challenges have been trying to decide on what photography niche to specialize in and the business side of photography (pricing, marketing etc)
For the first, I’ve basically decided not to limit myself and continue with the niches I’m most interested in. As I grow in this career as a photographer, maybe I’d eventually settle for one. For the second, well, I’m still learning. That’s all I can say about that.
- In the Coming Years, where do you see photography in Nigeria?
At an amazing point. Its value would be better appreciated by people and they would see the potential for investment in the Nigerian Imaging Industry.
- What’s your opinion on the effects of the Corona Virus on Photo Industry?
We can’t deny the fact that the pandemic has brought about lower demand for photographers and their services with events not being organized at all or with lesser budgets, clients are reducing their budgets for photo sessions, people would rather practice social distancing and selfies than have their pictures taken, to prevent themselves from getting infected and while this is good for everyone, it’s especially hard for photographers.
However, I know this would definitely pass. Sooner or later. Once the restrictions are lifted and we go back to ‘normal life’, people would definitely require the services of photographers once again and the industry will recover and survive. Things may never return to the previous normal but industry will come out of this either way.
- Any last words?
Thank you so much for this opportunity.
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Victor ‘Veedeyo’ Eyo is Landscape Photographer based in Calabar, Cross River State. You can follow him on Instagram here.
