Henry Nwaeze popularly known as Big H is a portrait and wedding photographer based in Abuja. His journey as a photographer started after he got married in December 2011, when he purchased his first camera.
Having come from a corporate background, Henry dedicated countless hours over the years learning to develop his skill set in photography by staying humble and striving to learn and improve on a constant basis.
Big H now mentors and shares his acquired knowledge with young and upcoming photographers at his annual Big H Photography Class.
In his free time, Big H is a loving husband and father of two wonderful kids and is highly dedicated to family. He enjoys listening to music at all hours of the day and finds joy in spending quality time with his wife, kids, siblings, and mother. On a normal day, you can typically find Henry seated in his Studio or documenting a beautiful bride on her wedding day.
Henry’s ultimate goals are to create and encourage talented individuals in the art of photography and media production; to create a caring and welcoming place where every individual is valued, and in friendship, through fun, learn and grow together; to provide and produce services of the highest industry standards having the art of storytelling at his core. Business of Photography’s Onah Nwachukwu interviewed him on his career and the photography industry. Here’s what he had to say:
How did you get into photography?
On my way back from my honeymoon, on December 19th, 2011, I decided to get myself a gift, so I could take pictures of people, it was a camera.
Did you start off knowing it would be a career path or was it a hobby at the beginning?
It was simply a hobby in the beginning. At the time I purchased the camera, I had no intention of going into photography as I already had a day job.
What is your style of photography?
Portraits and Fine Art
There are different styles of photography. How did you narrow it down to what you do now?
I didn’t want to be a “jack of all trades and master of none” so, in 2013, I put aside all other styles of photography and focused on portrait photography and understanding light.
How long have you been a photographer?
8 Years
What type of gear do you use for your style of photography?
Canon for my camera gear, Profoto for my lights.
Do you have a favourite lens? Which is it, and why?
Yes, I do! I constantly used the 70-200mm but I’ve fallen in love with the 35mm. Let’s say, it gives me a wider perspective and allows me to see more.
Do your clients often depend on you for the direction of their shoot?
Most of the time based on what we’ve done for other clients, most people come in and say, “I’m a blank canvas” while; some people come in and ask us to expand on their already existing ideas.
In interpreting what a client wants, where do you draw inspiration?
I draw my inspiration from God, nature, music, the client’s story, and from pain.
What gadget would you say is a must-have when you are shooting and why?
My eyes, because when you can’t visualise, you can’t create. The image is first made in the mind before it’s made in the camera.
What tools do you use for post-production?
Capture One for colour, Photoshop for everything else.
In the coming years, where do you see the photography industry in Nigeria?
The photography industry in Nigeria is growing. It has grown from where it was when I began photography and it’ll continue growing in the coming years.
Whose work has influenced you?
There are a lot of people but to mention a few; in Nigeria, I’d say Obi Somto, Hakeem Salam, Ty Bello, Kelechi Amadi, and every single member of my team. Outside Nigeria, Joey L, Lindsey Adler, Brook Shaden, Annie Leibovitz, and Alexia Sinclair.
Among your works which is your favourite thus far?
My next image.
What advice would you give a young photographer starting?
Trust God, work hard, and stay original.
