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Omide is a photographer with a difference. He is famous for creating amazing portraits of celebrities in Nigeria, some of which have trended a couple of times on social media due to his attention to details and aesthetics. In this interview with Femi Akeusola, the graduate of computer engineering revealed his journey into photography, the challenges involved among other topics.
Who is Omide?
Olumide is a visual artist driven by the passion for making beautiful artworks. I couldn’t draw or paint but i knew i had the eyes for good images, so I took to painting with the lens. A graduate of computer Engineering from OAU, now a professional photographer.
How was growing up like and tell us about your educational background?
I grew up with my family, dad, mom and 3 other siblings. I can’t recollect how many elementary school i went to (lol), but i went to Meiran Community High School Meiran between 1996 and 2002. Got admitted into OAU in 2003 (but we couldn’t resume till 2004)… was in OAU for 6 years, in between, i discovered I was going to do my own thing, and i’d start out with video productions, then branched out into photography fully in 2013 as a learner… I didn’t grow up from the wealthiest family but we were taught to be satisfied with what we had. One lesson that had helped me thus far.
How did you fall in love with photography and when did you decide to take it from an hobby to a profession?
2006, I discovered I was drawn to the camera back then at the school fellowship in OAU, I had taken a 10 mins crash class on a sunday morning before being assigned to film the service later on, of course the ‘ginger’ came when after service, I got a good feedback from the head then. That was how it all began..I knew this was what I would do full time. I had always known I am not the white collar, salary earning only type of guy
I took it pro in 2015. After 2 years of self teaching and working with some photographers
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Hmmmm…. God is the source of all inspiration. I give it to Him. Then, i study other people’s works; from Nigerian top photographers to emerging ones too. Then other foreign photographers alike. I read a lot, watched several YouTube videos before every shoot.
Any photographer or photographers you look up to?
In no particular order:
Emmanuel Oyeleke, TyBello, Kelechi Amadi, BigH, Sottu and a whole lot of creative guys. Then Sue Bryce! I stalk her page literally…List is endless.
So far what has been your highest point as a photographer?
It has to be when i got a call from a producer of a TV program for an interview, then i knew persistence pays because someone is watching.
What challenges do you think Photographers in Nigeria face?
First is getting the right client that understands the value of good photographs and are willing to pay for it. Then the challenge of emerging photographers down playing themselves thereby making the general public place little value on the art of photography. then the challenge of those in the business just to make money for daily food. Amongst other challenges.
Thank you so much for your time… Any last words?
You are welcome. Find your passion,persistently work at being the best out there.
