TBB has an infectious smile and great upbeat attitude towards life. A smart phone photographer with eye for details and a zeal for telling everyday stories, he sat with BOP and let us peep into his world;
- Kindly Introduce Yourself;
I am James Ikpe but commonly I’m known as TBB (tall_brown_boi) a street and everyday life photographer, better Manchester United fan and a smartphone enthusiast.
- How was growing up like?
Well, every bit of fun in the classic 90’s kid style. I especially enjoyed playing mama and papa with my siblings, bottle-cock tournaments and watching super story on Thursdays. Living happy and having fun has never left me and it’s shaped me into the man I am becoming.
- What’s your educational background?
I am a graduate of Economics from the University of Uyo. An Art escaped to science and fled back to Arts student. If you know what I mean. Hahaha! But las las I am alright.
- How did you start Photography?
Don’t laugh o, I started out of boredom. You can relate to those days you’re struggling with your final school project and you just need something to take your mind off the many chapter submission deadlines. Photography was that something and from thence became much more.
I used to take strolls in the evening to capture the scenery and clear my mind, turned out I loved it and have never stopped.
- Was it just a hobby or did you from the onset want to take it as a career?
It was a hobby for a very long time until I decided to make a conscious decision and plan to go Pro. The journey so far hasn’t been easy but I am working towards owning the Canon M-50.
The grand dream is to become a premier league and world cup photographer, I watch the English league and the guys sitting on the sidelines capturing the roaring goals day and night just keep inspiring me.
- What type of Photography do you do?
Street photography, I just love capturing humans doing human things. People are very interesting subjects.
- Where/Who do you draw your inspiration from?
Well, there has been a fair few, my documentary series and photo exhibition “Jamaare Unseen”, been featured in lots of magazines etc. but what ranks above all is the joy that comes with inspiring a whole lot of persons to find happiness via smartphone photography.
- So far what has been your highest point as a photographer and how is the Business of Photography like?
The business of photography is timeless and the fact that we are doing our bit for its growth is blessing enough.
- What challenges do you face and what steps do you take in overcoming these challenges?
Photographing in strange places used to be tough but my people skills have greatly developed lately. What is missing here is owning my own digital camera, I crave it and I hope this is the year I secure it.
- Any last words?
Enjoy your Art and if you see something, snap something
Ikpe James is a Phonographer currently based in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a print collaborator to the organization “For Your Walls Only” and currently works with Xiaomi Mobile. You can connect with him here.
