Shola Ajisegbede is a wedding and portrait photographer. In this interview with Femi Akeusola, the graduate of computer science and information technology reveals his journey into the world of photography, his inspiration, some of the challenges photographers face in Nigeria among other topics.
Who is Sniper Ajix?
Laughs… Do you mean the brand or the person behind the brand?…
Well, My name is Shola Ajisegbede, the a Photographer with Sniper Ajix Photographer, The Brand “SniperAjix” is a budding brand, hopefully with the right energy it becomes a household name.
How was growing up like?
Mehn! I won’t lie growing up was fun. I played like a real old school baby. Good music, art, friends and family bonds
Educational Background
Chai! Let me try to arrange it well… My Primary and Secondary education happened in Ilorin, Kwara State. Primary Schools, started pretty early at Ajoke Model Nursery and Primary school and Later finished at Air Force Primary School then moved on to Federal Government College Ilorin for Secondary education. Then went on to study Computer Science and Information technology in Bowen University.
How did you fall in love with photography
This question sha! I really had no choice but to fall in love with photography. I grew up around Cameras and everything Photo, my father was a photographer and a renowned Photo processor. So it’s safe to say I was born a photographer. Chuckles
When did you decide to take it from being an hobby to a profession?
I’ve always been doing it as a profession since like 2006 when I will fill in for my Dad’s Boys at the studio or in the lab when dey go on break or just decide not to show up. And at this time, I was on my Dad’s Payroll (Olu Professional Photo Colour Lab) Then in 2008, the “SniperAjix” brand surfaces but got strong from 2010. So it’s really safe to say it has never been a hobby. But I love Photography with a passion.
What type of photography do you do?
Weddings, Portraits and Fashion Photography
Why that type of photography?
I love “Love” so it’s just right to Love wedding photography and the fact that Shooting wedding keeps your head working, you keep thinking on your feet and Wedding Photography contains all the genre of Photography I love to do (Portrait, Fashion, Product, Architecture and even Food photography)
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everyday happenings, Pinterest, Instagram and other Amazing photographers
Any photographer you look up to?
A bunch of them o… Joe Buissink, Chase Jarvis, Sue Bryce, Salvatore Cincotta, Peter Hurley and Matthew Jordan Smith
So far what has been your highest point as a photographer?
Hmmm.. Really can’t point to one for now… It may be high point yesterday but yesterday is gone. Being a photographer, I’ve worked with amazing brands, awesome creatives, fantastic personalities and families. My high points!
What challenges do you think photographers in Nigeria face?
Hmmm.. The thing is most people don’t recognize photography as an art form like the traditional ones (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.), so it’s difficult to create a market for photography here in Nigeria outside of events and commercial photography.
Thank you so much. Any last words?
Last words ke? But I’m not dying na..
Thank you so much for having me.. Keep shooting , Keep Learning, Don’t stop. Ask questions
