The impact of telling stories through pictures is way deeper than it looks and this skill can be of help in shaping the perception and understanding of any race or way of life of people. Photography has not only helped in providing in-depth knowledge of history but also; how history has been preserved, stored and, the resultant changes and transformations over time.
The importance of this tool in promoting Arts and Culture cannot be over-emphasized as the singular act of providing this service has helped to transfer information and knowledge from one generation to another. It has also helped people of different tribes, races, languages, etc. to familiarize themselves adequately with the traditions and ways of lives of other people in turn promoting love, unity, and understanding.
In my years of being a visual artist, I have had the opportunity to photograph couples in inter-tribal and Intra-tribal marriage ceremonies. These have given me insights and knowledge about the different Nigerian cultures. I was unaware of how powerful my collection of pictures from all these events was until my 10-year-old son stumbled on a collection from a traditional wedding ceremony from the Western part of Nigerian on my PC. He was overly curious and inquisitive and asked why the young man (Bridegroom) was dressed differently and elaborately. He also wanted to know why he was prostrating before the bride’s parents and the reasons why there were so many drummers and dancers, and many more questions followed.
I was intrigued by all of his questions as those images became the learning curve for him and his siblings in understanding the Western Nigerian Culture in the context of wedding ceremonies. When we begin to fathom out this impact on a larger scale, then; we will all agree that photography is indeed one of the greatest tools used in promoting, preserving, and understanding Culture. Soon, I am looking forward to expanding my collection of photographs to include global and international cultures and events. I have no doubts that this service will serve as a portfolio of knowledge and invaluable reference materials for libraries all over the world.
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This article was written by Mulikat Onipede Lawal
Mulikat Onipede Lawal is an Author, Writer and, a Visual Artist. She is the sole owner and Lead photographer at Gleam Studios Jabi, Abuja. She has over 12 years of experience managing customers, providing excellent service, and satisfying needs. She was awarded a Letter of Recognition by Zain Nigeria Limited for consistently delivering quality service in July 2010. In June 2013, she won the Youth Enterprise with innovation in Nigeria Competition (YouWIN!) sponsored by the Federal Government of Nigeria. In December of 2018, her company Gleam Studios was awarded a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of its commitment to quality product and service delivery by Connect Nigeria.com sponsored by Union Bank of Nigeria in partnership with The British Council and Sawubona.
Gleam Studios presently has young vibrant Nigerians in its direct employment and as freelancers. In its over 8 years of existence; the company has equally trained many Nigerian youths in the fields of photography, graphics artistry, customer care, and studio management. Mulikat Lawal is a happy wife and a mother to three lovely children.
